There are many Orthodox scientists. They make great contributions to science and also are able to speak about science to other Orthodox. But, apart from this, I\'m not sure what it is you want, Gabriel. The Church is not a university. The Church does not do experiments in laboratories, though many of her members do. Rather, the Church is concerned with faith and spirituality. All her members are fundamentally concerned with living an Orthodox Christian life and keeping Christ\'s commandments, since this is their obligation. People of just about every occupation are Orthodox and do these things, including scientists. The Orthodox Church isn\'t in some sort of competition, rather it is broad and inclusive of all humanity. What is required of us is to be Orthodox--in our dogma, our practice, our mindset and worldview, and our spirituality--in everything.
Now, there are times when the realms of science and the realms of faith collide, where scientists try to dogmatize about matters of faith, and religious persons try to dogmatize about science. This is unfortunate, but I think understandable. There are atheists and godless individuals who would try to abuse science and use it to say that God does not exist, and many other things. Naturally, this is offensive to religious people, and they become defensive. What would you expect them to do? When confronted with manipulation and lies, most faithful people hold to truth, expose the lies, and work for better understanding. But, there are many who, even if God Himself were to appear before them, would refuse to believe. They prefer their own thoughts, their own way of life. But many of these are not content to let such preference be just with them, but adopt a missionary zeal to corrupt others. This is wrong, and should be fought against. And we, Orthodox Christians, do that with technology sometimes, with argument other times, with preaching and teaching, but, first and foremost with prayer, the Holy Liturgy, with fasting, faithfulness to truth, obedience, humility--for these are spiritual weapons, which are far more effective for our type of warfare, which is not, fundamentally, against people who have become corrupted, but against spiritual enemies, the devil and his demons, against sin and passions.
You said you want the Church to change somehow to adapt to the times. I tell you the times haven\'t changed at all. We\'re still living in the same fallen world in which Christ and His Apostles preached. It hasn\'t gotten any better, and the fundamental laws governing the world have not changed. It is a world still very much needing a Savior, a Savior it rebels against and would crucify again if it could. But those who come to themselves, who are sick of what the world feeds them (self-indulgence, despair, vanity, hatred, the spiritual death of living a life dominated by passions)--these find the Church a blessed and saving refuge, and belief in Christ transforms them into new people. They humble themselves to Christ\'s yoke, and allow the Church to change and transform them.
To what purpose would we try and change the Church, the Church that has been saving souls for 2,000 years, souls of every nation, souls in every imaginable state, using all sorts of means? The Church has never been stuck in a rut. The Holy Spirit guides the Church into all truth, as the Lord said, so how could it be that the Church would need some sort of overhaul? There are holy people--saints--in every age, in every place. God hasn\'t left the Church or the world, but is still seeking the salvation of every man, woman, and child, whether or not they know or accept this.
So, before we get and voice large ideas about wanting to change things, we should try and learn more about the Church and what she does and has done in every age and place, and submit ourselves to her instruction so that our lives, too, might be transformed. When we work to change ourselves, to become Orthodox Christians in reality, and not just in name, when we cease judging the Church or our brethren, and judge ourselves instead, and realize how much we are lacking and in need, then we will make the needed change. Real, spiritual change is neither amorphous or grandiose, rather it begins with the sincere repentance of one soul, and, like light, radiates from there.
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