QUESTION:

4/27/2010: I was wondering how the Church defends ascetic practices in light of Colossians 2:20-23: "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." It was pointed out to me that this seems to condemn the asceticism of the Orthodox Church, and I am not sure how the Church interprets this passage. It has left me feeling a little confused, as for example the Desert Fathers appear to be doing exactly what Paul is warning against in his epistle.

ANSWER:

One has to consider these verses carefully and in context to avoid reaching the conclusion that St Paul is in conflict with the clear teachings of the Lord and of the Apostles.

Clearly, Christians are called to fast and not to consume blood or strangled foods. The prohibition also forbids "things polluted by idols" (cf Acts 15). St Paul cannot and is not overriding these divine commandments (delivered through Christ and the Apostles - see below).

The letter to the Colossians seems to have been written around 60-62, therefore after the Council of Jerusalem, and these Apostolic prohibitions remain (as far as Orthodox Christians are concerned) in full force.

In order to understand Colossians 2:20-23 then, we must read it in the light to the above + 1 Corinthians 8 + Revelation 2:14,20 + 2 Corinthians 5:17 + Galatians 6:15.

Saint Paul is dealing with gnostics in Colossae who look and sound Christian but who are not and who have a different worldview and soteriology. They either despise the body or abuse it, but either way their approach to the body and religions is dangerous and incorrect, and not properly Christ-centered (see Chapter 1). Paul's concern is that we should never forget that the only thing that matters is Christ and being in Christ. These other things (fasting, prohibitions from certain foods) exist for the sake of Christ and his Body, not as spiritual foundations, especially when they are used unto pride (false humility / boasting) and against love. St Paul insists (see 1 Corinthians 13) that only love is the foundation and a valid reason for such actions (see his own compliance with traditions in Acts). However, he cannot be interpreted as overruling the Apostolic Council or condemning fasting.

On a side note, St Ignatius Brianchaninov in the classic monastic text "The Arena" spends a lot of time reminding the monks that their ascetic life should be all about Christ and the Church, not about "self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh."

Note also that these readings are prescribed at Divine Liturgy for the beginning of the Great Fast...

Keyword: Colossians 2:20-23 | Other keywords: Fasting, Asceticism