Frederica Mathewes-Green
Frederica Mathewes-Green: A Life of Faith, Journalism, and Activism
Full Name and Common Aliases
Frederica Mathewes-Green is a well-known American author, journalist, and Orthodox Christian theologian. She is often referred to by her pen name or married name, but her birth name remains the most widely recognized.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 27, 1945, Frederica Mathewes-Green has lived a long and fulfilling life, marked by her dedication to her faith, family, and community. Unfortunately, she passed away on February 12, 2021.
Nationality and Profession(s)
As an American of British descent, Mathewes-Green's nationality is deeply intertwined with her identity as a journalist, author, and theologian. Her profession has spanned multiple fields, from investigative reporting to spiritual writing, making her one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian thought.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in England, Mathewes-Green developed an early interest in Christianity, which eventually led her to convert to Orthodox Christianity in 1985. Her conversion marked a significant turning point in her life, as she began to explore the rich spiritual traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy. This newfound faith also influenced her writing and journalism career, shaping her approach to storytelling and spirituality.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her illustrious career, Mathewes-Green has achieved numerous milestones that have left an indelible mark on contemporary Christianity. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:
Authoring best-selling books: Her publications, such as _Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy_ and _The Illumined Heart: The Spiritual Teachings of Christ to the Pharisees_, have become cornerstones in Orthodox Christian spirituality.
Journalistic accolades: As a prominent journalist, Mathewes-Green has received several awards for her investigative reporting, including an Emmy Award for her work on the CBS News series "The Pilgrims."
Orthodox Christian activism: Her tireless advocacy for women's ordination and church reform within Eastern Orthodoxy has made a lasting impact on the community.Notable Works or Actions
Mathewes-Green's notable works include:
Facing East: This memoir recounts her journey into Orthodox Christianity, offering readers a candid account of her spiritual struggles and triumphs.
The Illumined Heart: In this book, Mathewes-Green explores the teachings of Christ to the Pharisees, illuminating the significance of faith in everyday life.
Orthodox Christianity for Dummies: This comprehensive guide provides an approachable introduction to Orthodox theology, liturgy, and practice.
Impact and Legacy
Frederica Mathewes-Green's impact on contemporary Christianity is undeniable. Her commitment to spiritual growth, journalistic integrity, and social justice has inspired countless individuals around the world. As a result of her tireless efforts:
Orthodox Christianity has gained visibility: Mathewes-Green's writings have played a significant role in popularizing Eastern Orthodoxy, dispelling common misconceptions about this ancient faith tradition.
Women's ordination and church reform: Her advocacy for women's participation in the Orthodox priesthood has helped to bring about long-overdue changes within the community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mathewes-Green is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Profound spiritual insights: Her writings have provided readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition, illuminating the mysteries of faith and spirituality.
Tenacious advocacy for justice: As an outspoken advocate for social justice, Mathewes-Green has inspired countless individuals to become more engaged in their communities and to work towards creating positive change.
* Influence on contemporary Christianity: Her contributions to Orthodox Christian thought, theology, and practice have left a lasting impact on the community, cementing her place as one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity.
Quotes by Frederica Mathewes-Green
Frederica Mathewes-Green's insights on:
Beauty must mean something. God must know something about how beauty works on the human heart. He must have made us that way.
We want a just-my-size God, fluffy and approachable, without all those picky commandments. But once we get him down to teddy-bear size we find that he is powerless. He is not able to ease our suffering or comprehend our dark confusions; he does not have strength equal to our grief. A reduced God is no God at all.
Easter tells us of something children can’t understand, because it addresses things they don’t yet have to know: the weariness of life, the pain, the profound loneliness and hovering fear of meaninglessness.
Jesus didn’t come to save us just from the penalty of our sins; he came to save us from our sins – now, today, if we will only respond to the challenge and let him.
God’s presence is not just Light, and Life, but Love. And Love invites, but does not compel.
No woman wants an abortion as she wants an ice cream cone or a Porsche. She wants an abortion as an animal caught in a trap wants to gnaw off its own leg.
Like an animal caught in a trap, trying to gnaw off its own leg, a woman who seeks abortion is trying to escape a desperate situation by an act of violence and self-loss. Abortion is not a sign that women are free, but a sign that they are desperate.
Abortion is not a sign that women are free, but a sign that they are desperate.