For an introduction, explanation and links to the entire work, click here. Having set forth the positions of the Ante-Nicene Fathers on the subject of the deity of Christ, we need to turn to those “God-breathed” scriptures to see if our position has foundation in inspiration. It is our purpose here to show that the …
My Lord and My God: Faith of Our Fathers
For an introduction, explanation and links to the entire work, click here. When we engage any group that has missed an important essential of the truth, we usually start with the Bible. If the group with which we are discussing[1] things accepts the Bible as authoritative, then things are to some extent simpler; it becomes …
On Councils, FiFNA, Icons and Intercession
One of the more recent kerfuffles in the Anglican world surrounds the recently adopted statement of belief by FiFNA (Forward in Faith North America for those who aren't nourished on the Anglican alphabet soup), the Anglo-Catholic organisation. The point of controversy is #8, which affirms that the (first) Seven Ecumenical Councils are in fact "ecumenical …
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The Most Sensible Response of the Churches to Same-Sex Civil Marriage
It is to pitch officiating civil marriages altogether, as the Sikhs in the UK are being advised: Sikh temples have been advised to halt all civil marriage ceremonies on their premises to protect them from possible legal challenges for refusing to conduct same-sex weddings. It is the first example of a religious group altering its …
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High Church is One Thing, but Trashing the Nautilus is a Mistake
It would make sense that a Reformed person such as Steven Wedgeworth would pan an article on the revival of "high church". After all, who else to trash "high church" but the people who pitched the liturgy to start with? It would move the debate forward if a definition of "high church" would be agreed …
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Why Both Lewis and Tolkien Were Both Wrong on Marriage
Christianity Today's piece on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on marriage is making the rounds, especially in the wake on SCOTUS's boffo performance on same-sex civil marriage. CT's take is that Lewis was wrong and Tolkien was right, but unfortunately things aren't that simple. CT's analysis (coming as it does from an Evangelical publication) reminds …
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Note on the Filioque Clause: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Procession of the Holy Spirit From the Son
Since the ACNA is dickering with the Creed re the "filioque" clause, it's informative to look at Thomas Aquinas' analysis of the problem. I reproduce same below, but the upshot of his argument is that, if the Holy Spirit does not proceed through the Son from the Father, it would be impossible to differentiate the …
Series on the Catechetical Lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Every now and then I will do a series about a theological topic or work. One of those series was on the Catechetical Lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem. It turned into an interesting exploration of Patristic doctrine and practice as opposed to what we have today in all parts of Christianity. Following are the …
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Going Around and Coming Around on Paedophilia
George Conger defends the relevance of 1960's paedophilia advocate Daniel Cohn-Bendit in a religion blog: What makes this a Get Religion story is the context of the European press environment. I am not defending or excusing the Catholic Church. I am however pointing out inconsistencies and double standards in media coverage. The attack, of course, …
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When the Government Has To Approve Repairs to Your Church
In Palm Beach, where else? In its unanimous approval of the repair project, the board also gave Smith permission to replace wood transom windows above the front doors with bronze windows in a style that would closely match the door pattern. Smith plans to replace the church’s announcement sign with a slightly smaller bronze-framed case …
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Positive Infinity 