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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Clement of Alexandria on Knowlege and Reason
From the Stromata (Miscellanies) II, 4: Should one say that Knowledge is founded on demonstration by a process of reasoning, let him hear that first principles are incapable of demonstration; for they are known neither by art nor sagacity. For the latter is conversant about objects that are susceptible of change, while the former is …
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Good Friday and Easter Reflections
With the central event of the Christian calendar coming up, I'd like to link to some of my past pieces for the occasion. If you're looking for something different for this, I can recommend the following: Good Friday They Tell Us What To Do and We Do It Every King is Proclaimed by Soldiers Cross …
When Lent Became the "Saddest Season"
It wasn't always so, at least not as we understand it. In discussing Leo the Great, Hughes Oliphant Old's The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Vol. 2: The Patristic Age has this to say: Lent has usually been explained as a period of forty days during which …
The Significance of the Literal Meaning of Scripture: An Example from Origen
One thing that surprises me in Anglican circles is the growing trend to insist on a literal interpretation of the Scriptures. In the old days Anglicans/Episcopalians used to believe that such hermeneutics was for “them”, a term loaded with educational, ecclesiastical and socio-economic overtones. After a half century of revisionism, however, a correction is understandable. …
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Do We Have Nestorians Teaching in Our Seminaries?
Sure sounds like it: During the first centuries of the church the greatest theological controversy sought to answer the question, “How is Jesus of Nazareth God?” A full discussion of the Christological developments can fill a library with books. I want to briefly address only one issue – the significance of Theotokos, which says that …
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Month of Sundays: Worship
But a time is coming, indeed it is already here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father spiritually and truly; for such are the worshipers that the Father desires. God is Spirit; and those who worship him must worship spiritually and truly. (John 4:23-24) In 987 Prince Vladimir of Kiev decided that his people, …
Month of Sundays: Principles
And you know the way to the place where I am going.” “We do not know where you are going, Master,” said Thomas; “so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one ever comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:4-6) One …
Christ has arisen! He has truly arisen!
Without a doubt the most unusual association I developed in my years of making and selling pile driving equipment is my association with the Russians. I spend some time on this site with some of the lessons I learned. We learn the advantages of monotheism from a train trip in Half a Million Roubles. Is …
Positive Infinity 