#what is reformed theology

[aesthetictheology]

I finally finished reading "What Is Reformed Theology?" by R.C. Sproul last night and decided I'd share some of my unhinged margin notes. This was a super interesting read, and I really enjoy Sproul's style and tone.

[dimsilver]

oh the experience of explaining my Holy Week plans to my OPC pastor’s wife whose girls I’m staying with for a few days…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

What is hyper-Calvinism, and how does it relate to Reformed theology? What is hyper-Calvinism? From one of our live Ask Ligonier events, Stephen Nichols assesses whether this understanding of God’s decree aligns with Scripture and Reformed theology.

[thinkingonscripture]

Challenging Calvinism: A Biblical Perspective on Salvation

The content discusses strict Calvinism, critiquing its doctrines and presenting a contrasting biblical view. It emphasizes disagreement with Calvinist teachings on total depravity and unconditional election and promotes the view of unlimited atonement. It

I have a great appreciation for several Calvinists teachers. Men like Sproul, Frame, Grudem, and Packer have been helpful sources of theological learning and I value their writings. However, though there is much that I agree with them about, there are points of disagreement as well. For example, I don’t agree with them on matters of ecclesiology, as most of them hold to replacement theology. Nor…

[annagracewood]

Women must listen to their husbands concerning theology

Titus 2: 1, But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Richard Baxter: Make careful choice of the books which you read: let the holy scriptures ever have the pre-eminence, and, next to them, those solid, lively, heavenly treatises which best expound and apply the scriptures, and next, credible histories, especially of the Church … but take heed of false teachers who would corrupt…

[laurafleur]

What is Reform Theology?

Do you want to know what is reform theology? Reform theology, also known as Calvinism, is a branch of Christian theology that originated in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. It is based on the teachings of John Calvin, a French theologian, and emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the predestination of the elect. Reform theology has played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of many Protestant denominations, particularly in the United States.

Historical Background of Reform Theology

The Protestant Reformation, which began in the early 16th century, was a movement that sought to reform the Catholic Church. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged the authority of the Pope and emphasized the authority of Scripture. They also questioned traditional Catholic teachings like the sale of indulgences and the veneration of saints.

The Five Solas of the Reformation, which emerged from this movement, are the foundation of Reform theology. They are:

Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

Sola Fide - Faith alone is the means of salvation.

Sola Gratia - Salvation is by grace alone, apart from any merit or work on our part.

Solus Christus - Salvation is through Christ alone, who is the only mediator between God and humanity.

Soli Deo Gloria - All glory belongs to God alone.

Core Beliefs of Reform Theology

Reform theology is characterized by its emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the depravity of humanity. It holds that humans are incapable of saving themselves and that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace.

There are five core beliefs of Reform theology, often referred to as the Five Points of Calvinism:

Total Depravity

Total depravity, or total inability, is the belief that all humans are born sinful and incapable of turning to God on their own. It is the result of the fall of Adam and Eve and affects every aspect of our being.

Unconditional Election

Unconditional election is the belief that God chooses those who will be saved without any consideration of their merits or works. It is based on the idea that God's choice is not based on anything in us but solely on His sovereign will.

Limited Atonement

Limited atonement, also known as particular redemption, is the belief that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was only for the elect, not for all humanity. It is based on the idea that God's saving work is effective and accomplished in a specific group of people.

resistible Grace

Irresistible grace, also known as efficacious grace, is the belief that those whom God has chosen for salvation will inevitably come to faith in Christ. It is based on the idea that God's grace is irresistible and overcomes any resistance or opposition.

Perseverance of the Saints

Perseverance of the saints, also known as the doctrine of eternal security, is the belief that those who are chosen by God for salvation will persevere in their faith until the end. It is based on the idea that God's grace is sufficient to sustain the believer and keep them from falling away.

Key Figures of Reform Theology

Reform theology has been shaped by many influential figures throughout history, but three stand out as particularly significant: John Calvin, Martin Luther, and Charles Spurgeon.

John Calvin

John Calvin was a French theologian who lived in the 16th century and is often referred to as the father of Reform theology. He wrote extensively on theology and is best known for his systematic theology, Institutes of the Christian Religion.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther was a German theologian who lived in the 16th century and is best known for his role in initiating the Protestant Reformation. He wrote extensively on theology and is best known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon was a British Baptist preacher who lived in the 19th century and is often referred to as the prince of preachers. He was a staunch Calvinist and his sermons and writings were instrumental in spreading the teachings of Reform theology throughout the English-speaking world.

Criticisms of Reform Theology

Reform theology has been criticized by some for its emphasis on the sovereignty of God and its seemingly harsh doctrines like limited atonement and unconditional election.

Issues with Limited Atonement

Limited atonement has been a particularly controversial doctrine, as it seems to contradict the idea that God desires all people to be saved. Critics argue that it makes God appear arbitrary and unjust in choosing some for salvation and not others.

Challenges to the Doctrine of Election

The doctrine of election has also been challenged by some, who argue that it undermines the idea of human free will and responsibility. They also argue that it makes God appear capricious in choosing some for salvation and not others.

Application of Reform Theology in Modern Christianity

Reform theology has had a significant impact on many Protestant denominations, particularly in the United States. Some of the most popular denominations that embrace Reform theology include Presbyterian, Reformed, and Baptist churches.

Popular Denominations and Churches that Embrace Reform Theology

One of the most well-known Reformed denominations is the Presbyterian Church (USA). Other Reformed denominations include the Reformed Church in America, the Christian Reformed Church in North America, and the United Reformed Church.

Impact of Reform Theology on Worship and Preaching

Reform theology has also had an impact on worship and preaching in many churches. It has influenced the use of confessions of faith, liturgical practices, and the preaching of sermons that emphasize the sovereignty of God and the sinfulness of humanity.

Conclusion

Reform theology is a branch of Christian theology that emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the predestination of the elect. It has played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of many Protestant denominations and has been influential throughout the history of the Christian Church.

As a believer in Christ, I find the teachings of Reform theology to be both challenging and comforting. They remind me of my complete dependence on God for my salvation and my need to rely on His grace every day. While there may be aspects of Reform theology that are controversial or difficult to understand, I believe that its emphasis on the glory of God and the sufficiency of His grace are central to the Christian faith.

[patheticpixels]

The Five Points of Calvinism: Understanding the TULIP Acronym

Calvinism is a theological system that was developed by John Calvin, a French theologian, during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, predestination, and salvation by grace alone. One of the ways that Calvinism is summarized is through the acronym TULIP, which stands for Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. In this article, we will explore the five points of Calvinism in detail, and their implications for Christian theology.

Introduction

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant theology that is based on the teachings of John Calvin. It is known for its emphasis on the sovereignty of God, predestination, and salvation by grace alone. One of the ways that Calvinism is summarized is through the acronym TULIP, which stands for Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. In this article, we will explore each of these five points in detail.

Total Depravity: The "T" in TULIP

Total depravity is the first point of Calvinism, and it refers to the idea that all human beings are inherently sinful and corrupt as a result of the Fall. This means that every aspect of a person's being, including their mind, will, and emotions, is affected by sin. Total depravity does not mean that human beings are as evil as they could be, but rather that sin has affected every aspect of their being. As a result, human beings are unable to choose God on their own and are completely dependent on God's grace for salvation.

Unconditional Election: The "U" in TULIP

Unconditional election is the second point of Calvinism, and it refers to the idea that God chooses who will be saved based solely on his own sovereign will, and not on any merit or worthiness on the part of the individual. This means that God elects some people to be saved and others to be damned, and that this election is not based on any foreseen faith or good works on the part of the individual.

Limited Atonement: The "L" in TULIP

Limited atonement is the third point of Calvinism, and it refers to the idea that Christ's death on the cross was only intended to atone for the sins of the elect, and not for the sins of all humanity. This means that Christ's death was effective only for those who were chosen by God for salvation, and not for those who were not chosen.

Irresistible Grace: The "I" in TULIP

Irresistible grace is the fourth point of Calvinism, and it refers to the idea that God's grace is effectual and cannot be resisted by those who are elected for salvation. This means that when God calls someone to salvation, that person will inevitably respond with faith and repentance, and will be saved.

Perseverance of the Saints

Perseverance of the saints is the fifth and final point of Calvinism, and it refers to the idea that those who are chosen by God for salvation will persevere in faith and good works until the end of their lives. This means that true believers cannot lose their salvation, as God's grace will sustain them and enable them to continue living a life of obedience to God.

Comparison with Arminianism

Calvinism is often contrasted with Arminianism, another theological system that emphasizes human free will and the possibility of falling away from grace. Arminianism rejects the idea of unconditional election and limited atonement, and instead teaches that God's grace is available to all people and that salvation is based on a person's faith in Christ. Arminians also reject the idea of irresistible grace and affirm that human beings can resist God's call to salvation.

Criticisms of Calvinism

Calvinism has been criticized by some theologians and Christians who believe that it emphasizes God's sovereignty to the detriment of human free will and responsibility. Some have also argued that the doctrine of limited atonement is unjust and that it portrays God as arbitrary and capricious. Others have criticized the idea of predestination as being fatalistic and depressing.

Conclusion

Calvinism is a complex and controversial theological system that has had a profound impact on Christian theology and practice. The five points of Calvinism, summarized by the TULIP acronym, emphasize the sovereignty of God, predestination, and salvation by grace alone. While these doctrines have been subject to criticism and debate, they have also inspired many Christians to deeper faith and devotion. As we continue to explore the rich and diverse landscape of Christian theology, may we be open to learning from and engaging with the many different perspectives that exist within the church.

[primal-split]

What Is Reform Theology?

Reform theology, also known as Calvinism, is a theological movement that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. It emerged in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation, primarily in response to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. This article will explore the history, beliefs, and key figures of reform theology.

History of Reform Theology

Reform theology originated with the teachings of John Calvin, a French theologian who lived in the 16th century. Calvin's teachings emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation and the doctrine of predestination, which holds that God chooses who will be saved before they are born. Calvin's ideas were highly influential in the Protestant Reformation, which sought to reform the Catholic Church.

Beliefs of Reform Theology

Reform theology is characterized by several key beliefs, including:

Total Depravity

Reform theology teaches that all human beings are born in a state of total depravity, meaning that they are entirely incapable of pleasing God on their own. This doctrine is based on the biblical teaching that "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10).

Unconditional Election

Reform theology holds that God chooses who will be saved and who will not be saved solely on the basis of his own sovereign will, apart from any merit or worthiness on the part of the individual. This doctrine is known as unconditional election.

Limited Atonement

Reform theology teaches that Christ's atonement on the cross was intended only for those whom God has chosen to save. This doctrine is sometimes called particular redemption or definite atonement.

Irresistible Grace

Reform theology holds that when God chooses to save someone, he irresistibly draws that person to himself, enabling them to respond in faith. This doctrine is known as irresistible grace.

Perseverance of the Saints

Reform theology teaches that those whom God has chosen to save will persevere in faith to the end of their lives, and will never fall away from grace. This doctrine is also known as the perseverance of the saints.

Key Figures in Reform Theology

Several key figures have contributed to the development of what is reform theology, including:

John Calvin

John Calvin was a French theologian who lived in the 16th century and is considered the father of reform theology. He wrote several influential works, including The Institutes of the Christian Religion, which laid out the key doctrines of reform theology.

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards was an American theologian who lived in the 18th century and played a significant role in the Great Awakening, a revival movement that swept through the American colonies. Edwards is known for his sermons on the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of predestination.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon was a British preacher who lived in the 19th century and was one of the most influential figures in the development of Baptist theology. He was a strong advocate of reform theology and preached on the doctrines of grace throughout his ministry.

Conclusion

Reform theology is a theological movement that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. It originated with the teachings of John Calvin and has had a significant impact on the development of Protestant theology. While it is a controversial doctrine, it has shaped the beliefs of millions of Christians around the world.

[yu-noji]

The Five Points of Calvinism: Understanding the Doctrines of Grace

Calvinism is a theological system that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. The five points of Calvinism, also known as the doctrines of grace, are a central component of this system. In this article, we will explore each of the five points of Calvinism and their significance.

Introduction

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that is named after the theologian John Calvin. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all areas of life, including salvation. The five points of Calvinism, also known as the doctrines of grace, are a framework for understanding God's plan for saving sinners. These five points are often remembered by the acronym TULIP, which stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Total Depravity

The first point of Calvinism is Total Depravity. This doctrine teaches that all human beings are born in a state of sin and are incapable of doing anything to save themselves. The Bible teaches that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9) and that there is none who seeks after God (Romans 3:11). Total Depravity is the recognition that we are all spiritually dead and that we need God to save us.

Unconditional Election

The second point of Calvinism is Unconditional Election. This doctrine teaches that God chooses to save some people and not others based solely on His own sovereign will, not because of anything they have done or will do. This election is not based on any merit or foreseen faith on the part of the individual. The Bible teaches that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) and that salvation is not of works, but of Him who calls (Romans 9:11).

Limited Atonement

The third point of Calvinism is Limited Atonement. This doctrine teaches that Christ's death on the cross was intended to secure the salvation of a specific group of people, the elect. It was not intended to provide the possibility of salvation for all people, but only for those whom God has chosen to save. The Bible teaches that Christ died for His sheep (John 10:15) and that He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession (Titus 2:14).

Irresistible Grace

The fourth point of Calvinism is Irresistible Grace. This doctrine teaches that when God chooses to save someone, He will do so irresistibly and effectively. The Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the elect to regenerate them and give them the faith to believe in Christ. This grace is not something that can be refused or resisted by the sinner. The Bible teaches that no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws him (John 6:44) and that it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Perseverance of the Saints

The final point of Calvinism is Perseverance of the Saints. This doctrine teaches that those whom God has chosen to save will persevere in their faith until the end. They cannot lose their salvation or fall away from grace. The Bible teaches that those whom God justifies, He also glorifies (Romans 8:30) and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

Conclusion

The five points of Calvinism are a framework for understanding the biblical doctrine of salvation. These doctrines emphasize the sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners, and they provide a clear and coherent understanding of the gospel message.

Total Depravity reminds us that we are all sinners in need of salvation, and that we cannot save ourselves. Unconditional Election teaches us that God has chosen to save some people, not because of anything they have done, but solely because of His own sovereign will. Limited Atonement shows us that Christ's death on the cross was intended to secure the salvation of a specific group of people, the elect. Irresistible Grace teaches us that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of the elect to regenerate them and give them the faith to believe in Christ. And Perseverance of the Saints assures us that those whom God has chosen to save will persevere in their faith until the end.

Together, these five points provide a biblical understanding of salvation that exalts the glory and sovereignty of God. They remind us that salvation is entirely the work of God, and that we contribute nothing to our own salvation. We can rest in the assurance that our salvation is secure in Christ, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

[haggishlyhagging]

The New Testament scarcely mentions Mary. She is brought into the story mainly to emphasize Jesus's divine conception and birth. Her presence is noted once or twice, but little is made of it. In the centuries that followed, however, Mary was exalted to ever-higher positions of glory. She is the subject of many of our most famous and beautiful works of art. In light of what we have learned about the Goddesses of the ancient Near East, it is interesting that Mary is shown not only as the Madonna with her child, but standing on the crescent moon or with stars circling her head. She takes on many of the ancient Goddess symbols and is often painted as a larger-than-life figure. She is also shown being crowned Queen of Heaven, absorbing the title of the Goddess. It may be that the need of the people for a female deity was so great that the Christian Church might not have survived without the elevation of Mary to this exalted position. We need to look carefully, however, at just what aspects of the Goddess Mary was allowed to retain and what the results were in the lives of women.

Mary was taken up to heaven and seated with god the father and his divine son Jesus. She became the main intercessor between human beings and the divine. She was called Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, but she was not made a full-fledged member of the Godhead. The Church used her to satisfy the need for a female presence in Christianity but also to keep women in a subordinate position. Her purity as a virgin was exalted and women were taught to strive for that purity and to obey the divine (male) will. At the same time she is, of course, a mother, and women were taught to bear as many children as possible. But Mary did it while remaining a virgin; other women, in order to be mothers, must be tainted by sexuality. If they remain pure they cannot be like Mary the Mother; if they become mothers they cannot be like Mary the Virgin. No matter what they do they are guilty and inferior.

Mary's stance is: "Let it be to me according to your word." She is passive, obedient, and pure. She sits on a throne but has little power, certainly none of the power or independence of the earlier Goddesses or their free sexuality. Nevertheless, the doctrine of her virginity gave women a way out of the role of submissive wife and bearer of children. When the cult of Mary was at its height, thousands of women escaped into convents, communities of women. There they developed skills and talents in the arts and in the administration of large estates. Many abbesses wielded significant power and controlled sizable amounts of wealth.

It is interesting that, just as the veneration of Mary reached its height in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the Protestant Reformation reasserted the dominance of the male divinities. One of Luther's major reforms was the closing of nunneries, and Mary is notably absent from all formulations of Protestant theology and ritual. Whereas Catholic women have suffered from their attempts to imitate an impossible model, Protestant women have had no exalted female model of any kind. Mary's presence has been used by the Catholic Church to reinforce the subordination of women, and her absence has been used by Protestantism to reinforce their insignificance.

-Shirley Ann Ranck, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven

[unsolicited-opinions]

Bro no one hates jews for ethnicity, news are hated for faith.

If you are an atheist "jew", no one gives a shit about you.

Stop pretending to be a victim and trying to appropriate antisemitic struggles.

I'll address these point by point.

Jewish readers, please share your thoughts!

You wrote: "No one hates Jews for ethnicity, [J]ews are hated for faith."

"Hitler...defined the Jews as a race and not a religious community, characterized the effect of a Jewish presence as a “race-tuberculosis of the peoples,” and identified the initial goal of a German government to be discriminatory legislation against Jews."

[Source]

More here

As David Baddiel put it, "I'm an atheist, but that would get me no free passes out of Auschwitz."

The Jews are a people. Judaism is the traditional religion of that people. A Jew who does not engage with that religion does not cease to be a Jew by Jewish definitions OR by antisemitic definitions.

You wrote: "If you are an atheist Jew, nobody gives a shit about you."

First, see above.

Second, you're incorrectly assuming that a Jewish atheist is not engaged with Judaism.

Here's the thing:

Judaism isn't necessarily theistic.

Let's set aside the explicitly non-theistic movement of Humanistic Judaism for a moment (huge topic for another time) and just talk briefly about theism in Judaism.

Most kinds of Judaism, while certainly encouraging faith, do not require it. There are no thought crimes in Judaism, no crucibles of faith, and no requirements that one announce or perform proof of belief for witnesses. Those things are often parts of Christianity and Islam, but in Judaism...not so much.

In Jewish thought, it is not what you believe about metaphysics which lifts you up, ennobles you, improves you, or makes the world a better place. In Judaism, you pursue those things by how you behave.

Sola fide is a Christian concept which Judaism does not share. Judaism is a profoundly existential religion with ethics which are overwhelmingly humanist.

I was raised in Reform and Conservative congregations...and non-theistic/atheistic/humanistic views were very common there.

When I was studying to become Bar Mitzvah, our congregation's Rabbi made crystal clear to me that there was no contradiction between my identity as a Jew and my inability to swallow the idea of an anthropomorphic, sapient, interventionist God who cared at all about petitionary prayer. He felt that wrestling with God was a very Jewish thing to do. He introduced me to Maimonides' apophatic theology. Decades later, I'm still grateful.

Many Jews pray, I believe, not to be heard by God, but so they can hear their own hearts and minds. This is why kavanah is important and why I disliked (and still dislike) prayer-by-rote and rituals performed for the sake of ritual. It's more mindfulness meditation than petitionary prayer.

There's a famous Hasidic story, recorded by philosopher Martin Buber in his "Tales of the Hasidim," about how Judaism views atheism:

The Master teaches that God created everything the world to be appreciated, since everything is here to teach us a lesson.

One clever student asks "What lesson can we learn from atheists? Why did God create them?"

The Master responds "God created atheists teach us the most important lesson of them all- the lesson of true compassion. You see, when an atheist performs an act of charity, visits someone who is sick, helps someone in need, and cares for the world, he is not doing so because of some religious teaching. He does not believe that God commanded him to perform this act. In fact, he does not believe in Goda at all, so his acts are based on an inner sense of morality. And look at the kindness he can bestow upon others simply because he feels it to be right."

"This means," the Master continued "that when someone reaches out to you for help, you should never say 'I pray that God will help you.' Instead for the moment, you should become an atheist, imagine that there is no God who can help, and say 'I will help you."

You wrote: "Stop pretending to be a victim and trying to appropriate antisemtic struggles."

I invite other Jews to advise if I have appropriated anything which is not mine.

Your opinion, though? Your view, as a non-Jew, about what is or isn't Jewish? On what is or is not mine in my heritage? Your claim, framed by your obvious and absolute ignorance of my life, my family's history, Jewish history, Jewish theology, and Jewish philosophy, that I have not experienced antisemitism and am "appropriating?"

I don't have a single fuck to give about any of that, and neither does any other Jew

Still, thank you for the writing prompt. It helps to crystalize my own thinking and provides an opportunity to educate.

[apenitentialprayer]

why do anglicans still exist like their entire church is built on the fact that some guy wanted a male heir. or do anglicans believe that this isn't rly why their church came about

Okay, I do love clowning on my Anglican friends, but there are a few angles (da dum tss) that we can look at in terms of why the Anglican Church is a distinctive tradition.

Theologically, the Anglican Church might have started off as "Catholic without the Pope," so to speak; the Anglican Church was essentially Gallican in nature, meaning that the head of the church wasn't the seniormost bishop, but the head of the state. But even if it started off simply being in schism with the Roman Church, it didn't take very long before Reformed theology started entering the Church through the efforts of Anne Bolelyn, Thomas Cromwell, and especially Edward VI. There were preceding documents, but the Thirty-Nine articles passed by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571 helped to solidify a distinctively Anglican identity.

But it's a little more than that, too, because in addition to this Protestantization of the Anglican Church, there have also been movements within to.... "Latinize" might be the wrong word, but to bring back some traditional Catholic elements. We see this, for example, in the Oxford movement of the 1830s; many of its members would end up converting to Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, but those who remained behind started the Anglo-Catholic movement which still has a strong presence. (My girlfriend goes to an Anglo-Catholic parish, and our city has at least three other ones).

This kind of dual accommodation of Reformed and Catholic theological ideas has created a unique situation for the Anglican Church; Bishop J. Neil Alexander tries to articulate this by distinguishing the Anglican Church as a "pragmatic church," in contradistinction with "confessional churches" (Catholic & Lutheran, which focus on creeds and councils) and "experiential churches" (Baptist and other groups whose memberships require a born-again moment):

What, then, does it mean to be pragmatic? It means that within the generous capacity of the Episcopal [American Anglican] Church, we do not always agree on matters of biblical interpretation or theological definition. It means that we have all gotten here by way of hundreds of different and often unique experiences of God's presence in our lives. It means that those things which other churches depend to hold themselves together will never be a central feature of our common life. We find our life together driven by our willingness to stand together at the table of God's gracious hospitality. […] That, I believe, is the pragmatism at the heart of what it means to be an Episcopalian. We are a variegated tapestry of theology and experience, and we are all the richer for it. But no level of theological agreement or experiential commonality will ever be the basis on which Episcopalians will live together well. What is possible is that we will be pragmatic —we will keep our differences in perspective— and we will recognize that ultimately nothing will divide those who are willing to stand together before God's altar to sing, to pray, and to receive the gift of God's eternity.

Now, this is a very fascinating situation, because it means that the Anglican Church has a lot of diversity in religious thought and doctrinal opinion. On an official level, that means you will have bishops aligning with different theological orientations working side by side — and, in theory, the office of Archbishop of Canterbury is supposed to alternate between Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical holders. On a more personal level, I have found that the Episcopal clergy who I interact with have varying spiritualities and theologies; one priest I know has Catholic sympathies that are so strong that he was referred to as "the Papist" in seminary, while another clergymember I know doesn't think Confession is necessary and is ambivalent about her parish's practice of Eucharistic Adoration. And they work at the same church.

Liturgically, they are also distinctive. The current bedrock of Anglican prayer is the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which is clearly inspired by Benedictine spirituality, but with continuing liturgical revision and innovation that kind of fits with the 'pragmatic church' mindset explained above. Some Anglican parishes even preserve pre-Tridentine traditions (remember, they split before the Council of Trent), like the Sarum Use.

The Anglican Church has had a developing liturgical patrimony for the past five centuries; one of the reasons why the Catholic Church created the Anglican Ordinariate was because it recognized that fact, and wanted former members of the Anglican Church to be able to preserve their traditions even after re-entering communion with Rome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, like, the Anglican Church may have started off as a more-or-less Catholic particular church that was in schism with Rome, a schism orchestrated by a king who wanted fuller control over the Church in his country, but the Anglican Church has had five centuries of development. And, as much as I like to clown on my Anglican friends, I can definitely see why the Anglican communion has a deep appeal.

[prolifeproliberty]

Martin Luther’s 95 Theses

On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther published his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” (the 95 Theses). There is debate on whether he actually nailed them to the church door, and whether that occurred on the 31st if it happened at all. Posting an academic disputation on church doors was customary - and in fact at the time was required by the university in Wittenberg. The 95 Theses were written in Latin and sent to various people who Luther wanted included in the discussion, such as the Archbishop of Mainz, Albert of Brandenburg.

Luther’s nailing of the 95 Theses, if it happened at all, was not an act of protest. It was a standard protocol for a university professor who wanted a debate. It is the reaction of the Pope that turned an academic debate into what is now referred to as “The Protestant Reformation.”

The preface to the 95 Theses reads as follows:

“Out of love for the truth and from desire to elucidate it, the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Wittenberg, intends to defend the following statements and to dispute on them in that place. Therefore he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Click here for the full list

In 1521, Luther was called before the Diet of Worms and asked to recant all of his works (25 books). He responded that he could not, because much of what was in his works was in line with the Vatican and basic Christian doctrine. He said that if anyone could show his errors by Scripture, he would recant. He said:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. May God help me. Amen.”

The term “Protestant Reformation” is an oxymoron. The Lutheran Reformation was never intended to be a protest or an effort to “make a new church”. It was always a call for reform and a return to the clear teachings of Scripture within the Church. Protestantism, by contrast, is marked by an intentional effort to break way from the Roman Catholic Church - rejecting many of the good teachings and practices of the Rome along with the bad.

[secretariatess]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

I think it's a dang shame that we'll put celebration of the day the church split over the day the church was formed.

It's not that I think what the Catholic Church was doing at the time that instigated the Reformation was good or in no need of correction, but rather that God's church was split and created factions upon factions where we now squabble with each other. We went from a united church to one with many denominations that fight with each other about which ones are the "true" ones, or which denominations are "wrong."

Don't get me wrong, I like being Nazarene. I like what the Nazarene church offers, and I agree with Nazarene theology. And it wouldn't be possible without the Reformation. I don't agree with Catholic theology. I think there are many things where they are off base. But there are still those in the Catholic church who are Christian, and I'm not going to write them off because of the Protestant/Catholic chasm.

The Reformation was necessary. I'm not sure it was necessary to celebrate. The Church split. It split. The Church, where Jesus said that the world would know us by the love we have for each other, split.

To put it another way: God's family split. How is that not heartbreaking? I am under no delusion that everyone was working in harmony previously, but still . . . .

When Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses up, his goal was not to split the church. It was to correct the church. But he had lobbed a hand grenade at a festering rot, gone too far deep to accept correction and instead desired to keep its corruption.

There's a lesson in the Reformation. There was good in the Reformation. I do believe God worked in the Reformation. But I feel like the lesson and warning of the Reformation is lost when we celebrate "no longer being Catholic!"

The Reformation should be sobering.

And if we are going to celebrate a formation of the church, why are we putting so much stock on the Reformation, and ignoring the Pentecost, where God came down again?

What is the purpose in celebrating the Reformation, and what is the excuse in forgetting Pentecost?

[canisalbus]

a few quick questions on Machete, what breed is he? I love the angles of his snout and the proportions remind me of a borzoi though I don't think he is one. Also, does he have a set age for when he's a cardinal? I picture him to be around mid-30s or so. Wonderful art! love your stuff and find you an inspiration :)

He's a fictional breed called Podenco Siciliano, which is closely related to modern day Ibizan Hound (pictured below) and other Mediterranean rabbit-hunting podencos. I usually just default to calling him a sighthound since he's somewhat of a provincial mongrel and not meant to be purebred anyway.

As for the age, mid-30s sounds about right. I think the current timeline goes something like this:

0 - Born to a lower-middle class family in Sicily, father is a tradesman, has three older brothers. Generally considered a runt, is weak and sick all the time, parents suspicious of his unusual colors.

3 - Gets left at a monastery and raised by monks as a foundling. Nervous and meek kid, but the monks think he's endearing and do their best to support him. Is taught to read and write, which is a massive advantage at that day and age, and learns rudimentary Latin through exposure.

9 - Apprenticed to a Neapolitan priest, moves to southern part of mainland Italy (or Kingdom of Naples as it was called, it was ruled by Spain actually). Does chores and runs errands in exchange for education and experience.

15 - The priest gets elevated to a bishop and decides to sponsor Machete's further studies at an acclaimed university in Venice (in Northern Italy). There he studies theology, medicine, arts, law, philosophy and gets fluent in Latin and adequate in Greek. Befriends Vasco but their relationship is short-lived.

21 - Ordained a priest. Leads a parish somewhere in Papal States (Central Italy). Is generally well liked but doubts his career choice from time to time.

26 - Becomes a part of the Papal Court in Vatican, mostly because of the recommendations of his former mentor and professors, good reputation, excellent track record and sheer luck. Still a priest but assists bishops, cardinals and the pope himself directly. Moves to Rome. Becomes pope's unofficial confidant due to his obedient and hardworking nature and because of his lack of prestigious family connections that would render him a threat. Slowly starts to gain wealth.

30 - Created a cardinal (which is the second highest position in the church after the pope, and it's at the sole discretion of the pope who becomes one). Is also a bishop as a technicality. Handles administrative jobs, tons of paperwork, at some point he's in charge of a lot of the political correspondence and diplomatic missions. Still the old pope's trusted advisor but disliked by the majority of the cardinals, who see him as an outsider, sycophant and a potential disruptor of the status quo.

34 - Meets Vasco again. Vasco has become a succesful politician in Florence, he's married with three children.

38 - The pope dies and Machete's status falters. He starts to work with the Roman inquisition more. Oversees trials, torture, excommunications and executions of heretics, witches and most of all, protestants (since we're reaching Counter Reformation times and the Vatican is Very Worried about the spread of Luther's ideas). Isn't having a good time at all but keeps up the appearances. Gets infamous. The beginning of the true villain era.

40 - Grows increasingly more disillusioned with life and his ideals, as well as the corruption of the Curia. Burned out, paranoid and desperate. Uses scare tactics, extortion and legal trickery to expose and undermine his enemies, but gains them faster than he can keep up. Employs spies, thugs and assassins. Feared and loathed.

43 - Gets assassinated and dies in disgrace.

[portraitsofsaints]

 Saint Thomas More

1478-1535

Feast day:  June 22 (New), July 9 (Trad)

Patronage: adopted children, civil servants, court clerks, difficult marriages, large families, politicians, lawyers, and statesmen

St. Thomas More was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman and noted Renaissance humanist. He was also a counselor to Henry VIII and Lord Chancellor from October 1529 to 16 May 1532. More opposed the Protestant Reformation, in particular, the theology of Martin Luther and William Tyndale. He also wrote Utopia, published in 1516, about the political system of an ideal and imaginary island nation. More opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church, refusing to accept him as Supreme Head of the Church of England, and what he saw as Henry's bigamous marriage to Anne Boleyn. Tried for treason, More was convicted and beheaded.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase here: (website)