We call it “The HOLY Gospel.” We process the Gospel, lift it up, and all stand, and we read it among the people with special anthems, songs, and responses. For the other readings and Psalms, we sit and listen. For some people, it seems like Anglicans suggest that the Gospel is Holy in a way that…
Catechesis 2: Recovering the Old Ways
As I studied the ways of the ancient Church, I discovered two things. First, they had a very high standard for catechetical discipleship and subsequent Church membership, and second, that high standard only aided in their progress in evangelism. As we enter the age of Post-Christendom, it seems to me that if we seek to…
Getting Catechesis Back on Track (Part 1)
Recovering the Lost Tools The church father Gregory of Nyssa once remarked in the middle of the Arian controversy of the 4th century, If you ask anyone in Constantinople for change, he will start discussing with you whether the Son is begotten or unbegotten. If you ask about the quality of the bread, you will…
What Do You Call an Anglican Pastor?
“Hello, Father…er…I mean Pastor…sorry, I meant Reverend…. Canon…” “So are you a priest, a presbyter, a minister, a pastor, or a reverend?” What Should I Call You?
Is Catholic Biblical? Does Baptism Save us?
In my “Journey” series, I mentioned wrestling with the question: Do catholic and biblical go together? One of the key aspects of this exploration was understanding the significance of baptism. What Do You Mean by Catholic? When I use the word ‘catholic’, I mean the ancient and continuing, shared and historic practices and theology of…
Good Friday and the Language of Sacrifice
Shouldn’t Good Friday be called “Bad” Friday? After all, it’s when Jesus was crucified. Radical Sin, Radical Savior It was a horrible thing that we human beings killed our creator. He came to us in lowly form, as a poor baby in a manger. He taught, he healed, he preached, he loved, he forgave. And…
Sacramental Theology
Sacramental theology emphasizes that God utilizes his creation to convey grace to humanity. During the Reformation and the period known as the “Settlement,” the Church of England maintained the concept of the Sacred and the transmission of God’s grace through elements of creation. Today, sacramental theology is integral to Anglican thought and practice.
What do Anglicans Believe about Holy Baptism?
All Christians, not just Anglicans, should trust their baptism. If they believe that Baptism is something God does in and for us, not something we do. And that is exactly how the early Church and the Reformers saw this sacrament! God brings people to the water of baptism. He sends his Holy Spirit into their…
After Communion: A Rookie Anglican Guide to the Post-Communion Liturgies
What happens when a worshipper approaches God with faith in Christ through the liturgies of Word and Sacrament? What happens after we come by faith to receive Holy Communion? Anglicans believe that the worship experience has a transformative effect on the worshipper. The people of God change as they spend time together in the presence…
Infant Baptism: Why do Anglicans Baptize Babies?
Why baptize infants? The Anglican theme verse for children would have to be, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19.14 Starting very early in the life of the Christian Church, Christian children were seen as members of the covenant community…
