Recently, we were told that the Christian church in America is “hemorrhaging members” and that the church is shrinking. It is true that the number of Americans who claim to be Christian is shrinking. However, as usual, Ed Stetzer provides some real clarity in his interpretation of statistics. Turns out that people are not so much “leaving church” as they…
The Gospel in Human Decline
In several of his books, Henri Nouwen recounts how the severely physically and mentally disabled residents of Daybreak, a L’Arche community became his spiritual mentors. Nouwen saw, with the eyes of faith, what many could not: the Spirit is not hindered by human frailty. He believed that great saints who are in continual, hidden converse…
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…
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.
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…
Five Other Sacramental Rites
Main Two: The Sacraments of the Lord Christ instituted Holy Baptism and Holy Communion for his Church to perpetually celebrate. We call these the Sacraments of the Lord. (To learn more about what Anglicans believe about the sacraments, go here.) The Other Five: The Sacraments of the Church There are five other rites of the…
