Martin Luther taught in his Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, that there were two ways of doing theology. The first was the 'theology of glory'. It meant using human reason to mix philosophy and theology into a clean system whereby God aided man in his natural striving for the good. It was a theology that made sense, and was optimistic about man's intellectual and moral … [Read more...]
John Donne excerpt from Old St. Paul's in London
A person could get lost in the history of St. Paul's Cathedral (London). Just the famous Deans of St Paul's is a venerable list of churchmen. Most readers will know Canon Henry Scott Holland from his "Death is nothing at all" quotation used at countless funerals. As for the building itself and the fire of London, I've seen multi-hour programs just on Christopher Wren and St. … [Read more...]
The Protestant Canon In The Early Fathers
In historical theology my working motto has been "Yea let God be true, but every man a liar" (Rom 3:4) when approaching the early church fathers. In other words, I've said, I want to respect the Tradition that has been passed down to me, but if it is the case that the fathers reject any doctrine I feel to be truly contained in the Scriptures then I will reject that fathers' … [Read more...]
Can Man Love God?
Unlike so many, I'm sad to hear that Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury will be stepping down soon as primate of the Church of England. Here's something interesting of his that I read again the other day: "...which of us does "love" God? I remember, ages ago, talking to a young Chinese Marxist student, who amazed me by saying, "of course, priesthood [I had him I … [Read more...]
The Father of Modern Missions – William Carey (Part 3)
William Carey was in everything a man of action as well as a man of letters. He learned by doing, having been a teacher and founding a college before actually possessing a degree or education from one. He began his mission, churches, and school in a portion of India protected by the King of Denmark, and he worked to train local Bengali converts into ministers following a long … [Read more...]