Scripture tradition, reason

I am a reasonably regular church-goer. I know that isn’t a popular thing anymore, but I like that hour of calm, time for reflection, and occasionally a thought that sticks with me through the week. A few weeks ago, we had a guest preacher, who is a well-known Anglican theologian. She said some things that really resonated - resonated enough that I took notes during the sermon and two weeks later am finally writing them to share.

The Anglican faith is built on a balance of scripture, tradition and reason. I like that a lot. In an age of fundamentalist activism, reason matters.

The world is good, people are good. Our faith has a positive emphasis, rather than focusing on sin.

Our baptismal vows (I don’t remember them although I was baptized as a teen) are that we serve Christ by by serving people, safeguard creation, seek truth an justice, and we are called to transform society. Ah - so we are social justice warriors; I’m good with that.

Finally, she quoted Erasmus (my favourite humanist philosopher): all can be theologians.

Today the sun was shining gloriously through the window above the altar. I love this window, which was designed to honour members of the Governor General’s footguards who died during WWI.


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