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Blogging can often seem like a one way “broadcast”. The blogger writes up what interests him or her, posts it, and waits to see what happens. There are many posts, essays, books and articles out there advising bloggers on how to cultivate more engagement with their audience. I have even written a few posts encouraging [...]
Is Priesthood Always Public – Part I
The other day when we were discussing the symbolism of “the collar” John asked: “Is priesthood always a public office? I’ll give you that historically that has been the case most of the time….. but what about monastic priests (e.g. Carthusians) with no public ministry? Or hermit priests in the desert or on Mt Athos?” [...]
A Priestless Society?
Some years ago, I took a course at VTS on the Theology of Priesthood. The bulk of the course focussed on OT and NT sources before exploring possibilities for the life of the church today. It was a great class. The professor, a Presbyterian elder & theologian, shared his belief that one day there woudl [...]
The Power to Bind – Initial Thoughts On Absolution
I’m still very much in the initial stages of pulling my thoughts together on this. It strikes me that in the rite of absolution the prayers and actions point to God, his love for us, his mercy, his compassion, and understanding, only once – and then only briefly is the “power to bind” mentioned – [...]
"The Power to Bind" – Stepping through the door towards understanding forgivness
In the context of recent discussions on the mechanics of forgiveness Fr. Chris Tessone & I were debating the concept of restitution (among other things); in that debate, changing tack, Chris asked: “what do you think the power to bind means, as given to the church and especially the apostolic priesthood in the Gospels?” At [...]
Is OC/IC NRM? (Oh and does that also include ISM?)
The question, asked in another honourable place is one I’ve pondered for a year or so now. Is the OC/IC movement a “New Religious Movement” (NRM)? I would take it one step farther and ask, that for those of us old school types who understand Old and Indpendent Catholic as having certain distincitive qualities; are [...]
Lent – Is Always Time for "Ask An Indie Theologian"
Lent is a great time for asking questions, and jumping into the debate about the theology of our faith, our tradition, and our future, both as a local community, and as a wider movement. Lent was the period in the late antique church when converts – preparing for baptism were offered all the time in [...]
Put Yer Stole on Mary!
**** Note: This post has been edited 12 Feb 07 ****** An interesting question was posted in another place with respect of cultivating more unity within the indie community: Assuming mutual respect, and a common acceptance of the basic tenets of the orthodox faith, could the issues of female clergy, and Marian doctrines be considered [...]
Ask An Indie Theologian: Classical Theology – Building on Stone
John Plummer asked: “And other one – What are key resources in classical theology that modern indie folks can draw upon in finding our unique way forward?” Hmmm. . .I’ve been sitting with this one since you asked it. I’ll admit that this will not be a complete answer – there are quite a few [...]
He took B-R-E-A-D! It was real BREAD!
Last week we were in Paris for a much needed get away. While there we visited the Cluny Museum which is dedicated to medieval (mostly ecclesiastical) art and artifacts. The museum is well planned and does have some fantastic pieces – ivories, the famous “lady & the unicorn” tapestries, and a great collection of medieval [...]
Ask a Question . . .or "Thou Shall Not Steal"
I’m . . . “borrowing” (hope you don’t mind Jordan) an idea from another indie blogger. While I am not a Gnostic in the classical sense I enjoy Jordan Stratford’s Ecclesia Gnostica In Nova Albion blog. Therein, if I’m reading correctly, he has “Ask A Gnostic Priest” Giving readers an opportunity to ask a question [...]