Bože! independent catholic ideas, identity & theology
Theology of Ordained Service
Indie Folk In the News
Thanks to Siobhan, we’ve got this rather neat article on indie folk in CO. Tweet
Matthias
Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas (Acts 1.15-26). The use of “lots” to discern the will of God was an ancient practice – see for example the numerous references to the Urim and Thummim in the Old Testament; and not exclusive to Judaism or early Christianity. What is interesting in the narrative of [...]
Celebrating The Diaconate
Today we commemorate the deacons Prochor, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas mentioned in Acts 6.5. They were chosen by the community to serve the social ministry needs of the community so that the Disciples could maintain their focus on teaching and study. According to tradition two became bishops (Prochor and Timon), the other two – it [...]
No Pain No Gain
“Liberal” churches may be sabotaging themselves by reducing the commitment of their members – so suggests a recent report in New Scientist. The persecution of early Christians may have had a dramatic effect on the spread of Christianity because the sacrifices of martyrs and confessors instilled in others the idea of sincerity: “few would willingly [...]
The Collar – Distinctiveness & Extremism
Two weeks ago we started a discussion on the security and symbolism of “the collar” this lead to some interesting discussion on not only the use of the collar but also the use (in our movement) of inflated clerical titles (see the great posts on this over at John’s, Tim’s and David Kling’s). The emphasis [...]
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?” [...]
"The Collar" – Security Risk & Witness
Fr. Chris over at Even the Devils Believe and my partner pointed me in the direction of the following two reports in the Telegraph, and on the BBC. I found that reading the media reports annoyed me – aside from reporting errors – the Telegraph for example asserts that the author of the report Nick [...]
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 [...]
Episcopal Endorsements Of Political Partisans
There’s a very interesting discussion arising in a number of places including: Fr. Chris’ , Pastor Bob Cornwall’s, and “EcuBishop”‘s blogs about the appropriatness of religious figures endorsing, or being seen to endorse political candidates. Hmmm . . . . I’ve been thinking about this for the past day now, and I must confess I’ve [...]
Liturgical Symbolism – The "Whole" Body
I’ve been revisiting an old favourite today in relation to another project. As part of my re-read I stopped to consider the following: Liturgical ministry is not primarily an honour but a function of service in and to the Church assembled for divine worship. Loading sancutaries with special ministers for ideological reasons, or to confer [...]
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 [...]
The Elephant In the Room II – An alternative to "pink"?
Chris Tessone, in both his comment to the last segment of this debate, and to my previous post on the Eucharistic bread, raises a point worth discussing; one which I must confess for me, evokes the most “feeling”. Chris suggests that for an ordained minister to “serve” in our communities – awaiting the day when [...]
"Jurisdictions" – Ugly Dustbunnies Under the Sofa
I preface my post today as did my friend John Plummer his (slightly amended): The following is intentionally provocative. I don’t claim to have any final answers to all of these issues, and look forward to discussion in the comments. Raising a much needed point of discussion within the community, John Plummer’s post touches off [...]
"I’ll take ‘priesthood’ for 500 Jack . . ."
What is a priest? What is a balanced theology of priesthood given both our contemporary life, and our OC/IC context? How does this (as yet un-developed) theology of priesthood affect or influence such things as our attitude toward community, and our understanding of the Apostolic Heritage? Is “priesthood” necessarily defined as the ordained service in [...]