Comments for Evangelical Catholicity

Comment on Prisca Theologia and Pia Philosophia by John Simmons

John Simmons — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:33:35 +0000

I seem to recall (in a bit of fog!) that Francis Schaeffer did a nice bit of bridging between Van Till and a more appreciative view of Pagan philosophy (All Truth is God’s Truth), while insisting that the essential difference between the True Christian view of these things, vs. those views that came into being after Scholasticism (and especially the Renaissance), was the Thomistic idea that reason was unfallen, and could independently pursue ideas – a different epistemology that leads from seeing the Christian revelation at the center to one that ultimately must see that revelation as yet another veneer (however more true) on the ultimate mystery of being. This is one issue that I have to thank Schaeffer for pointing out.

Since becoming Orthodox, I have seen the confirmation of this principle, and what went wrong post-Scholasticism. I have a page of epistemological articles you may enjoy:
http://strannik.com/watchful_gate/node/23

Comment on Martin Bucer by Silas

Silas — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:18:28 +0000

Great post about Bucer; we need more of his works highlighted today

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Nathaniel Ruland

Nathaniel Ruland — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:21:13 +0000

“But it does mean that, as a Reformed believer, I have come to see it as somewhat superfluous to work towards organic unity across confessional boundaries when the churches within my own confessional tradition remain as fragmented as they are, and are ever striving towards more fragmentation.”

As a casual lurker over the years I was impressed by the wisdom of the above statement. Speaking as a fellow brother seeking ordination in the PCA I hope your studies go well and your calling is made undeniably sure.

Comment on Bavinck on Dogma Quoad Nos by Jan Martijn Abrahamse

Jan Martijn Abrahamse — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:52:35 +0000

You should read Gerrit C. Berkouwer’s “The Church I en II” for a Dutch reformed ecclesiology. Also Hendrikus Berkhof has written a few books relating to the church.

good luck,

JMA

Comment on Calvin’s Advice to King Edward VI by Reformation And The Two Kingdoms of Christendom « Basilica

Reformation And The Two Kingdoms of Christendom « Basilica — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:22:02 +0000

[...] They ought to work together. Calvin addressed his Institutes to the king of France, and he cultivated a relationship with England’s King Edward VI wherein he advised him to protect the v…. [...]

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by NeoChalcedonian

NeoChalcedonian — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:54:24 +0000

Goodbye for now, Jonathan.

I would also like to publicly apologize to you and any other contributors to whom I displayed a lack of charity.

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Paul Owen

Paul Owen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:18:39 +0000

I know God has good plans for you Jonathan! Btw, a shout out to Peter Escalante. Fr. William Martin is my parish priest now! Small world!

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Chris Larimer

Chris Larimer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:28:46 +0000

Through your ministry, May the Lamb which was slain before the foundation of the world receive the just reward of His suffering!

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Laurence K. Wells

Laurence K. Wells — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:35:18 +0000

Thanks for all you have written and shared; this has been a blessing to me. And I rejoice over your ministry-yet-to-come.
The fact that God is still calling young men of your talents and skills into the service of the Gospel is wonderful evidence of His incessant grace and tenacious love for His Church. God bless.

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Andrew Matthews

Andrew Matthews — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:09:32 +0000

All the best to you Jonathan! I hope we will hear from time to time of your progress in the pursuit of your vocation. The Reformed church needs pastors capable of putting the insights of Mercersberg into practice. God be with you.

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by St. Worm

St. Worm — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:44:15 +0000

The Lord’s very best be upon you and your family. Thanks for the time you did devote.

St. Worm

Comment on An Update and a Fond Farewell by Peter Escalante

Peter Escalante — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:26:08 +0000

These are wise reflections. Many blessings on you, Jonathan, as you follow the wisdom of Scripture regarding the seasons of things.

peace
P

Comment on Blessed Reformation Day! by kepha

kepha — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:26:13 +0000

LOL! I was actually talking about this blog.

Comment on Blessed Reformation Day! by Peter Escalante

Peter Escalante — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:43:38 +0000

There is such a resolution, and it should bear fruit soon! SW and I have both been overwhelmed with other matters, and though his technical skills are greater than mine, neither of us is a computer wizard.

What looks to be the case now is that we will run it as a blog and ressourcement page, and do the journal something like biannually.

peace
P

Comment on In Defense of Westminster Seminary, with Appreciation for Pete Enns by Charlie J. Ray

Charlie J. Ray — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:20:53 +0000

If Princeton is any indication being “confessional” is no guarantee that a seminary will not go liberal. Other indications of this are Calvin Theological Seminary, of the Dutch Reformed tradition, and Fuller Theological Seminary. Both of the latter seminaries are clearly headed toward liberalism if they are not already there.

I earned my M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in the Wesleyan tradition. Ironically I became a Calvinist while a student at Asbury. Asbury claims to be Evangelical but its theological positions are increasingly on the neo-orthodox or liberal side of things. Asbury as well seems to be headed toward liberalism.

If Westminster Theological Seminary can manage not to in that direction, more power to them. However, I don’t think Peter Enns is the only closet liberal at WTS. There are others who place more emphasis on higher criticism than on defending the confessional faith and the Holy Scriptures. Whatever happened to the fundamentalism of J. Gresham Machen??????

Charlie