I have been in conversations before with Roman Catholics about a sacramental view of the universe and it still leaves be flummoxed. It is akin to the Reformed w-w phenomenon where Christianity is nothing unless it provides a comprehensive account of everything. . . . Continue reading →
Roman Catholicism
An Interesting Conversation at My Door
Saturday morning a Roman Catholic laywoman and a male companion (who stood behind her with his rosary saying prayers) came to my door on behalf of St Mary Church in Escondido. She asked if there were any Catholics in the house. I . . . Continue reading →
Has Rome Really Changed?
Chris Castaldo (HT: Justin Taylor) takes issue with R. C. Sproul’s claim: The indisputable fact is that Rome made a number of strong, clear theological affirmations at the Council of Trent. Because Trent was an ecumenical council, it had all the weight . . . Continue reading →
Who Are the True Catholics? (4) The Assurance of Salvation
Part 3: Original Sin Perkins’ third point against Rome concerned the assurance of salvation. According to Perkins, the Protestants and Rome agree that: A man in this life may be certain of salvation; and the same thing does the Church of Rome . . . Continue reading →
We Are Not Heretics or Schismatics
It is not because we have renounced any article of the catholic faith. We are not heretics. We cordially receive all the doctrines contained in that Symbol which is known as the Apostles’ Creed. We regard all doctrinal decisions of the first six ecumenical councils to be consistent with the Word of God, and because of that consistency, we receive them as expressing our faith. We therefore believe the doctrine of the Trinity and of the person of Christ as those doctrines are expressed in the symbols adopted by the Council of Nicea AD321, that of the Council of Constantinople AD381 and more fully that of the Council of Chalcedon AD451. Continue reading →
Who Are the True Catholics? (3): Original Sin
Part 2 The next point of contention is over the doctrine of original sin, i.e., the teaching that “in Adam’s fall sinned we all.” The issue is not whether we sinned in Adam but whether, as Perkins put it, “after baptism…how far . . . Continue reading →
Who Are The True Catholics? (2)
Part 1 In his treatise defending the Reformation understanding of Scripture against resurgent Romanism Perkins counted 22 issues between Protestants (his term) and Rome: 1 Of Free-will. 2 Of Original sin. 3 Assurance of salvation. 4 Justification of a sinner. 5 Of . . . Continue reading →
Who Are the True Catholics? (1)
There are truly important works that have simply been forgotten or unjustly ignored. One of those is William Ames’ Fresh Suit Against Human Ceremonies in defense of the Reformed theology and practice of worship. Another is William Perkins’ 1597 treatise, A Reformed . . . Continue reading →
R. C. Sproul: Are We Together? Not Really
This book is not what you might assume: a rehearsal of slogans. Rather, it is an intelligent and engaging primer for Protestants and Roman Catholics alike about what Rome actually teaches and what are the profound issues that continue to separate confessional, . . . Continue reading →
The Glory of Rome
The election of Pope Paul III in 1534 signaled the beginning of the counter-Reformation; that is Rome’s response to Luther, Calvin and their followers. One way Paul III hoped to counter the teachings of the reformation was to complete the construction of . . . Continue reading →
Another Area Where a Two-Kingdoms/Spheres Ethic Would Help
Rome still doesn’t seem to understand how grave the problem of pedophile priests is. NPR (HT: RNS) reports on the new measures adopted by the Vatican, including revisions to canon law, to address the crisis.
The Inquisition Isn’t Over, It Just Changed Clothes
RNS has a story about the Vatican’s policy of “pontifical secrecy.” Read the story. The approach Rome is taking toward the problem of sex abuse by priests reminds one of the policies followed in the inquisition. What was established for the preservation . . . Continue reading →
Eamon Duffy on the Origins of the Papacy
Eamon Duffy is Professor of the History of Christianity, and Fellow and Director of Studies, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. He is author of several significant works of church history including The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England 1400–1570 (New . . . Continue reading →
Packer’s Involvement in ECT Didn’t "Just Happen"
It had a precedent that goes back to 1970. Many American evangelicals were caught by surprise by J I Packer’s involvement with and defense of Evangelicals and Catholics Together. The first ECT was vague, misleading, and even gobsmacking. The second was, for . . . Continue reading →
Irenaeus On Apostolic Succession
I’m reviewing Charles E. Hill, From the Lost Teaching of Polycarp: Identifying Irenaeus’ Apostolic Presbyter and the Author of Ad Diognetum. vol. 186, Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2006). 207 pages (incl. index) for the Confessional Presbyterian. He writes, In . . . Continue reading →
Is the Reformation Over?
The second part of the White Horse Inn broadcast for 3 November 2007 features an interview with Mark Noll. I don’t know Mark well. We had lunch once when I taught at Wheaton. He was kind to spend some time with a . . . Continue reading →
How Rome Turns Paul and David Upside Down
Jason has been listening to Mike Horton’s interview with Robert Sungenis and considering Sungenis’ case for the Roman doctrine of justification. Sungenis argues that 2 Sam 11–12 and Rom 4:5–8 prove that “if there is any passage of Scripture that supports the . . . Continue reading →
ECT After Neuhaus: Colson Still Doesn’t Get It
There’s an interview in CT today with Chuck Colson reflecting on Evangelicals and Catholics Together. Two things are striking about the Colson’s comments.
The New Riddle of Roman Catholicism: Riddles, Mysteries, and Enigmas
Darryl Hart and John Muether are at it again. This time they’ve teamed up to produce a series of essays on contemporary Roman Catholicism.
Of Catholics, Evangelicals, and Rome
(revised and re-posted from 7 May ’07. This post was occasioned by the announcement of the conversion of the now former president of ETS, Francis Beckwith, to Rome). § Mr White, Mr Black, and Mr Gray Cornelius Van Til used to write . . . Continue reading →