From time to time, evangelicals and a few from the confessional Presbyterian and Reformed churches to convert to Romanism. They do so for a variety of reasons but one commonality among them is ignorance of the history of the Western church, the . . . Continue reading →
The phrase “swimming the Tiber” is a metaphor for converting from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism. I have not been able to determine its origins but the online Dictionary of Christianese traces the expression to 1963, which, if true, would mean that it . . . Continue reading →
It is a little overdue but it is finally here: our latest call-in episode in which we take Heidelcalls from Arizona on choosing a college, on B. B. Warfield’s eschatology (was he really postmillennial?), from Chicago on what must happen before Jesus . . . Continue reading →
The economy is hard for everyone right now. Even prepositions have fallen on hard times. In popular media, in news media, and particularly in social media, one regularly sees the expression, “prayers to so and so.” This usage reveals two errors, one . . . Continue reading →
Dr. R. Scott Clark discusses the critical differences between Roman Catholic and Reformed views on apostolic tradition and church authority. Continue reading →
Dr. R. Scott Clark explores the historical development of the seven sacraments and why the Reformation only recognizes the two instituted by Christ. He examines the Council of Trent and medieval debates to show how ecclesiastical practices evolved into dogma over time. Continue reading →
Dr. R. Scott Clark explains why the Roman Catholic view of grace as a medicinal substance to be infused and cooperated with contradicts the biblical definition of grace as God’s free, unconditional favor. Continue reading →
Dr. R. Scott Clark explains why he will not convert to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, focusing on the theological rejection of religious icons and images. Continue reading →
Dr. R. Scott Clark explains why the Reformed tradition opposes visual depictions of the Trinity, arguing that such images are products of human imagination rather than divine truth. He explores the biblical prohibitions against idols and provides a historical overview of how the early church universally rejected images until the 8th century. Continue reading →
Recently, 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 Catholic Church in Escondido. She asked if there were any Catholics in the house. I . . . Continue reading →
The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to . . . Continue reading →
In order to interpret the text of the Scots Confession and the Westminster Confession we must decide on a hermeneutic, a way of interpreting confessional texts. Often in the interpretation of confessional documents the temptation is to try to interpret a specific passage without reference to the broader context, but that is no way to read a text. Continue reading →