Who needs a Creed?
‘Who needs a creed?’
The answer to that question from many in the broad sweep of Christendom, would probably be, ‘Not us!’ Such ancient documents are seen at best as outdated and at worst an irrelevance in an age that is more interested in the present than the past …
– Mark Johnson calls for a return to confessional Christianity – at Reformation21.
The Betrayal of Judas
Here’s an interesting article on the behind-the-scenes moves to publish ‘The Gospel of Judas’ –
“The announcement was timed so that the documentary, a book containing the translation and critical essays, an accompanying Web site, and an exhibit at National Geographic’s headquarters would all be unveiled more or less simultaneously. By keeping the translation under wraps, National Geographic had cornered the market on Judas, and now it intended to take full advantage of its position. …”
Read the article at the (US) Chronicle of Higher Education – and Al Mohler has some further thoughts in The Gospel of Judas – The Betrayal of Truth. (Image: National Geographic Society.)
‘A woman bishop’ – Compass
Kay Goldsworthy, consecrated in Perth last week as an assistant bishop in that diocese, was interviewed on ABC TV’s Compass on Sunday night. The transcript of the programme is now available.
Geraldine Doogue: Why do you think really at base there is still so much ambivalence among some people about the notion of a woman playing a headship role in the church?
Kay Goldsworthy: Well that’s a mystery to me. Just is a mystery to me. And I couldn’t really say why.
David Ould has some comments over at Stand Firm. (Photo: Diocese of Perth.)
Up, Down and Out in Canada: J I Packer
My wife and I moved from England to Canada in 1979. Principal James Houston has recruited me to teach theology at Regent College, which, though over age, I still do. God’s call was clear, and our only uncertainty was where we might find a spiritual home. New Westminster Diocese, of which Vancouver is the see city, was decidedly liberal, and its few evangelical clergy seemed to be keeping their heads down lest they be noticed.
But in 1978 my oldest friend among Canadian clergy, Harry Robinson, became rector of St. John’s Shaughnessy, only a mile and a half from where God, by a happy providence, gave us a place to live, so that problem was solved. Called as I am to be a pastor, I had found fulfillment before in an honorary parish appointment alongside teaching duties, and I became Harry’s honorary assistant the moment we arrived. …
– Dr Jim Packer tells his story – at VirtueOnline. (Photo: Ed Hird.)
Talks from 2008 New Attitude Conference
Sovereign Grace Ministries’ New Attitude Conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky, this last weekend.
New Attitude was established to call the next generation to Biblical faithfulness.
Through the kindness of Sovereign Grace, the audio of the talks are now available for your edification –
1 – Ripping, Burning, Eating: A Right Response to God’s Word – Josh Harris
2 – The Authority of Scripture – Mark Dever
3 – Bible Q&A – Al Mohler
4 – The Troubled Soul: God’s Word and Our Feelings – C.J. Mahaney
5 – What’s the Point?: Growing in Vision for Diligent Study – Eric Simmons
6 – William Tyndale: A Life Transformed By God’s Word – John Piper
7 – Fighting for Faith with God’s Word – John Piper
8 – God as Father: The Doctrine of Adoption in God’s Word – C.J. Mahaney
For background, see the New Attitude website.
Moment of Decision for Church of England
The Church of England faces yet another theological challenge as it prepares for the meeting of its General Synod in July. This time the issue is the Gospel itself and the specific question concerns the evangelization of Muslims. In the end, the outcome of this debate may, more then anything else, determine the future viability of the Church of England.
Paul Eddy, a lay theology student from Winchester who aspires to the priesthood, has entered a Private Member’s Motion and has secured the signatures necessary to force the General Synod to deal with his motion.
The text of his motion sets the issue clearly:
“That this Synod request the House of Bishops to report to the Synod on their understanding of the uniqueness of Christ in Britain’s multi-faith society, and offer examples and commendations of good practice in sharing the gospel of salvation through Christ alone with people of other faiths and of none.” …
– Al Mohler observes that the vote on this motion is a crucial test for the Church of England.
Phillip Jensen on World Youth Day and Secularism
As a Sydney Protestant I consider it an honour that our city is to host World Youth Day. Protestantism is a protest. Our protest is against the enormity of the claims of the Roman Catholic Church. … This protest against Roman Catholicism is no small complaint. It goes to the very heart of God’s central message to mankind – the way of salvation.…
– From an opinion-piece in The Sydney Morning Herald by Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen.
See a version written for the Cathedral newsletter. – “It is an honour for our city to host people from all over the world. It is to the credit of our city that we are willing to be hospitable not only to people with whom we agree but also to those with whom we disagree. ”
Diocese of Huron Synod: Same-sex blessings and native spirituality
The Synod of the Canadian Diocese of Huron “has overwhelmingly voted to grant permission to clergy ‘whose conscience permits, to bless… civil marriages between same-sex couples’.”
Additionally, in his Synod Charge, Bishop Bruce Howe spoke of his vision for the diocese – to “deepen our transition and reformation to be the Church of today and tomorrow”. He said, “As the Church embraces native or First Nations spirituality it strengthens all of us on our journey.” One wonders where the journey will lead.
Read the Bishop’s charge (pdf) at the Diocese of Huron website.
(Photo: Bishop Bruce Howe – Diocese of Huron.)
ANiC Conference video now online
The Anglican Network in Canada’s ‘Compelled by Christ’s Love’ Conference in Vancouver last month featured addresses from David Short, Ken Moser, Archbishop Greg Venables, Dr Jim Packer and others.
Video of key sessions is now available at the ANiC website. (Photo: David Short speaks on 1 Corinthians 15.)