Deep Anglicanism: A Brief Guide, 2nd edition. By Gerald R. McDermott. Nashotah, WI: Nashotah House Press, 2024. 400 pp. $15.49 (paper). In the ever-expanding market of introductory books on Anglicanism, it seems meet and right that Fr. Gerald McDermott, the retired Anglican Chair of Divinity at Beeson School of Divinity and the author of some…
Growing up in the Church of England the Book of Common Prayer (“BCP”) was more of a tool and a reference point than anything else. By the time I came along, it was not the exclusive liturgy of the Church, and modest attempts to modernize the liturgy were being made in the form of the…
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against you; but I will teach you good and the right way.” – 1 Samuel 12:23 “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.” – Isaiah 60:12 Intro Almost 200 years…
An existential threat is beginning to come into focus, one that mainline Protestantism has barely begun to engage with sincerely and that could cascade into generations of failure and decline. I am speaking of the future of historic church properties—which are facing a crisis of purpose and financial security that could result in many of…
There has been no other book in the world’s history that has transformed lives and civilized society more than the Christian Bible. Not surprisingly, the Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges the Bible as the number one best-selling book in the world. Christians do not find the popularity of the Scriptures surprising because traditional practice…
Witt Responds Witt responded to my first essay in this series. In response to earlier criticisms of his book, Witt announced that there were “key chapters” untouched by those criticisms. Now, in response to my first essay, he has announced I didn’t address his “key point.” A recent reviewer claims to have read this essay:…
This year, we mark the 500th anniversary of the congregational hymnal. It was created in 1524 out of the Reformation with hymns by (who else?) Martin Luther, that great advocate of catechizing church members by singing doctrine in the vernacular. Lutherans got a head start on Anglicans, who had to wait more than three centuries for…
I recently gave a talk at a local coffee shop on “C. S. Lewis and a Posthuman Future.” My aim was to engage some of the themes in the philosophical movement called transhumanism with the prescient observations of the great Oxford Don. During the Q&A afterward, one sharp member of the audience asked, “Do you…
Defending Sin: A Response to the Challenges of Evolution and the Natural Sciences. By Hans Madueme. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2024. 368 pp. $61.53 (hardcover), $29.99 (paper). For many years now, Christians who aspire to be thoughtful and informed have sought to emphasize the harmonious consistency of Christianity and science. On this perspective, conflicts between…
Remain with me. I do not choose you less For knowing long your wiles and waywardness. Be rooted with me, planted side by side, Though blighted fruit and thorns be multiplied. Rest with me, while the desert wastes increase, The garden fails, the vine and fig tree cease: Do not depart, although shame and distress…
