First day in the new job and I was invited to attend the Professional Development Day on Catholic faith. The bishop gave a very thoughtful and insightful introduction to Catholic theology (as much as possible in only 3 hours). I enjoyed and appreciated his intellectual integrity. And understand better the "context of Catholic faith and values" within which I will be working.
I also realise how deeply Protestant I am. I appreciate the Catholic interpretation of what is required for the church universal to enjoy the unity that Christ desires. I now understand how pivotal acceptance of transubstantiation is in our separation. I am firmly within the 'real presence' school of understanding. Our inability to celebrate communion together pains me.
As we approach Reformation Sunday I find myself with Luther. "The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God." To me that is such a treasure and a way of living. Together with doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Godde.
For now it seems a case of celebrating common understanding and feeling the pain of separation. I do agree that we cannot cover over or deny the separation that exists as a result of current theology and doctrine.
This is where I stand. Seeking to remain true to myself and to my understanding and tradition. So help me God!
8 comments:
I don't think the differences will be papered over easily either. But I agree with your idea of pursuing the commonalities. I wish there were more of that instead of harping on differences, and not just in this situation.
And this is all we can do! Amen and amen.
While theological differences are wide, the church services could almost be interchangeable today. Lots of commonalities to concentrate on.
Odd as this may sound, I do not mourn the theological differences per se. There is room for a wide variety of interpretations of scripture, of concepts of God and Christ, etc etc, and why not? Humanity was not created via cookie cutters. Maybe we ought to look at the supposed "disunity" among believers as healthy diversity for a change.
What I mourn is the competitiveness embedded in the outlooks. I grieve the notion of "our" having cornered the truth, while everyone else lives in lies. I mourn the sense of superiority denominations have toward one another. And toward other faiths. I'd say That grieves God.
Thanks Joan Elizabeth and Black Pete. The commonalities are many and we can give thanks. I agree that diversity of interpretation and understanding is a real gift and a sign of health. In my view it would be healthy for that full diversity to be present and welcome at the same table.
Thanks for stopping by my place emjaydee!
Amen.
Thanks Singing Owl
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