As we move past the halfway point of the third season of Rector’s Cupboard, we take the opportunity to discuss the origins of the podcast. We go through the story of one particular church fight and what that long ago battle has to do with what Rector’s Cupboard is aiming to do.

The church fight which we speak about is legendary. One small manifestation was demonstrated by a group of people opposed to changes in a particular church. The dissenters would loudly sing alternate songs when hymns that they did not like were being sung in church. That could be fun. Whenever someone has the audacity to begin singing “Majesty” a crew of agitated protestors in the congregation can belt out, “Shine, Jesus Shine” or maybe, “Hopelessly Devoted to You”.

In this episode we outline some parts of what we have called “Hopeful Theology”. We present the idea that the renewal needed in the evangelical (and beyond) church is primarily theological. That is, perhaps concepts that have led to polarization and division, and practices based in fear, ought to be reconsidered. There is a deep history of Christian theology that is not fearful and divisive, and renewal from that tradition could make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and in the future of the church.

Ritualism Riots – The detailed history of St. George-in-the-East St 

All Year Round – The Charles Dickens story about the riots 

The marking of the 150th Anniversary of the riots and Archbishop Rowan Williams’ sermon that day