Faith and Honor

On this episode, we explore the deadly sin of envy. We discuss why it is often considered the ugliest sin, how it motivates us to reject goodness, how it is the root of many hot-button social ills, and how to find a remedy in the exercise of mercy.

On this episode, we discuss the sin of gluttony. We explain how gluttony has more to do than just eating too much. What do we seek in our gluttony, and why is it wrong? How do we fight against this sin?

On this episode, we discuss the collect and propers for the Feast of St. Thomas. “Doubting Thomas” has served the church by his initial skepticism which was followed up by a sure and profound faith. We will discuss Thomas’ example with regard to issues of doubt and faith, the danger of apostasy, the importance of patient perseverance, the true nature of spiritual warfare, how being a twin may’ve been relevant to Thomas’ ministry, how many of those who saw Jesus in the flesh still did not believe in Him, and the blessing in store for those that have not seen Jesus and still yet believe in Him.

On this episode, we discuss the sin of sloth. Also referred to as acedia or melancholy, this sin is widespread in our world today. We discuss how sloth can manifest in distraction, busybodiness, and a rejection of spiritual engagement, theological discourse, and Christian devotion. We also discuss the remedies for this vice.

On this episode, we discuss the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, also known as the Purification of the Virgin Mary. We review the various traditions and customs of the feast while exploring its deep theological themes. We address purification, the logic behind Mosaic laws regarding the human body, motherhood, the Church of Women, the redemption of the firstborn male, and the significance of Simeon and Anna.

Canon Henry Jansma joins us to discuss the parson-naturalist. What caused parish parsons to study the natural world and become leaders in science, especially in the post-Reformation era? What responsibilities, habits, proclivities, and privileges afforded them the opportunity to make such remarkable advancements in the sciences? And how come we seem to have forgotten about them today?

On the episode, we look at the collect and propers for the Feast of St. Andrew. We discuss following Christ, confessing His holy name, believing on Him in one's heart, the Gospel of salvation, heralding the good news of salvation, the tragedy of those that do not follow Jesus, Andrew's example as a ready follower of Jesus, and his role as a faithful evangelist.

Anglicanism exists in both Established and non-Established contexts. In other words, sometimes Anglicanism is manifested in a state church (like the Church of England) while, in other countries and times, it is not the state church (like in the current United States of America). On this episode, the Ven. Henry Jansma joins us to discuss what it is like to minister in either context. Canon Jansma has served as an Anglican priest in England and in the United States. We cover the tradeoffs, benefits, disadvantages, temptations, and odd dynamics that one finds with establishment versus non-establishment.

On this episode, we discuss the themes of Epiphany 5. We explore the need for the Church to keep the true religion, "bowels of mercies," election, various characteristics of mature Christians as taught by St. Paul, love, peace, the word of Christ, music, and the parable of the wheat and tares.

On this episode, we discuss the themes of Epiphany 6, which features Fr. Tarsitano's favorite collect in the Book of Common Prayer. We discuss Satan's works, the epiphanies of Christ and His glorified saints, what such epiphanies have to do with the forgiveness of sins, knowing Christ and the Beatific Vision, spiritual patrimony, the importance of conduct, and the danger of cults and Anti-Christs. We conclude with commentary on the Olivet Discourse, which a lot of contemporary Christians read and apply incorrectly due to biblical and historical illiteracy.