OUTLINE
I. Introduction: Redefining Terms
We have been defining and defending the three streams of Anglicanism. Today we want to talk about how the three streams of Anglicanism mutually support and challenge each other.
Catholic: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
Charismatic: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Evangelical: Standing on the foundation of the Holy Scriptures
II. Catholic
The virtue within the Catholic stream: wisdom
Catholic Christianity maintains an order and a universal consistency that looks back to previous wisdom, experience, and reflection to confront current events, issues, and crises (Jeremiah 6:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6).
The vice within the Catholic stream: authoritarianism
In the same way that Jesus confronted a 1st century Jewish privilege (Matthew 3:9; John 8:39, Mark 7:3-4), it is dangerous to presume that being Catholic alone precludes one from personal conversion, or spirit empowerment.
Catholicism as a temper for Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism
- Catholicism tempers biblical particularism
- The writings of the Church Fathers, and the councils of the Church serve as a foil upon which we can guide biblical interpretation within a framework of stalwart and reliable faithful readings of the scriptures (Eg. Acts 15:1-21).
- Catholicism tempers chaotic charismania
- Sets worship within the framework of orderly Christian devotion, that is orthodox and gives measure to the reading of scripture, sung worship, proclamation, and prayerful response.
III. Charismatic
The virtue within the Charismatic stream: faith
Charismatic Christianity emphasizes a visible faith through the interpersonal work of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6). This work results in the building up of the local Church (1 Corinthians 12:7).
The vice within the Charismatic stream: emotionalism
In the same way that God desired mercy from the Israelites (Hosea 6:6), so he desires a true relationship not simply works (Matthew 7:21-23).
Pentecostalism as a temper for Evangelicalism and Catholicism
- Pentecostalism tempers catholic institutionalism
- Just as Jesus entered the 1st century Jewish world as one with authority (Matthew 7:29), so the charismatic movement serves as a check against legalism and authoritarianism in demonstrating the public witness of spiritual gifts.
- Pentecostalism tempers evangelical arrogance
- Just as James warned against faith without works (James 2:26) so the charismatic movement demonstrates that religious identity is not only intellectual but demonstrative in spiritual works.
IV. Evangelical
The virtue within the Evangelical stream: transformation
Evangelical Christianity’s emphasis on personal transformation through Biblical truth grounds the believer’s mind and heart in faithful obedience (John 8:32).
The vice within the Evangelical stream: arrogance
The individualized nature of evangelicalism and personal interpretation can lead to fractions along theological lines (Judges 17:6).
Evangelicalism as a temper for Pentecostalism and Catholicism
- Evangelicalism tempers catholic authoritarianism
- Grounding the truth in the scriptures com
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