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Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up (Book Review)

...me of the doctrine and theology that came out of the Reformation period (such as Luther being heavily influenced by Augustine's theology more than earlier church fathers). After the high of the first few chapters, these chapters came as a bit of a punch in the gut. I would also recommend looking up all of Bercot's claims as there does sometimes seem like there is a strong bias of opinion coming through certain chapters, which takes away from the feel of the book trying to give an objective look at the topic at hand. But that aside, Bercot leads you back on this journey, aiming to uplift you once again with hope as he takes you towards a positive look at the An...

A Historic Easter Change Is Coming — But Will Protestants Get On Board?

...Orthodox doctrine, but being in unity on a core tenet of the faith, as Jesus prayed for us in John 13:34–35 and 17:21–23. I do wonder how it will affect the commercialisation side of things too and whether secular society will follow suit with the changes. Interesting times ahead, it seems! Sources and Further Reading Pope Francis: The Catholic Church is willing to accept a common date for Easter in the East and West | America Magazine Archbishop Justin Welby hopes for fixed Easter date — BBC News Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury quits over abuse scandal — BBC News Creedal Christians: The Nicene Creed | The Sacred Faith: Timeles...

Biblical Inspiration and the Canon: How We Got the Bible

...blish any doctrine…(Article 6, 39 Articles of Religion, AD 1562) How Were the Books of the Bible Selected? For a book to be included in the New Testament canon, it needed to meet certain criteria: Apostolic Authorship or Connection — The book had to be written by an apostle or someone directly connected to an apostle. For example, the Gospel of Mark was accepted because Mark was closely associated with Peter, and according to Papias (as recorded by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History 3.39.15–16), Mark wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s preaching. Theological Consistency — The book had to align with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles....

The Reformation: A Sound-Bite History (Book Review)

...s certain doctrines that are mentioned as being held by some of the Reformers which grate against typical Baptist views. For example, the frequent implication that anyone who still held to some form of “real presence” in the Eucharist hadn't come to the 'pure Gospel truth' yet (despite this being consistent with historical Christianity prior to the Roman Catholic Church’s specific doctrine of transubstantiation). "Widespread ignorance of church history of one reason why the church often falls into errors which it has fallen into before." But aside from those minor issues, the book did well to not feel like it was pushing a certain viewpoint on you an...

Lent: Day 5 - Ignatius to the Ephesians

...of Church doctrine and make Jesus into more than he supposedly was. This is, of course, total nonsense and even a cursory reading of Church History would dispel this notion, but the internet being what it is makes these heresies survive. Towards the end of the letter, Ignatius also gives us an overview of the gospel, and from what I understand, one of the earliest extra-biblical accounts for the virgin birth: For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. Along with more calls and praises for unity, Ignatius seems to have very clear views on church structure and...

Nails, Theses, and Myth: The Truth About Luther's Famous Door

...hurch’s doctrine wholesale. The 95 Theses contain no mention of sola fide, no critique of papal authority, and no reference to Scripture as the sole rule of faith. As theologian Michael Reeves rightly points out, “If the ninety-five theses were meant to be a Reformation manifesto, they were a pretty poor effort.” Rather than launching Protestantism, the Theses mark the beginning of a debate — one that would take Luther, and the Church, in directions neither could have foreseen. And Luther was not alone. Before him, men like Jan Hus, John Wycliffe, Bernard of Clairvaux, Anselm of Canterbury, and Thomas Aquinas had all called for reform from within t...