Evening Prayer (Part 2)

EDT on Higher Criticism: Prof. R. K. Harrison indicates that 11 sections are noticeable in Genesis by the toledoth, or, in a hat tip he claims for form criticism. A bit over-stated we think.

In the Global Anglican, Matthew Payne is arguing that “perseverance of the saints” is in the Anglican formularies. Grabbing a box of popcorn for this one. We have an Anglican doing some real theology, unlike our American Bishops. Thank you, Matthew, for this scholarly effort. We’ve taken the train outta Canterbury for Dover for a Channel crossing and to pick up the train to Geneva. We’ll bring the REC BCP, but we’re headed for Reformed waters.

For Systematic Theology (locus 2), Prof. Hodge is wandering around (again) on mysticism in misty ways. The Newfoundland fog is near.

For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Reymond, or, Bishop Reymond for us, holds forth again on the intra-Trinitarian relationship between God the Father and God the Son.

For Ecclesiology (locus 6), Prof. Berkhof comments on Papal government. One man at the top, lesser clerks below, and an infantilized (our word) laity. Pledge, pay and obey or else.

For ODCC: Clement of Rome. A second epistle by Clement is explored. Certainly, the first is genuine and was read at Corinth down to 170 AD along with the Canon.

For Apostolic Christianity, Vol. 1 (0-100) Prof. Schaff circles around the beautiful statements by and about Jesus. Prof. Schaff surely has his more glorious moments and this is one of them.

For Medieval Christianity, Vol. 4 (590-1073), Prof. Schaff continues to explore the sources for Mohammed’s Quran, especially since the epileptic is an illiterate.

For the Swiss Reformation Vol. 8 (1519-1605), Prof. Schaff finally tips the hat to Calvin as he begins to organize the voluminous writings of the Master of Geneva. As much as Augustine and Aquinas and more than Mr. Schaff of Mercersburg, PA, thank you.

For Dr. Cranmer, Prof. MacCulloch comment on some marginalia in Dr. Cranmer’s book that suggest his developments in the 1520s. Bishop Fisher, the ultra-orthodox Anglo-Papist, of course, is a court-approved and church-approved pit bull against the Lutherans. Of course, there are others too. Cranmer’s books have an earlier black ink set of annotations with a later set of red ink annotations. Fisher publishes in 1523 Assertionis Lutheranae Confutatio, published in Antwerp. One annotation accuses Fisher of interpolating a text from Chyrosostom to the effect that James of Jerusalem received his episcopate from Peter. Cranmer’s not amused. Variously, Dr. Cranmer has mild criticism of Fisher. We’ll comment on some of Dr. Cranmer’s horrors, however, at the viciousness and violence of Luther’s attacks against the Pope (27). There are other “cheers from the sidelines” as Fisher eviscerates the “hapless” German Reformer. (Quotation marks are Prof. Mac’s.)

For the Creeds of Christendom, Prof. Schaff offers in a glorious footnote a recitation from Hodge’s ST, 1.130, 150, on infalliblity or, what we’d add, the toxic message of infantilism. Submit or go to hell.

1994 CCC: a further discussion of the word “Credo” is given.

Westminster Larger Catechism 134:

Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.