Theological Journals, Part 3: 10/4/2022

William Whittaker’s “Disputation on Holy Scripture:” Dr. Whittaker retails the opening question on Trent’s assertion that to deny their view of the Canon entails anathematization. Dr. Whittaker takes a tour of Axe-men in church history that have expunged, diluted or dismissed canonical scripture. The engagement with heretics is enlightening and far beyond the Marcions and Cerdons of church history. Gnostics and others. Dr. Whittaker is giving the historic tour on canonical questions. Can anyone say the 1979 BCP’s lectionary? The Marcions have landed. John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England:” the Preface to this volume is a lengthy rebuttal to a Mr. Butler’s “Handbook of Roman Catholic,” an English product. The preface is a blunt takedown and confrontation. This is rather lengthy and will be followed by a “Life of Jewell” before taking up Jewel’s “Apology.” Jewel, like others, suffered for his Protestant and Reformed faith. That puts steel in the backbone and light in the head. He was not a Nicodemite Christian, lurking in the shadows. ANF1—“Apostolic Fathers and Justin Martyr:” summaries were given of all of Ignatius’s writings. Barnabas is next. ANF 1 will be a long time in finishing. One observation, amongst others, is the frequent exhortation to watch for false teachers. True then, true now. Alas, we’re surrounded by them. Good, they won’t get away this time.