midweek learning for (would-be) grownups
On September 10 we'll resume our Wednesday evening sessions at All Souls', and our first topic of conversation will be the sacraments. Last year we did an extended study of sacramental theology as it applies to the Eucharist, so this time we will focus on the meaning of Baptism and why Baptism is a sacrament. Then we will go on to look at the “other” sacraments — if there are any others! The Articles of Religion — for many centuries the core theological expression of Anglicanism — have this to say on the subject:
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
This is confusing! — so let’s see if we can sort it out, and in the process get a better understanding of the ways in which our God makes His grace available to us, so we can love Him in return, and follow His paths.
Then, later in the fall, we will begin a series on food — yes, food! We are what we eat, after all. More details about this series are forthcoming.
