Anglican Catechism- Introduction

As Anglicans and others consider Anglican identity, it seems to me that a key expression must always be a catechism. Catechesis or instruction goes back to the beginnings of the biblical tradition. Such instruction is, to give one Old Testament example, cited in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. "Hear, O Israel..." Basic instruction permeates the New Testament and abounds in the ancient Church Fathers. It continued in the Middle Ages, although in many times and places the quality of the instruction was poor.

During the Renaissance and Reformation, there was a renewal of interest in sound basic instruction among Christians of differing perspectives. Many of them used the question-and-answer format that people have often come to associate with catechisms. Martin Luther in particular produced two Catechisms: a longer one as a basic theology manual for pastors and teachers, and a shorter one for the instruction of ordinary Christian children and adults. So it is not surprising that shortly after Henry's break with Rome Anglicans produced several basic forms of instruction. The Bishops' Book (1537) and The King's Book (1543) both contained sections on the Creed and the Commandments.

Thomas Cranmer produced a very short Catechism which was included with the Confirmation rite of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. This simple instruction is on the Creed, the Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Later, two Deans of St. Paul's Cathedral, Nowell and Overall, worked on expanded Catechisms and some of their material on the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper was included in the 1604 revision of the BCP. With a few modifications, this brief Anglican Catechism has remained the same over the centuries. Some people have continued to call for further additions, and these tendencies have been seen in newer catechisms and instructional works among some Anglicans.

While recognizing that Christians may want and need more instruction, I have always admired the relative simplicity and brevity of the traditional Anglican Catechism. It focuses on the core material of Christian teaching in a way that most people can remember over a long period of time. While some phrases may need commentary or modification for contemporary English-speakers, people still need to learn the Creed, the Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and basic concepts about the two gospel Sacraments.

Easter Day- He is risen!

The Paschal Feast, Feast of the Resurrection, or Easter is the high point of the liturgical year. Because of its central importance, it is sometimes difficult to discuss. The words of the Scriptures and the greatness of the liturgy always seem so far beyond my comments. Anything that I say or write is only a momentary glimpse of the great and joyous mysteries that Christians celebrate on this day. 

Jesus of Nazareth is the risen Christ! The one who suffered terrible physical and spiritual agonies to save us from our sin has risen from the dead to offer us new life, in this world and the next. Easter is the great dividing point in human history. The Resurrection is, among other things, the seal of divine approval upon the earthly life, ministry, and death of Jesus. It is the key event that transforms a band of disheartened and defeated disciples into faithful witnesses and ministers of the Good News. All the Gospel accounts of His Resurrection and all the Epistle commentaries and exhortations about it are written from the standpoint of faith in the risen Lord. They are also written to inspire and strengthen that same Resurrection faith in others. 

In the traditional Books of Common Prayer, the first Easter Gospel (St. John 20. 1-10) refers to the importance of faith. The initial reaction of the women at the empty tomb and of the apostles who hear the women's report is not faith. The first reactions are fear, hesitancy, amazement, and curiosity. Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved (traditionally identified as John) run to see for themselves. Peter goes in first to see the grave clothes. "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed" (St. John 20:8). 

The empty tomb is important. It is a real event that must not be denied or ignored. It is an integral part of the New Testament message. Nevertheless, acknowledging the empty tomb is only a first step. This first step must be followed by the second step shown by John; that is, the empty tomb demands the response of belief or faith. So on this Easter, let us renew our faith. let us accept with faith what the empty tomb tells us about Jesus. He is unique. He is not merely someone who recovers from physical death. Others may have experienced resuscitation; He has experienced Resurrection. He has overcome the forces of evil, destruction, and death for all time, for all who truly believe in Him. He is the Word of God incarnate, the Messianic King, God the Son. By overcoming death, He has (in the words of the collect) "opened unto us the gate of everlasting life." Christ lives, and because He lives, we also may truly live in union with Him. Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed; O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

Good Friday

This day has had many names including Paschal Day, Great Friday, Holy Friday and in the English tradition Good Friday. Since the early years of Christianity, it has been observed by fasting, prayer and the reading of Scripture. Over time, Christians have developed and used a variety of special devotional practices for this observance.

Whatever devotions an Anglican or any other Christian observes on this day, the key element, of course, is the Passion story from the Gospels, in particular the account from St. John 19. And whenever I read or hear this passage from John, I am always struck by John 19:30, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." 

"It is finished," that is, Christ's first earthly mission is complete (the Resurrection is bound to this work but it is a new and glorious chapter). His suffering and death were the goal of His incarnation and public ministry. As He had humbled Himself to come down from heaven and become one of us, so He humbled Himself to the end. He who committed no sin was numbered among the transgressors; He offered Himself as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. But He did not just take away the sins of the world in general; He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to take my sins and your sins. If we accept His sacrifice with living faith in Him as our Savior, then this day truly does become Good Friday.