Why are Evangelicals Converting to Roman Catholicism?, Pt 1
Why are Evangelicals Converting to Roman Catholicism?
This seems relevant to the worship discussion, at least in a peripheral manner, see also this post. Evangelicals have been running to the open arms of Roman Catholocism in record numbers. The article cites four reasons: certainty, history, unity, and authority. I would add aesthetics to this list. (NOTE: I don't say aesthetics to be dismissive of the move. We are creatures who think and express in symbol, metaphor, and ritual -- think "Lord's Supper" and "baptism" for example.) Younger evangelicals are seeking community, authenticity and continuity with the past. Given the increasingly transient nature of our society this is not so difficult to understand.
It seems that in reacting against formalism and the overly external sacrementalism perceived first in the pre-Reformation era church and indeed, even in some of the more liturgical protestant churches of the Reformation, our forebears overcorrected. We can affirm the intimate and personal nature of devotion recaptured via the pietists that is emphasized by mainstream evangelicalism today while at the same time recognizing that the proverbial baby was thrown out with said bathwater. Perhaps such polarizing moves are necessary to overcome the weight of error, but it's been long enough that it's time to reexamine our approach to worship.
Coming in Part 2, The sources of theology: Scripture, Tradition and Culture
Why are Evangelicals Converting to Roman Catholicism?
This seems relevant to the worship discussion, at least in a peripheral manner, see also this post. Evangelicals have been running to the open arms of Roman Catholocism in record numbers. The article cites four reasons: certainty, history, unity, and authority. I would add aesthetics to this list. (NOTE: I don't say aesthetics to be dismissive of the move. We are creatures who think and express in symbol, metaphor, and ritual -- think "Lord's Supper" and "baptism" for example.) Younger evangelicals are seeking community, authenticity and continuity with the past. Given the increasingly transient nature of our society this is not so difficult to understand.
It seems that in reacting against formalism and the overly external sacrementalism perceived first in the pre-Reformation era church and indeed, even in some of the more liturgical protestant churches of the Reformation, our forebears overcorrected. We can affirm the intimate and personal nature of devotion recaptured via the pietists that is emphasized by mainstream evangelicalism today while at the same time recognizing that the proverbial baby was thrown out with said bathwater. Perhaps such polarizing moves are necessary to overcome the weight of error, but it's been long enough that it's time to reexamine our approach to worship.
Coming in Part 2, The sources of theology: Scripture, Tradition and Culture
Why are Evangelicals Converting to Roman Catholicism?
posted by saument @ 8:30 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I only question the source of these numbers of evangelicals moving to Catholicism. Just curious.
This statement might be true based on location however here in San Antonio Texas that's definatley not the case. I find that catholics aren't even converting at all only merely discovering a relationship with God that transcends the limitations of an institutionalized religion into a realistic tangible personal salvation experience through Jesus Christ. Wether that leads them to relocate as far as their fellowship or church is based on the individuals personal leading of the Holy Spirit, relevant to calling and destiny.
Thanks for your comment. I agree with what you're saying, but I think you mis-read the post. I was talking about evangelicals converting to Roman Catholocism, not the other way around.
Post a Comment
<< Home