Hey Bloggers! I have not posted in a while, so let me fill you in on what has been going on. I graduated from college (B.A. in Biblical Studies from Criswell College), and I have been extremely busy with that task, hence the reason for no new posts. During this time I was also accepted into a graduate program, M.A. in Church History at the University of Nottingham, UK, and I will start in the Fall of 2011. I have also started attending a new church (Church of the Incarnation, Dallas) and am considering the Anglican Priesthood, but currently planning on planting a church in Oregon with some of my dear friends.
Be on the look out for some Advent/Christmas based posts in the coming days.
God Bless!
Michael Templin
Awesome news Michael! Best of blessings and the Lord’s guidance as you walk along “In Christ”.
Fr. Robert +++
Missed that last box..
Thank you Fr Robert! If you ever have a chance, send me a message about Anglicanism, and what the ordained life is like!
In Christ
Mike
Hey Mike,
Now that I am sort of semi-retired, I get some freedom to speak and preach at other churches. I enjoy some Lutheran groups also. I have also been doing some hospital chaplain work, which I like in many ways though it can be challenging. But I always enjoy the traditional Anglican services, too. Since I am an Anglican priest I have several people who also like spiritual direction (some former RC’s), and they ask for Confession, which I do in sort of a Low-Church way, but certainly within my own experience as both Catholic and Evangelical. I have loved my life and call as a “priest-presbyter” as an Anglican! But I have seen my share of the CoE / Anglican wars, etc. As you can no doubt see I have always been a conservative for the most part. And at one time I was close to Orthodoxy. I still value much within their tradition, the Trinity and Christology, etc. Though I am always classically a Reformed Anglican. As I have said, or stated.. as a ‘Calvin Calvinist’ type. But I do consider myself to be a catholic & reformed Anglican. I am seeking the balance of Federal, classic Calvinism, with the newer Federal Vision people, etc. But I always get to land in my own historical and somewhat eclectic place also as an Anglican. Here is something nice about being an Anglican. 🙂
Best mate,
Fr. Robert
Thank you Fr Robert,
I very much enjoy the Anglican way so far. the liturgy, sacraments, and tradition is very beautiful. I live in Texas, so most of our Episcopal Churches are conservative, yet we also have the Reformed Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church North America (Very conservative) all around.
I myself coming from a Southern Baptist/Presbyterian (PCA) tradition am very conservative, but I am less calvinistic than the PCA and too creedal and liturgical for the baptists..I have no place to hang my hat!
I know the Lord has called me into the ministry, but I am having a hard time finding a home (especially since I hold to Credo baptism). I disagree so much with the baptist on many things, yet I’m stuck on baptism! Any advice?
God Bless!
Michael,
I also hold some real tensions in my faith. Since I was raised R. Catholic, and then was close to the Orthodox. But, my doctrine of God is just too Western and Augustinian. I did my D. Phil. back in the 90’s on Luther’s Ontology of the Cross, so Luther has become a real influence on me, as obviously Calvin. In reality, we will always have certain tensions in our faith. For as Paul says, “we know in part”.
I don’t have any quick thoughts as to your position on Baptism. I know mine also can be again eclectic. Sometimes I also feel close to Luther here, but not so much the history of Lutheranism. And yet, I am close again to both Augustine and Peter Martyr Vermigli on Baptism and the whole of the Sacraments.
Have you read Barth here? I know he too has some conflicting views on Baptism somewhat.
I have met some people from the REC here in the US. They, like many of the Continuing Anglican groups are just a mixed bag. Since I am now here in Southern California for the time being, the Anglican condition is rather a mess.
I will pray for you mate, and your path. We know that God is always good and will guide. Though often His way is not easy! I will also be thinking about your situation theologically.. and will pass along any further thoughts.
Yours,
God bless you Fr Robert and thanks for the input. I spent some time in LA for short term missionary work, and I do not envy you! 🙂
Mike,
Yeah, thank God we are not really in L.A. itself, but in OC, Yorba Linda. Pretty nice here, but also very “Churched” in the emergent sense. Hopefully we will be back in the UK next spring?