Frequently Asked Questions
Faith
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS
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TO WHOM SHOULD CHRISTIAN CHARITY BE DIRECTED?
Charity is commonly understood to be the greatest of the theological virtues. The nature and characteristics of charity are perhaps best described by Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. Charity is directed primarily towards God; but it is also owed to ourselves and our neighbors as the objects of God's love, Its natural opposite is hatred, which may also take the negative form of indifference or apathy.
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WHAT DO EPISCOPALIANS BELIEVE ABOUT SAINTS?
Most Anglican Christians believe that all those who believe in Christ Jesus and attempt to live their lives in accordance with his will and ways are rightly called "saints." We also believe, however, that throughout the course of human history, some men and women have lived their lives in such a way as to be extraordinary examples of Christian faith. These men and women we commemorate with special days throughout the year. The practice of venerating and invoking the saints has long been an element in the Catholic devotion. Its justification rests on the belief that the saints are both close to God (because of their holiness) and accessible to human beings (whose nature they share), and in the efficacy of intercessory prayer. At the time of the Reformation, the practice of veneration of the saints was fiercely repudiated on the ground that it was not explicitly recommended in Scripture. In the 39 Articles of Religion (found in the Historical Documents of the Book of Common Prayer), the practice of veneration was cited as "a Romish Doctrine" and "a fond thing vainly invented." It is debated among modern Anglican theologians whether the Article forbids the invocation of saints altogether, or only condemns exaggerations in the Roman Catholic Church. Anglican doctrine clearly asserts that while prayer through saints may be helpful, it is certainly not necessary. All human beings have direct and full access to the living God through their own prayers. By all accounts, however, most Episcopalians find it helpful to reflect prayerfully upon the lives of the saints and to use elements of the lives of the saints as a basis of imitation for their own lives.
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WHAT IS THE CHURCH ALL ABOUT (PART 1 OF 4)
Life as Christians can become complicated and in need of prioritizing. There are four Greek words that clarify what Church is all about: kerygma, leitourgia, diakono, and koinonia. Kerygma will be discussed here, but look to further issues of Ascension Q's and A's for an explanation of the other words. Kerygma is the proclamation of the Good News through preaching, renewal aud evangelism. Holy Scripture is the basic source of our salvation history, and every sermon should have good news as a component. Evangelism to the unchurched and lapsed is a Gospel ministry laid on all baptized persons. Our personal and parish renewal and commitment enhances this ministry,
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