Tag: church

by Daniel Sutkowski

The Priesthood of the Church

As a Catholic, in conversations with fellow Christians, the question of the priesthood often arises. What is the purpose of a priest? Certainly, one can point to the importance of having a Church for doctrinal unity, but that points more to the importance of a Church rather than priests. Christ’s Apostles were fishermen, people from various walks of life, distinctly not part of the priestly contingent in Israel’s society. Why then does the Church have a priesthood, and what function does it serve? The quick answer to this question is the sacraments, the greatest of which is the Eucharist. The … Continue reading “The Priesthood of the Church” →

by Camille Lopez

Toward a Conversational Christianity

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —  Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth’s superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased  With Explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind.   — Emily Dickinson, quoted in Peterson   I was fortunate. I read Eugene Peterson’s Tell It Slant—a book concerned with “out-of-the-way, unstudied, and everyday conversations” (3)—in the company of friends who relish out-of-the-way, unstudied, everyday conversations. From these friends I have gained a very valuable lesson in run-of-the-mill holiness, that is, the sanctity of that which seems … Continue reading “Toward a Conversational Christianity” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Christian Midrash: In the Church Today

Given my staple here as a writer who submits to and defends the authority of the Catholic Church, I am taking a bit of a step back in these four articles where I will explore some random theological ideas. The articles are based on a paper I wrote in University in which I hope to take what good has come from Midrashic texts and blend it with Christianity. In my first article, I explained what Midrash is and how Christian Midrash can exist. In my second I went into what I see to be a form of Christian Midrash, The … Continue reading “Christian Midrash: In the Church Today” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Apostolic Succession Part 2: Heresy, Hooligans, and the Holy

This article is a continuation of a previous post, where I begin my three article journey responding to Zach. In this piece I will look at Apostolic Succession through a historical lens, bringing together many of the “Fact Checks” from my previous post. We will clearly define what is meant by Apostolic Succession and why theological cohesion was sought by the early Church, as well as the condemnation of heresy. In my next article I will discuss scriptural and historical evidence for Apostolic Succession. As with many debated topics, Apostolic Succession can be made into a straw man by its … Continue reading “Apostolic Succession Part 2: Heresy, Hooligans, and the Holy” →

by Z S

Church and State Part Three: Popes and Kings

Henry IV waiting outside the gates of Canossa Castle whilst ecclesiastical leaders jeer from inside the castle walls. Captions read "Henricus 4 Emperour Waiting 3 dayes upon Pope Gregory 7. Image of Antichrist." Woodcut from Acts and Monuments (1570)

This is the third installation in a series of articles in which I present my view of church history with a focus on the relationship between church and state. In my last article, I covered the caesaropapism. Today I cover the middle ages, the Holy Roman Empire, and the papacy. In my next and last installation, I will cover the reformation. By no means does this series provide a comprehensive history. This article covering the middle ages does not even mention Charlemagne, Pepin’s reforms, Wycliffe, or the Hussites. Rather, I have chosen to focus on a small number of events … Continue reading “Church and State Part Three: Popes and Kings” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

What Real Ecumenism Looks Like

For the past few years, Zach and I have had a running debate with Vlad about whether the term “Ecumenical” aptly describes Morning Walk. Zach and I advocate for its inclusion into our Mission Statement. Vlad, in all his belligerent Russian Orthodox fashion, thinks the word speaks too much like a festering of High Church Anglicans getting together with Vatican higher-ups to dither about much of nothing and sign something that has little real world implications. Such “Ecumenism” does not reflect the spirit of true Christian ecumenical conversation, and Vlad is right to be concerned with the usage of a … Continue reading “What Real Ecumenism Looks Like” →

by Benjamin Bjorkman

Christianity of the Third Millennium

I can see the merits of Sola Scriptura. I can see why so many people choose to adopt that ideology. Just as Jesus seemingly condensed the law into two rules, so a summary compilation of the tenets of the faith, the Bible, condenses the work of millennia. It’s easier to read, and, in theory, it’s all a Christian needs to learn the faith. I posit, however, that adhering to Sola Scriptura alone can lead to dangerous levels of oversight. In 2020 Anno Domini, poverty is considerably less of an issue than in 20 Anno Domini. Is the means of our … Continue reading “Christianity of the Third Millennium” →