Semper Reformanda

You’d either have to know Latin or church history to know what that means, but Semper Reformanda was a phrase used by some of the Protestant Reformers to indicate that church reformation is always ongoing; literally “always reforming.”

As I look at 2000 years of church history one thing I note is that the church has regularly been called back from a place of compromise, apathy and lethargy to a place of greater faithfulness and vibrancy. Read the story »

Obscuring Reality

As I think about the last 2000 years in the history of the church there are many people and groups that I admire.  I often wish I knew a little more about the early church Fathers because they lived so close to Jesus that I’m inclined to the belief that their faith was more pure.  Untainted.  There are aspects of the lives and teachings of Polycarp, Irenaeus, Justin that really hit home for me.  Later I see the deep devotion of the Desert Fathers.  Then, of course, there is Augustine.

I appreciate the devotion, the call to a simple life and authentic faith that can be seen in the Waldensians in France, the Lollards in England and the Moravians in Bohemia.

I’m inspired by the mind of the Reformers and the devotion of the Radical Reformers.

But looking at the history of the church, there is something in each individual or group that, to me, just isn’t quite right.   Read the story »

Lessons From Church History

Over the past 6 months I’ve been teaching a Sunday School class in church history.  When we step back from the specific details of God’s work in his church through time there are some repeated trends that one notices.  I want to think through some of those I’ve noticed as I’ve taught this class.  Rather than give a list I want to examine some specific trends and I’ll dedicate a separate post to each one.

Today, however, I want to lay my presuppositions on the table. Read the story »

Ice Ice Baby - The Podcast

Here’s my first foray into the wubulous world of podcasting.  I’m not exactly sure why I sound like I’m doing this from the inside of a 55 gallon drum and I’ll try to figure that out before next time.  The screeching sound is my wife ripping tape as she was wrapping Christmas gifts.  Aside from that I thought it turned out pretty well for a first-timer.  Later I’ll post some pics of the now famous ice storm.  For your listening enjoyment:

Download BruisedButNotBroken.mp3