Hi, I grew up Roman Catholic and was Orthodox for a few years but started having some theological as well as social doubts that has me trying to decide between the two liturgical mainline denominations. With Lutheranism I'm pretty much all on board with the Augsburg Confession and really like Lutheran theology. I have attended an "Evangelical Catholic" Lutheran church that has that liturgical reverence as well as a commitment to the confessions.
With Anglicanism it seems that it's very fragmented, with a lot more diversity of theological and liturgical preferences. Yet, it's interesting that the reformed evangelicals, charismatics, laudians, and anglo-catholics are all in communion with each other despite their differences. I am particularly interested in the "Old High Church" as well as the Anglo-Catholic traditions, and after attending St Thomas Fifth Avenue for Evensong I must say that the liturgical beauty attracts me.
I think it boils down to whether or not I believe a church should be confessional or not. With Lutheranism everyone believes in the same things as there is a coherent doctrinal statement that keeps everyone united, and they vary in terms of worship practices. With Anglicanism, it seems that the only doctrinal requirement are the Creeds. I find myself a little at odds with the 39 Articles, but it seems that generally they aren't heeded much attention by Episcopalians so I don't know if that matters. While I understand the two are in full communion, I plan on pursuing ordination so I need to pledge my "loyalty" to one of them lol
To me, they seem like solid protestant faiths with lots of similarities, both having a strong liturgical and doctrinal link to the early Church. However, as I try to finalize my choice I feel conflicted regarding their emphases.
Which is the correct approach? From the surface, it seems that having doctrinal orthodoxy through a common confession is a good approach as there is teaching that's upheld to catechize the church. With this in mind, diversity can be found in worship based on individual preferences.
However, on further reflection a faith expression categorized by common worship (lex orandi, lex credendi) while allowing multiple perspectives on the eternally unknowable questions to coexist in communion with each other seems appealing, as well. Perhaps having freedom to believe independently is the way things should be done, but then I wonder what authoritative truths can be taught as a standard if everything is a free-for-all?
I'm stuck, guys, I'd appreciate the help.
With Anglicanism it seems that it's very fragmented, with a lot more diversity of theological and liturgical preferences. Yet, it's interesting that the reformed evangelicals, charismatics, laudians, and anglo-catholics are all in communion with each other despite their differences. I am particularly interested in the "Old High Church" as well as the Anglo-Catholic traditions, and after attending St Thomas Fifth Avenue for Evensong I must say that the liturgical beauty attracts me.
I think it boils down to whether or not I believe a church should be confessional or not. With Lutheranism everyone believes in the same things as there is a coherent doctrinal statement that keeps everyone united, and they vary in terms of worship practices. With Anglicanism, it seems that the only doctrinal requirement are the Creeds. I find myself a little at odds with the 39 Articles, but it seems that generally they aren't heeded much attention by Episcopalians so I don't know if that matters. While I understand the two are in full communion, I plan on pursuing ordination so I need to pledge my "loyalty" to one of them lol
To me, they seem like solid protestant faiths with lots of similarities, both having a strong liturgical and doctrinal link to the early Church. However, as I try to finalize my choice I feel conflicted regarding their emphases.
Which is the correct approach? From the surface, it seems that having doctrinal orthodoxy through a common confession is a good approach as there is teaching that's upheld to catechize the church. With this in mind, diversity can be found in worship based on individual preferences.
However, on further reflection a faith expression categorized by common worship (lex orandi, lex credendi) while allowing multiple perspectives on the eternally unknowable questions to coexist in communion with each other seems appealing, as well. Perhaps having freedom to believe independently is the way things should be done, but then I wonder what authoritative truths can be taught as a standard if everything is a free-for-all?
I'm stuck, guys, I'd appreciate the help.
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