God bless the good Bishop for having the courage to speak so quietly and yet so very boldly, as a Christian before a lion. She is an example for us all.
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Your Head Trucker would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on what is a matter of some confusion and contention in the minds of many -- namely, what Christianity is or is not. Now first of all, we must distinguish between belief and practice: there are nominal Christians and there are intentional Christians, which hardly needs explaining if you have a dictionary handy. There are also fake Christians, which we shall come to presently.
Next, we must distinguish between Christian churches as organizations and Christian people: both are liable to make mistakes great and small, to fall into sin and error, to spring forward and to fall back. To err is human, and life would be very dull indeed if it were not so. This very human tendency need not trouble us too much, realizing the gravity and frequency of our own human tendencies from time to time (which we try not to advertise).
Your Head Trucker hastens to confess that he is not a good example of anything to anyone - except perhaps in failing, flailing, and fumbling the ball. I cling to the Cross not because I am good, but because God knows I need all the help I can get.
Having narrowed down to the question of what Christianity is, I can offer no better summation, after a lifetime of study and thought, than the Baptismal Covenant from the Book of Common Prayer (American version of 1979), which appears below, after the jump. It is a sort of condensed chatechism that is asked of all who present themselves for baptism or confirmation in the Episcopal Church; it is occasionally used as a reminder in other worship services during the church year.
You will notice that the first three questions ask whether you believe and assent to the Apostle's Creed, the ancient statement of Christian faith. The other five questions ask whether you intend to live a Christian life. I find the fifth question is the one that sticks in my mind the most - a high standard to aim at.
I do not say anyone has to believe in Christ or be a Christian. As of this writing, it is still a free country, and anyone can believe what he likes, or disbelieve. I am merely presenting the essence of Christianity here, which all major churches would agree with, as a public service. When you see or hear someone claiming to be a Chrstian, this is a very handy standard by which to measure their words and deeds. I do hope this clarifies things.
You're welcome.
The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
People I will, with God's help.
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