by Daniel S. Trout
Herman Bavinck–in accord with most other Reformed theologians–proposes that the pactum salutis (the pact made between the members of the Trinity for redemption) makes known the divine life of the Holy Trinity as a covenantal life, wherein covenant communion flourishes to the fullest extent. According to Bavinck’s reasoning, it logically follows [...]
Archive for February, 2007
Covenant Lordship: God’s Character or Life?
Posted in Miscellaneous on February 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
Christianity and Economics
Posted in Culture on February 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
Since the end of the 19th century, a lively controversy has grown within the “Christian” world over the economic system that best represents the mission of God’s Kingdom and/or best conforms to biblical norms and laws regarding trade and industry. This has come to a head in more recent decades with [...]
Symbols in Turmoil
Posted in Culture on February 28, 2007 | 1 Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
The removal of the bronze cross from the chapel on the William and Mary campus–justified in the name of political correctness to make the sanctuary more “religiously neutral”–broaches the alarming abuse of symbols in our contemporary culture. What is so interesting about the situation with the cross is the way it [...]
Lenten Thought: Day 1 (Ash Wednesday)
Posted in Liturgical Arts on February 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
The OT reading this morning from Isaiah 58 was a stern reminder that fasting (or any sort of ascetic discipline) must be regarded as something much more than personal discipline or even sacrificial pursuit of godliness. Even if we delight in drawing closer to God in this manner, the words of the [...]
The Catholic Priesthood II: Origins of Episcopacy
Posted in Ecclesiology on February 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
When we consider the historical development of Church polity, we must, as we do with any facet of belief or practice, honor the work of the Holy Spirit within the Church’s unique narrative, but also critically examine our own mythos in light of how history presents itself and in deference to the [...]
In Celebration of the Incarnation
Posted in Liturgical Arts on February 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
The Angelus is one of the oldest and most devotional ways of honoring our Lord’s Incarnation. It developed primarily in the West, probably originating with monks in the 10th century, then developing into the version we now recognize by the 16th century. Traditionally, it has been recited three times daily: [...]
Reflections on a Funeral
Posted in Liturgical Arts on February 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
Today I attended the funeral of a dear sister in Christ, Shirley Hines, and was fortunate enough to participate in her honor as the crucifer. Not only was this occasion a chance for me to say goodbye to one of the sweetest and most generous people I have ever met, but [...]
The Catholic Priesthood I: Mediators of the Sacred
Posted in Ecclesiology on February 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
One point of agreement shared by all Christians–Protestant or Catholic–is that an ordained minister of God performs a variety of roles within the Church, earning with that a collection of names to accompany and identify those particular functions. For example, if he is engaged in the preaching of the Word, he [...]
Lenten Reflections: Practicing an Active Penance
Posted in Liturgical Arts on February 9, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
by Daniel S. Trout
It’s almost shocking to realize that nearly a year has passed since my first Lenten experience, but this past Sunday was Septuagesima, which signalled the beginning of the pre-Lenten season. As I marvel at the time that has passed and how much I have changed (likewise, how little), I must remember this [...]
