Author Archives: robertar

Is Conversion to Orthodoxy Escapist? A Response to Pastor Steven Wedgeworth

Posted on May 19, 2013 by robertar

  On 16 May 2013, The Calvinist International posted an article by Pastor Steven Wedgeworth: “Alexander Schmemann on Ecclesiastical Counter-Utopia.”  It is a curious article; apart from the one opening sentence by Pastor Wedgeworth, the rest Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Evangelicalism, Sola Scriptura, Tradition | 21 Comments

Affirming the Ecumenical Early Church

Posted on May 11, 2013 by robertar

  On 29 April 2013 The Calvinist International posted Pastor Steven Wedgeworth’s provocative article: “The Myth of the Ecumenical Early Church.” The “myth” or “misconception” that he seeks to debunk was that the pre-Nicene and Nicene church Continue Reading

Posted in Church Fathers | 36 Comments

An Easter Sermon for the Ages

Posted on May 6, 2013 by robertar

  This Sunday, Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christ’s resurrection.  As part of the Pascha (Easter) service,  Saint John Chrysostom’s Pascha (Easter) homily is read out loud in every Orthodox parish around the world. Thus, Continue Reading

Posted in Worship | 46 Comments

Holy Thursday

Posted on May 3, 2013 by robertar

We are now in the midst of Orthodox Holy Week. On Holy Thursday, the Church holds the Service of Holy Passion.  In this service we read through the passion narratives from all four Gospels in twelve installments.  In the middle … Continue reading →

Posted in Worship | 4 Comments

Theological Conversations With Friends

Posted on April 24, 2013 by robertar

Folks, I recently received a comment from David Jones, an Orthodox Christian, who has been in conversation with a Reformed pastor about my paper on the Reformed doctrine of predestination.  Below are my responses. Robert   David, I’m Continue Reading

Posted in Predestination | 8 Comments

A Peek Into Orthodoxy

Posted on April 6, 2013 by robertar

If you ever wondered what an Orthodox Church looks like on the inside, what happens during the Sunday morning service, and what kind of people you might meet there this video is highly recommended.  Ted Liedle produced this short 14 … Continue reading →

Posted in Worship | 23 Comments

Happy Western Easter!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by robertar

  On 31 March 2013 Western Christians (Protestants and Roman Catholics) will be celebrating Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead. Due to different calendars Western and Eastern Easter celebrations in 2013 will be a month apart: 31 March and Continue … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Fathers, Worship | 8 Comments

Is St. Patrick an Orthodox Saint?

Posted on March 17, 2013 by robertar

  This coming Sunday will mark the feast day of Saint Patrick – Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland.  This may come as a surprise to many that St. Patrick was and is an Orthodox Saint centuries before Rome … Continue reading →

Posted in Church History | 7 Comments

Christian Discipleship Under Holy Tradition

Posted on March 8, 2013 by robertar

  One common fear is the fear of the unknown. Many Protestants contemplating becoming Orthodox wonder what Christian discipleship under Holy Tradition will be like.  Will I have to believe strange doctrines and do odd rituals?  Will I Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Church Fathers, Discipleship, Sola Scriptura, Tradition | 16 Comments

Protestant Presupposition(s) About Holy Tradition – Right or Wrong?

Posted on February 23, 2013 by robertar

Nicodemus’ Challenge to Protestants             Guest post by ‘Nicodemus’ It’s been said the Truth is latent in your presupposition. Or, that your conclusions rest, a priori, in your presuppositions. Continue Reading

Posted in Church Fathers, Epistemology, Sola Scriptura, Tradition | 7 Comments