Category Archives: Apostolic Succession

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 | 20 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

Crossing The Bosphorus

Posted on January 15, 2013 by robertar

  With its many denominations Protestantism is no stranger to people changing churches, but there is something deeply unsettling about a Protestant family deciding to move over to a nearby Orthodox parish.  The phrase “swimming the Tiber” Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Evangelicalism, Sola Scriptura, Tradition | 118 Comments

Holy Tradition’s Importance to Canon Formation

Posted on December 1, 2012 by robertar

  Holy Tradition’s Importance to Canon Formation: A Response to Prof. Daniel Wallace Daniel B. Wallace, Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (perhaps the leading dispensational seminary in the world), wrote Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Mercersburg Theology, Sola Scriptura, Tradition | 51 Comments

Baptist Questions About Ignatius of Antioch

Posted on November 10, 2012 by robertar

  Dear Folks, Burckhardtfan wrote some important questions about Ignatius of Antioch’s understanding of the early Church. As my answer grew longer I decided to turn it into a blog posting. Burkhardtfan wrote: Mr. Arakaki, Thank you Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Church Fathers, Eucharist, Evangelicalism | 13 Comments

Patristics for Baptists?

Posted on June 20, 2012 by robertar

Orthodox Observations on a Recent Debate Among Southern Baptists Reformed theology has been making inroads in unexpected places.  Christianity Today, in a recent article, reported on a surprising trend among Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors.  Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Evangelicalism | 61 Comments

Evangelicals Rediscover Their Family History

Posted on November 30, 2011 by robertar

On 23 November 2011, Christianity Today published “Our Secret African Heritage” by David Neff.  Neff discusses Thomas Oden’s book about The African Memory of Mark (IVP).  John Mark was born in Libya then migrated to Jerusalem where he became one … Continue reading →

Posted in Apostolic Succession, Evangelicalism | Leave a comment

Response to Robin Phillips “Questions About St. Irenaeus and Apostolic Succession”

Posted on August 13, 2011 by robertar

On April 1, 2011, there appeared on Robin’s Readings and Reflections an interesting and important posting: “Questions About St. Irenaeus and Apostolic Succession” by Robin Phillips.  I have reposted Phillips’ article as is followed by my response. Robin Continue Reading

Posted in Apostolic Succession | 26 Comments