Episcopal gifts - pass them on!

I was listening to a podcast episode the other day about the Bible, one where two evangelical Bible scholars were interviewing a prominent Catholic theologian. They discussed how Protestants have tended to elevate the Bible to a position of ultimate authority, while Catholics have tended to do that with the Pope and the institution of the church. Both of those approaches can lead to idolatry, they pointed out, where the object of authority becomes the most important thing of all, even outweighing God. A better way to seek understanding, they noted, is to balance both scripture and the tradition of the church with our own experience of God. I wanted to interrupt their conversation and shout: that's the Anglican method! That is exactly part of the genius of our tradition, that idea of the 'three-legged stool' (the theologian called it a 'tricycle,' nice idea of movement in that) - if one leg is taken away, we get unbalanced. It's an excellent way to test out our experience and ideas of God, to see what scripture would say and what the tradition of the church has taught. Another reminder that we have so much to offer in the Episcopal Church! 

And besides all that, we have a wonderful BBQ and games event coming up in a few weeks on August 1, and we're planning a fall season of spiritually nourishing worship and study. This is a great time to share the good news and invite friends and neighbors to church.

(If you're curious, the podcast is "The Bible for Normal People." The episode included Pete Enns and Jared Byas interviewing Fr. Richard Rohr.)