Ancient Anglican

For each hymn I have linked to the Hymnary.org discussion of the hymn which gives a brief overview of the author, notes of scriptural references, bulletin notes, and different tunes to which the hymn may be sung.

“When someone reads the words of a psalm as an act of worship, he or she takes over, in a sense, the psalm’s authorship. It may have been written by an ancient Levite, but at the moment of its recitation, its words become the worshiper’s own.” James Kugel, “How to Read the Bible”

Therefore if you enjoy singing hymns in church, it all goes back to a 15th-century Czech reformer whose descendants’ hymns caused the conversion of two Anglican priests. Tonight, we will look at Hus and Wesley and other people who influenced the development of our hymnody.

John Wesley instructs us that all hymn singing must be done spiritually with an eye towards singing the words written and not being carried away by the tune.  And so, as we go through the hymns over the next several weeks, make sure that all of our singing is done to the glory of God and the edification of our hearts.

In commenting on Romans 16:6, Chrysostom says  “How is this? A woman again is honored and proclaimed victorious.  Again, we men are put to shame. . . . For an honor, we men have in that there are such women amongst us.”

This week, we are going to study everyone in Paul’s farewell.

Paul’s command to us is not to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, but it is to live in love and peace and harmony with those with whom we may strongly disagree.  For if you only love those who love you, what good is that?

The question, therefore, is how can a congregation be reconciled when one faction is denying God’s grace and the other is denying the clear rules of Scripture written in stone?  How can the congregation live in peace and togetherness is the question addressed.

What does it look like to have love govern all things. If love is the lens through which to interpret Scripture, how do our Bibles readings change?  If love governs our actions, how does our behaviour change?  If love dictates our thoughts, how does we change?

In 17th century England, to be a good Biblical Anglican (as opposed to a Reformed Puritan) was a steadfast belief in the Divine Right of Kings. The unequivocal commands of Scripture required nothing less.  (This understanding later influenced many Anglicans to remain loyal to George III.) 

Secular society teaches us that the goal in life is self-actualization.If we are concerned with self-actualization, then our love cannot be genuine or zealous, we cannot bless those who persecute us, or even rejoice with those who rejoice, because each of these activities is ultimately self-less.

Therefore, as you go out into the world this week, seek out the Canaanite in your life.  Seek out that person or group for whom you are certain stands outside of God’s Kingdom. Engage them without judging them and be ready for God to work within them and within you.