Fritz a wonderful lesson – and esp. reading has a flow I found encompassing. If only …….. yes we can…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 7: Descended into Hell
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Descended into HellA close examination of this phrase can help us gain some perspective on what is involved in using a 2000 year-old creed. When I was young, I thought it meant I had to believe in hell. That made me uncomfortable…
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Lesson 6: Jesus Suffered
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Jesus SufferedThe next portion of the second article also emphasizes Jesus was a human with all of our limitations. “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried”. There is nothing make believe here. Jesus dies. And before he…
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Lesson 5: Is Jesus Special? How?
Read MORE: Lesson 5: Is Jesus Special? How?Creeds are not complete statements of what we believe. For the most part, they state positions the Church has taken on controversial issues. You see that easily when you examine the second article. It skips from Jesus’ birth to his…
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Lesson 4: All Creation is Interrelated
Read MORE: Lesson 4: All Creation is InterrelatedWhen we confess belief in a loving God who creates everything good, we acknowledge all things are unique and interrelated. Francis’ encyclical puts it this way in #86. “We understand better the importance and meaning of each creature if we…
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Lesson 3: Creator of Heaven and Earth
Read MORE: Lesson 3: Creator of Heaven and EarthThe second observation we should make is that the creed speaks of the creation of heaven and earth. These few words make some significant points. First, God creates place. Perhaps the central point of Francis’ encyclical is that the earth…
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Lesson 2: The Almighty is Father
Read MORE: Lesson 2: The Almighty is FatherTo confess “I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth” is to take a significant position in the modern world. One way to highlight this is to consider the implications in light of Pope Francis’ “Laudato…
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Lesson 1: What is a Creed?
Read MORE: Lesson 1: What is a Creed?Before we examine the Apostles’ Creed, we had better remember the roles creeds play in the Church. Obviously, the first is to state what an individual believes. “Credo” is “I believe.” That is not to claim the creed summarizes a…
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Lesson 14: Preparing for the Pope’s Trip– Reformation
Read MORE: Lesson 14: Preparing for the Pope’s Trip– ReformationMost Protestants grew up believing we were not Roman Catholics, because they worshiped Mary and did whatever the Pope told them to do. When pushed, we would insist these are just two examples of how Roman Catholics do not follow…
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Lesson 13: Preparing for the Pope’s Trip– Church & State
Read MORE: Lesson 13: Preparing for the Pope’s Trip– Church & State>Francis’ trip reminds us how much the papacy is involved in church-state relationships. He will be addressing the U.S. congress as well as the United Nations Assembly. He, undoubtedly, will be accompanied by the Vatican ambassador to the U.S. Government.…
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Lesson 12: Preparing for the Pope’s Visit– Curiae and Bishops
Read MORE: Lesson 12: Preparing for the Pope’s Visit– Curiae and BishopsLast week, I wrote of the tension between the Pope being regarded as the first among equals and a supreme monarch. This week, I want to delve deeper into the conflict between the Roman Curiae and the College of Bishops.…
Recent Comments
So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!