Why the Filioque controversy still matters ... especially to creedal Protestants
Why the Filioque controversy still matters ... especially to believing creedal Protestants.
By Jack Bowdle,
Special to virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
July 5, 2012
In our local Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation we use, on a monthly basis, the western version of the Nicene Creed in our morning liturgy. (Hereafter I'll refer to this historic Christian expression of belief only as "the Creed.") Why does it matter which version of the Creed we use?
Some years ago I became interested in studying more about this historic Christian expression of faith. As part of my study, I reprised the arguments for and against the inclusion of the Filioquephrase into the Creed. The formation, insertion and use of this phrase by the church at Rome played a major role in the church-shattering, East-West (Byzantine vs. Latin) schism of the year 1054.
Please note that the argument basis of this paper is not theological; it is canonical. The author of this paper, a layman, is not a trained theologian nor does he desire to go toe-to-toe with anyone on this central issue from a theological perspective. My only concern is how this addition came into popular usage (in the West) and why believing, Creed-embracing Protestants everywhere should want to delete this unauthorized phrase.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
By Jack Bowdle,
Special to virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
July 5, 2012
In our local Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation we use, on a monthly basis, the western version of the Nicene Creed in our morning liturgy. (Hereafter I'll refer to this historic Christian expression of belief only as "the Creed.") Why does it matter which version of the Creed we use?Some years ago I became interested in studying more about this historic Christian expression of faith. As part of my study, I reprised the arguments for and against the inclusion of the Filioquephrase into the Creed. The formation, insertion and use of this phrase by the church at Rome played a major role in the church-shattering, East-West (Byzantine vs. Latin) schism of the year 1054.
Please note that the argument basis of this paper is not theological; it is canonical. The author of this paper, a layman, is not a trained theologian nor does he desire to go toe-to-toe with anyone on this central issue from a theological perspective. My only concern is how this addition came into popular usage (in the West) and why believing, Creed-embracing Protestants everywhere should want to delete this unauthorized phrase.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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