God-Centered

God-Centered Paradigm

Traditional churches today are by definition counter-cultural.  Partly, because they are God-centered.  Traditional Anglican churches are even MORE counter-cultural.  The emphasis on the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, the Sacraments, the Liturgy, etc. seems a little old-fashioned to some.  One might ask: what is the relevance in today’s culture?  Well, a helpful video illustrates, there is a difference between being God-centered vs. being man-centered.  As you contemplate coming to visit us or even as a long-time Christian, this video is a helpful reminder on the reason the church exists in the first place.  It’s all about God’s glory.  Therefore, the paradigm for traditional Anglicanism is not man-centered; it’s God-centered.

The Trinity?

Even those coming from other Christian denominations might not be used to hearing about the Trinity so much.  This could be counter-cultural for some Christians!  I highly recommend this article to get some intuition on the importance of the Trinity.  While this is taken from an Eastern Orthodox resource, there is much in the article that intersects with Anglicanism.  As a matter of fact, every time we recite the “Gloria Patri” during any weekday office or holy communion, we are affirming our Trinitarian theology.

Lord Have Mercy?

When coming to mass, or when praying any of the Morning or Evening Offices, you will hear the phrase “Lord Have Mercy”.  If coming from an evangelical background, you might be confused by this emphasis.  I think this video, coming from Orthodox Christian Frederica Mathews-Green, offers a great explanation.  Asking God for mercy is not groveling, but rather asking for His compassion.  In Anglicanism, there are lots and lots of these phrases, all over the place.

Truth and Love Together

In conclusion: the One, Holy, Apostolic and Catholic church is as relevant as you can get.  And, there is no competition between God-centered worship and experiencing God’s love for yourself.  As Baptist pastor/theologian John Piper famously said: “God Is Most Glorified in Us When We Are Most Satisfied in Him“.