So things have been a little busy with Christmas time! Anyhow, I recently viewed
Monty Python and the Holy Grail for the first time and enjoyed it. I was asked to expound on a previous post about
The Westminster Confession of Faith, so I thought I'd do that now. In the future, I'd like to read
The Book of Concord, which is the Lutheran statement of faith. I will also be posting more about the theology of John Calvin in the future, especially now that I got
Calvin's Doctrine of the Church by Benjamin Charles Milner in the mail.
The Presbyterian Church has its origins in the Calvinist movements of France and Scotland. The Huguenots were so named by their opponents for their loyalty to a past French King by the name of Hugo. The Huguenots took their Cross from the Hospitaller Crusader Knights. These French Calvinists were superstitious and believed in the presence of ghosts as taught in Medieval Literature, especially King Hugo of France.
The Huguenot Cross above shows much resemblance to the Maltese Cross used by the Knights of St. John, that fought in the Medieval Crusades.
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a brief summary of Presbyterian doctrine. It was formed by Presbyterians in the 17th century, largely in the context of the English Civil War. I have found the confession to be nicely written and to the point in regards to doctrine. I disagree with some of the doctrines laid out in this historic confession. All in all, the confession is a worthy and well-written standard of Presbyterian Faith. Whether you like it or not, it is an important Confession to read in helping to understand a major branch of Protestant Theology.
The Westminster Confession of Faith is not simply important as a statement of doctrine. Its true importance arguably is that it helps us understand the worldview of many Protestants from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Perhaps you could expound on your understanding of that "worldview" in a further exposition?
ReplyDeleteBy ''worldview,'' I mean their general theological beliefs: God is holy, God hates sin, etc. The Puritans had a serious religious worldview.
DeleteI agree that the Westminster Confession helps us to understand the worldview on many Protestants of the 17th century because it's primary mission is to inform us, through catechisms, of our relationship to God and how that relationship should be and is. The main point being that the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. I remember us first talking about the Huguenots and the origin of their name. It is a very interesting time in the history of Christianity and especially in the history of the Reformation. I think it sad that the Baptist churches don't use their confession or catechisms more. Thanks for the very enjoyable piece that you shared. I love it!
ReplyDeleteYes, many of the Baptist have lost so much by forsaking their Confessions. While there are Baptist that are still traditional, many of them have been more influenced by Evangelicalism than Protestantism.
DeleteSadly, I agree.
DeleteYes.
DeleteTy Joshua for this blog. It’s definitely something I look forward to❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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DeleteI very much like the idea of confessions of faith. Much confusion could be avoided if Christians in general taught from a young age, the basic doctrines. Instead, it seems to be Willy nilly. Thus confusing. Much effort is made to teach the Bible. And that is excellent, but so huge an undertaking that few can retain significant knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYes.
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