Anglicans, in which of the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation do you believe?

[Chafer DTS]

Originally Posted by englishredrose

and yeh I have no idea what the articles are and yes I do know they exist but they don't 'control' my faith. I go to church and listen to the priest and others. My faith is that 'simple' and don't need all the ins and the outs of what to's etc beyond what priests tell us etc Its easier for me that way .

Here are the 39 Articles online from an Anglican web site.


http://anglicansonline.org/basics/th..._articles.html

[JonNC]

Originally Posted by Anna Scott

Anglicans, in which of the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation do you believe?

If you would, please take the poll and then explain your answers.

1. Sola fide ("by faith alone")
2. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone")
3. Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("Christ alone" or "through Christ alone")
4 Sola gratia ("by grace alone")
5. Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

While all are welcome to post on this thread, please only answer the Poll if you are Anglican. I'm really interested in what my fellow Anglicans believe.

Thank you so much! I look forward to your comments.

Anna

Hi Anna,
I didn't vote because I'm not Anglican, but just a comment or two.

I agree with what Edwin said about them to a good degree, but just this about "sola". First let me, if you will, place sola scriptura in a different category. It seems to me that, in many ways. the "sola" is sort of a redundancy. We are saved by grace, for example. I don't believe there are many Christians who believe there is another option. Similarly, through Christ. On sola fide, the sola here, again my view, has been misconstrued by some into a belief that one need do anything else, that one isn't expected to follow Christ's commands. So, I'm happy to say we are justified by grace through faith in Christ, a faith that works through love.

Jon

[Chafer DTS]

There are Anglicans who claim Anglicanism is based on the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation---a claim with which I disagree.

I think there is good support to say that. The thirty-nine articles reflect the historical context of the reformation. I personally consider true anglicanism as essentially Protestant in the thirty-nine articles. This involves the historical context of when they were written. I consider the articles well balanced. On the one hand it shows the clear doctrinal position they hold to in contrast to Roman Catholicism and yet it also condemns some things of the extreme wing of Protestantism. I voted for embracing all the 5 Solas. I agree with almost all of the thirty-nine articles. I do have intresting discussions with my Anglican minister friends who are broad church and high church strain of Anglicanism. We always have respect for one another. I consider myself theologically related to Anglicanism ( W.H. Griffith Thomas, E.A. Litton and William Whitaker ) and Presbyterianism ( John Calvin, B.B. Warfield, Charles Hodge and Lewis Sperry Chafer ) as I read the writings of theologians from both of them.

[cajunhillbilly]

I don't think sola fides ever meant what it means today. True saving faith in the Reformation era was always seen as a living faith that followed and loved Jesus and led to true holy living. NOT just saying "the sinners prayer". What our Lutheran friend above said about faith working through love.

[Contarini]

Originally Posted by cajunhillbilly

I don't think sola fides ever meant what it means today. True saving faith in the Reformation era was always seen as a living faith that followed and loved Jesus and led to true holy living. NOT just saying "the sinners prayer". What our Lutheran friend above said about faith working through love.

Not sola fides, sola fide.

The ablative (by faith alone) is important for the reason you give.

Catholics are the ones who believe in sola fides--and of course they think it's not salvific.

I disbelieve in the classical doctrine of sola fide not because I think it leads to immorality but because I think it's unnecessary and schismatic, and because I think the bifurcation it introduces into the Christian life is unhealthy in a bunch of different ways. In some ways, it actually fosters legalism, because it makes "works" very "worky," separating them from grace. The traditional Augustinian Catholic view that truly good works are the fruit of grace and contribute to our final salvation for that reason is much healthier.

Edwin

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by JonNC

Hi Anna,
I didn't vote because I'm not Anglican, but just a comment or two.

I wouldn't have complained if you voted. Lutherans are Received into the Episcopal Church, rather than Confirmed. Though not sure if many Lutherans would want to enter TEC right now. I know LCMS and the Anglican Church in North America having been working on some very important issues. Guess I'm entering a sidebar. . .

Originally Posted by JonNC

I agree with what Edwin said about them to a good degree, but just this about "sola". First let me, if you will, place sola scriptura in a different category. It seems to me that, in many ways. the "sola" is sort of a redundancy. We are saved by grace, for example. I don't believe there are many Christians who believe there is another option. Similarly, through Christ. On sola fide, the sola here, again my view, has been misconstrued by some into a belief that one need do anything else, that one isn't expected to follow Christ's commands. So, I'm happy to say we are justified by grace through faith in Christ, a faith that works through love.

Jon

Jon,
Very insightful comments, as always. Thank you.

Personally, I think the "Sola" terminology is confusing and is understood in so many different ways. So, I'm interested in how others view and define the 5 Solas.

Peace,
Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by Chafer DTS

I think there is good support to say that. The thirty-nine articles reflect the historical context of the reformation. I personally consider true anglicanism as essentially Protestant in the thirty-nine articles. This involves the historical context of when they were written. I consider the articles well balanced. On the one hand it shows the clear doctrinal position they hold to in contrast to Roman Catholicism and yet it also condemns some things of the extreme wing of Protestantism. I voted for embracing all the 5 Solas. I agree with almost all of the thirty-nine articles. I do have intresting discussions with my Anglican minister friends who are broad church and high church strain of Anglicanism. We always have respect for one another. I consider myself theologically related to Anglicanism ( W.H. Griffith Thomas, E.A. Litton and William Whitaker ) and Presbyterianism ( John Calvin, B.B. Warfield, Charles Hodge and Lewis Sperry Chafer ) as I read the writings of theologians from both of them.

Chafer DTS,

Interesting that you consider yourself theologically related to Anglicanism. Always nice to hear.

I think you touched on the key point of always respecting one another in discussions. I have to remind myself of this often, especially in light of the diversity even within Anglicanism.

The 39 Articles definitely reflect "the times" in which they were written.

Thanks for joining the discussion,
Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by cajunhillbilly

I don't think sola fides ever meant what it means today. True saving faith in the Reformation era was always seen as a living faith that followed and loved Jesus and led to true holy living. NOT just saying "the sinners prayer". What our Lutheran friend above said about faith working through love.

cajunhillbilly,

Probably so. The "Sinner's Prayer" is a fairly recent development. I've participated on a few threads in the past on the topic.

It is interesting to consider the "Sinner's Prayer" in the context of the 5 Solas. Maybe a thought for a future thread.

Thanks so much for commenting,
Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by englishredrose

and yeh I have no idea what the articles are and yes I do know they exist but they don't 'control' my faith. I go to church and listen to the priest and others. My faith is that 'simple' and don't need all the ins and the outs of what to's etc beyond what priests tell us etc Its easier for me that way .

englishredrose,
Well, you probably sleep better at night. Some of these issues keep me up at night.

Peace,
Anna

[Prosmith]

Originally Posted by Anna Scott

Hoping more Anglicans will take the poll and comment.

Anna

Well, I belong to the Anglican Church of North America and I would say that I believe in 4 out of the 5 solas which would exclude sola scriptura. Prima Scriptura yes, but not Sola Scriptura as most all other Protestants would identify with.

[Chafer DTS]

Originally Posted by Anna Scott

Chafer DTS,

Interesting that you consider yourself theologically related to Anglicanism. Always nice to hear.

I think you touched on the key point of always respecting one another in discussions. I have to remind myself of this often, especially in light of the diversity even within Anglicanism.

The 39 Articles definitely reflect "the times" in which they were written.

Thanks for joining the discussion,
Anna

Thank you for being one of the first here to openly made me feel welcome here. I am glad to take part of this discussion.

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by Chafer DTS

Thank you for being one of the first here to openly made me feel welcome here. I am glad to take part of this discussion.

Chafer DTS,

You are most welcome.

I've certainly enjoyed my 3 years here. It's great to discuss issues with people around the world, representing many faiths.

Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by Prosmith

Well, I belong to the Anglican Church of North America and I would say that I believe in 4 out of the 5 solas which would exclude sola scriptura. Prima Scriptura yes, but not Sola Scriptura as most all other Protestants would identify with.

Prosmith,

Thanks so much for commenting.

Sola Scriiptura is a tough one. I don't accept it either.

I agree that Prima Scriptura is probably more in line with Anglicanism, especially in light of "Scripture, Tradition, Reason."

Peace,
Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by Prosmith

Well, I belong to the Anglican Church of North America and I would say that I believe in 4 out of the 5 solas which would exclude sola scriptura. Prima Scriptura yes, but not Sola Scriptura as most all other Protestants would identify with.

Prosmith,
Just noticed you are a new member, having just joined this month. Welcome to CAF!

There are quite a few Anglicans here. Hope you are enjoying the forums.

Anna

[Anna Scott]

Originally Posted by JonNC

Hi Anna. . . .

Sidebar note: Jon, i see you are nearing 10,000 posts. You've been a busy guy. We'll have to celebrate when you hit 10,000. I'll bring the cake.

Anna