The Roman Church's use of the title "Catholic," derived from the Greek word for "universal," presents a historical and theological tension. While undoubtedly an ancient and globally significant communion, its claim to universality is challenged by the historical reality that the Bishop of Rome was initially understood as a co-equal patriarch alongside the leaders of other major Christian centers like Constantinople, Alexandria, and Jerusalem, particularly during the era of the first seven Ecumenical Councils (ending 787 CE). The later assertion of Roman primacy contributed significantly to the tragic divisions within Christendom, leading first to the Great Schism with the Eastern Orthodox and subsequently to the fractures of the Protestant Reformation, meaning the Roman Church has arguably never represented the entirety of the universal Church.
nate's incoherent babble
Theology, Ethics, and Spirituality centered on the Trinity and Incarnation, experienced through Theosis, in Sacramental Life, leading to Apokatastasis, explored in maximally inclusive ways. And other random stuff.
2025-03-25
2025-03-05
The Inclusive Gospel of School Chaplaincy
2025-02-18
Three Strands of Classical Liberalism
Recently, I have been part of a book study of Patrick J. Deneen’s “Why Liberalism Failed”. Three conversations into Deneen and I find myself continually frustrated by his loose use of the word Liberalism to mean anything and everything corrosive in contemporary culture, ranging from radical libertarianism to deconstructive relativism to unrestrained consumer capitalism. I also find he is quick to demonize liberalism– or rather his version of “liberalism”-- while very reticent to acknowledge the good liberalism has brought, which has never appeared en masse in any large society on earth. Goods such as universal suffrage, modern science, sustained engagement across radically different cultures, and civil rights for all kinds of people historically excluded or diminished across cultures (women, POC, LGBTQ, disabled, etc.). When I decide where to eat at night, or where to work on the weekday, or where to worship on the weekend, I have the choice between dozens of cultures and thousands of different opportunities, all within 15 minutes of my house. And that doesn’t happen without Liberalism. So, in order to balance the ledger, I would like to present my corrective to Deneen, in what I am calling the three strands of Classical Liberalism.
2025-02-15
The Psychological function of Theodicy
2025-01-14
Textual Legalism versus Values Trajectory in applying Biblical Commands
The selective and often hypocritical application of biblical law is a persistent feature in modern discourse. It's a pattern where scripture functions like an à la carte menu: certain laws, particularly those useful for condemning others, are treated as immutable, literal commands, while those that impinge upon personal convenience or lifestyle are readily dismissed. One sees this clearly when, for instance, some heterosexual cis-gender individuals champion a strict interpretation of Levitical passages concerning sexuality to marginalize LGBTQ+ people. Yet, this same demand for literal adherence frequently evaporates when faced with equally explicit commands to challenge the oppression that builds wealth, welcome immigrants, reject greed, avoid dishonesty, or provide sacrificially for the poor—injunctions that might require significant personal or societal change. This selective legalism ultimately undermines its own claims by applying biblical authority inconsistently, weaponizing it against some while shielding the self.
2024-10-31
Evil and things that go Bump in the Night
2024-08-19
The Incarnation and divine embodiments
2024-06-18
World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts
2024-06-14
Metric Maladies: The Disease of elevating Quantity over Quality
2024-06-03
The Entangled Reality of Spirit and Water Baptism
Ever since I began following Jesus in my late teens, I have read about the debate over the nature, efficacy, and relationship between Spirit baptism and Water baptism. Are these two separate events? Are they one event? Does one lead to the other? Does one exclude the other? To unpack this, here are some preliminary definitions and some Scriptural sources they draw on:
2024-03-18
Acts and Afterlife, Hope and Gospel
2024-03-17
You are a Theophany
2024-03-09
Wittgenstein and Hope beyond hope
2024-02-04
Provocation on Revisionists, Traditionalists, and Jesus
2023-12-02
The Panentheism of Creation in Christ
2023-11-20
Constantine and the Complicated Canon of Scripture
2023-11-19
Wisdom after Bulgakov: A Trinitarian Sophiology
2023-11-14
Theses on Protecting the Innocent in Wartime
2023-11-09
Wrestling with God across Scripture and Life
Do you feel like you are wrestling with God through the trials and tribulations of life? You are not alone. Following God and being guided by God is not a matter of passive obedience and easy belief, but of passionate engagement and wrestling with God through the worst of life. This is illustrated in the life of Jacob, who wrestled emotionally with the consequences of running from one swindle to the next, endangering himself and his family and leaving a trail of destruction. In the midst of this emotional struggle, he encounters and wrestles with God: