Posted on 01/20/2007 6:24:23 PM PST by sionnsar
I thought I would mention the Prayer Book Society's Introduction to the Articles by Alfred Barry, as this is not a bad overview of the Thirty-Nine Articles. The article gives both a summary of the history of the Articles of Religion, and a review of their substance--and as Barry pointed out:
The study of the Articles will go far to shew how it is, that, although drawn up only for the immediate needs of the 16th century, and probably under the expectation of future Revision, they have, as a matter of fact, remained unchanged as a standard of doctrine down to the present time. Even as looked at in themselves, and still more as viewed in relation to the theology of the time, they are extraordinarily fit to serve the purpose for which they have so long been used.If you want an overview and introduction to the Articles, this is not bad--see what you think.
They are comprehensive, because (in the true sense of the word) they are moderate—that is, they refrain from pronouncing on points, on which it is impossible or unnecessary to pronounce. They are thus moderate, because they almost invariably eschew technical theological systems, and go back to the simple language of holy Scripture. It would be unreasonable to suppose that they could not be amended, in the light of the experience and advance of knowledge gained in the last three hundred years. But substantially they embody the true fundamental principles of Christian faith and Ecclesiastical constitution, which still meet our needs.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
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