I'm not a "fundamentalist" in the sense of avoiding those who hold dissimilar views on theology. But I absolutely stand on the integrity of the Bible. Some things in the Bible aren't up for discussion! True Christians can disagree on things such as Calvinism and Armenianism or Protestantism and Catholicism. Our traditions vary widely, and we can and should learn from each other as we strive to come to Biblical truth. But what the liberals want us to do is to accept things -- such as gross sexual sins -- as being right. Liberals hate truth, even the idea that there is truth. It's called the Bible, and yes, we can be certain about it.
I remain an Anglican, but the Church of England, as those of my generation have known it, has gone for ever. ... I do fear for the future however. The heritage reflected in our lovely parish churches is in real danger of being lost. Who will pay for their upkeep in a country where Christianity is slipping?
No one! It's called the Great Commission. The Church of England is paying the price for keeping Jesus to themselves. Evangelism is not an option! The Muslims in England are winning converts. Why can't those who name the Name of Christ, if they are His, do the same and greater?
The word to the Church of England is to repent, and turn from empty religion and turn to Christ. Your traditions and services aren't the problem; it's your hearts. It isn't that you are not "contemporary" or "modern." It's that you are not passionately in love with the One who loves you. The Lord orders you to turn to Him, to obey, to evangelize... or die!
I agree. If Christians don't have "absolute certainty" about the basics of the Faith (the Apostles' Creed, for example, and Biblical moral standards), then they have nothing but a feel-good get-together.
This is true whether what makes one feel good is guitars and handshakes, or Old Slavonic liturgy and silent prayer, or the traditional Anglican prayer book. I sympathize with the author's subjective concerns about how the liturgy affects him personally ... but if that's all it's about, "Does this benefit me aesthetically and psychologically?" then he might as well go to the symphony.