The Intersection of the Cross

This is part 2 of our 4-part series on the Communion of the Saints. In this episode, Charron and I delve into the different of what the Communion of the Saints means. We discuss the three major positions and also what it means for us today.

The Apostles' Creed has an interesting line: We believe "in the communion of the saints." What does this mean? This is the first of a 4-part series on The Communion of the Saints. In this episode, Charron and I talk about background assumption people have when they approach this subject. Recognizing our assumptions is important to have a fair view of this doctrine.

In this episode, Charron and I discuss what I call the problem of 1,400: how do we handle Protestant claims that largely did not exist for the first 1,400 years of Christianity? How can these claims be made without impugning Christ's leadership of the church and the Holy Spirit's leading the church into all wisdom? Technical note: Like the previous episode, we had some technical issues while recording. However, this is the last of those. We got them worked out in the next episode.

Relaunching the podcast with my good friend Charron Dean. In this episode, we introduce ourselves, why we wanted to create this podcast, and how we think listeners will benefit from it. Technical note: This was supposed to be a rehearsal session. I (Tony) plopped a microphone between us and hit record. We never intended to publish it, but the content was good enough that we decided to publish it anyway. We apologize for the microphone issues.

(All scripture is from the New American Standard Bible)NOTE: In the podcast, I inadvertently refer to this as 1 Corinthians 14:15-16. I misspoke. It is 1 Corinthians 4:15-16. 1 Corinthians 4:15-1615 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me.1 Thessalonians 2:11just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children1 Corinthians 11:1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.1 Thessalonians 1:6You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,1 Thessalonians 2:14aFor you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea Ephesians 5:1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;ReferencesCraig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 342–343.Donald A. Hagner, Matthew 14–28, vol. 33B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1995), 661.Barclay Moon Newman and Philip C. Stine, A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1992), 707.“Why Are Priests Called Father in Your Church? | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral,” accessed December 23, 2021, http://www.annunciation.va.goarch.org/?p=594.

This is the first of a two-part series on calling our clergy father. Matthew 23:1-9 (New American Standard)1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 "therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things, and do not do them. 4 "And they tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5 "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries, and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 "And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 "and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called by men, Rabbi. 8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 "And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 "But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 "And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.""'Call no man your father' . . . is said in order that they may know whom they ought to call Father in the highest sense. It is not said frivolously as if no one should ever be called father. Just as the human master is not the divine Master, so neither is the father the Father who is the cause of all, both of all masters and of all fathers."St. John Chrysostom, The Gospel of Matthew, Homily72.3ReferencesCraig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 342–343.Donald A. Hagner, Matthew 14–28, vol. 33B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1995), 661.Barclay Moon Newman and Philip C. Stine, A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1992), 707.“Why Are Priests Called Father in Your Church? | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral,” accessed December 23, 2021, http://www.annunciation.va.goarch.org/?p=594.

In this initial episode, I share with you why I decided to start this podcast, and how I think it will bless you. To do that, I recount the story of how I got here.