Gerald McDermott on the Future of Orthodox Anglicanism

IRD's Mark Tooley interviews theologian and church historian Gerald McDermott about his new edited book The Future of Orthodox Anglicanism. Gerry, who is retiring from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, explains his tradition’s unique contributions to Christianity, past, present and future. His perspective is especially timely in this era of increasing nondenominational faith, as the great Protestant traditions fade in American religious life. Anglicans globally now number 80 million and are growing, especially in Africa.

[@restorationpointecommunity3317]

Mr McDermott: I agree with much that you say, however I have a couple of exceptions. The "doctrine" of creation is only that God "created the heavens and the earth" per the creeds. Likewise, your take on God in social contexts leaves out the doctrine of Original Sin, something that fundamentalism has always struggled with and leads to a more Older Testament prescriptions of law and has little room for grace This has often given the impression that sinners must become repentant accordiing to some prelate's own "convictions" or "prejudices" before they can find salvation in Christ Jesus. Fundamentalism leaves out the Holy Spirit's ministry and mission leading to such abominations as "shunning" in past Christian history. It is only the Holy Spirit that can grant a life long guidance and power to "true repentance, amendment of life and the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit." (BCP absolution) Thank God for Jesus, whose example and impartation of unconditional love, supercedes law, which none of us, including you, can live up to, and gives God grace which supplies all that we need when human imperfection is subsumed into the perfection of Christ. Thank God in Jesus for the blood that covers us both.