Changing the Old in Moderate Doses

Rev. Dr. Shane Scott-Hamblen

Our rector of 23 years retired in July, and the interim minister is trying new things.

Father Shane gives the sermon right after the opening prayers. The re-arranging of the service order reminds me of film courses where the professor talks about the movie we're about to see, possibly spoiling the enjoyment of students who have never seen it. On balance it's a reasonable trade-off, i.e., elucidation over suspense, but more so in church because there's no ruined suspense in discussing biblical passages that we've heard many times before.

Another change: today we recited an Affirmation of Faith in place of the Nicene Creed. (The Affirmation was approved by the Anglican Church.) It was refreshing for its clarity and brevity, focusing on the second member of the Holy Trinity, and leaves out most of the theology contained in the Creed.

Though he was divine,
he did not cling to equality with God,
but made himself nothing.
Taking the form of a slave,
he was born in human likeness.
He humbled himself
and was obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore God has raised him on high,
and given him the name above every name:
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

The Affirmation was emotionally inspiring, which the Creed is not, but the true Faith isn't just about emotion but also about reason, Scripture, and tradition.

Change is stimulating and educational; in moderate doses it can make one appreciate what has gone before.