Although some have accused me of apostasy, I am not an apostate. And, despite allegations of heresy, I do not consider myself a heretic.
The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (1973) defines apostasy as
a total desertion of or departure from one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc.
The same reference work, noting that “heresy” derives from Greek and Latin words for choosing, defines heresy as
opinion or doctrine at variance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine, esp. of a church or religious system.
Doctrinal purity tests generally irk me. One reason is that I fail them. I know enough ecclesiastical history to state confidently that, within the Western Christian tradition alone, the Roman Catholic magisterium has redefined aspects of orthodoxy more than once. One might point to the case of Origen (185-254), one of the Ante-Nicene Fathers. He was orthodox, especially with regard to Trinitarian theology, during his lifetime. After the First Council of Nicaea (325), however, he became a heretic of the ex post facto variety. Furthermore, many of the items on doctrinal purity tests are not key to salvation. My rejection of the Virgin Birth, therefore, should not marginalize me theologically.
I have always been intrinsically intellectual. The dominant form of Christianity around me during my formative years was anti-intellectual, reactionary, Pietistic, and revivalistic Protestantism. It never fit me. I have also always been an introvert. Thus the contemplative traditions of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy have appealed to me. Also, the extroversion typical of Evangelicalism has alienated me from Evangelicalism. No, ritualism, contemplation, and dispassionate intellectualism have defined my spirituality.
Recently I have heard, in close quarters, condemnations of my “apostate” Episcopal Church. I have rejected the adjective, of course.
If, however, the reasons for the allegation of apostasy are related to ecclesiastical support for social justice, I embrace the label of “apostate” as a badge of pride. Yes, I support full civil rights for all human beings, including homosexuals. I reject homophobia, for I recognize the image of God in people, many of whom are quite different from me. Yes, I favor the ordination of women. Equality via the Holy Spirit is a wonderful lesson to learn from many strands of Christian tradition. I understand that these positions are, according to many of my fellow Christians, heretical, if not apostate. So be it. I can do no other.
Various mysteries of the universe perplex me. One of these is why, in the name of Jesus Christ, so many self-defined conservative Christians adopt political positions that would make Atilla the Hun look like a card-carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) by comparison. In this context I feel comfortable claiming the tribe of alleged heretics and/or apostates as my own. In so doing I identify with Jesus, friend of outsiders.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JANUARY 2, 2018 COMMON ERA
THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
THE FEAST OF JOHANN KONRAD WILHELM LOEHE, BAVARIAN LUTHERAN MINISTER AND COORDINATOR OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MISSIONS
THE FEAST OF SAINTS NARCISSUS, ARGEUS, AND MARCELLINUS OF TOMI, ROMAN MARTYRS
THE FEAST OF SAINT ODILO OF CLUNY, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT
THE FEAST OF SABINE BARING-GOULD, ANGLICAN PRIEST AND HYMN WRITER
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 