Mysteries of Faith

"... the introduction of human nature into God's Kingdom realize the only true Exodus. This sacrifice, ... represents a sacrament, sacrament par excellence, the free gift to God, by Christ in His humanity, of the first fruits of creation, the fulfillment of that immense sacramental action, ..." Vladimir Lossky, (Orthodox Theology: An Introduction) Mysterium fidei: A Sacrament, or Mystery of faith is a Christian theological term for an article of faith or doctrine which defies man's ability to grasp mystical liturgy. It may also refer to the belief that while it could be understood, a deeper meaning can be insighted on meditating upon it. Some Christian beliefs which constitute a 'Mystery of Faith' are: God's eternal existence (Eternal, without beginning or end) The Trinity (Three Persons in One, One Godhead in three Persons) The creation of the Universe Ex Nihilo (from nothing) The Incarnation, a means of salvation Mc'Mystery of faith: In this volume of The New Church's Teaching Series, Mark McIntosh introduces the great mysteries of the Christian faith: church doctrines of (:teaching on) God, creation, revelation, the Trinity, incarnation, soteriology, and eschatology, all held theologically in tact through the Trinitarian manifestation of the Divine Godhead. McIntosh took the delicate task to expound these beliefs for American Episcopalians, and other Catholics and Protestants. The central theme of the book is the sufficiency of the two first commandments, as Jesus Christ has taught (Matt 22:37-40), our love of our neighbor, as a result of, and a pretext to our obedient love for the Lord God. McIntosh's starts with a presumption that every one of us is, in a way, a lay theologian, since we are to approach the mysteries of faith in everyday's life, hopefully with attentive understanding and humble consideration. Christians, a community of faith, lean on their common faith as members of the mystical body of Christ through the sacraments, starting with baptism and continuing in the Eucharist. The Loyola professor leads us to explore these mysteries for ourselves and to see how we might live them in our daily lives. Fr McIntosh offers a highly readable and engaging interpretation of Christian doctrinal reflection. A Theological Manual: In the opening chapter, McIntosh presents his thesis of the relationship between church teachings (dogma) and mystical theology. Defining theology as Lex Orandi, Lex credendi, stating that, 'the struggle to put what has been understood in prayer into words' (pp. xi) he demonstrates that theology is a natural part of every Christian spiritual living, viewing each doctrinal issue as a path into the eternal mystery of God's life and our's in God. Any reader who views theology as abstract or irrelevant, should read McIntoch, "Let those who undervalue theology read it and then ask themselves if theology is either a soft option or an irrelevant pastime." R. P. C. Hanson Trinitarian Centrality: While the d

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. There have been 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts, such as the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, as well as an earlier teaching series. However, each generation approaches things anew; the New Church Teaching Series, published by Cowley Publications (a company operated as part of the ministry of the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE - one of the religious/monastic communities in the Episcopal church, based in the Boston area) is the most recent series, and in its thirteen volumes, explores in depth and breadth the theology, history, liturgy, ethics, mission and more of the modern Anglican vision in America. This eighth volume, 'Mysteries of Faith' by Mark McIntosh, looks at various topics that one might find easily in either a systematic philosophical theology course, or in a course on spirituality and mysticism. Various topics in the text include Christology and Trinitarianism, Incarnation, Revelation, Creation, Eschatology and Sacramentality. These terms might seem off-putting and forbidding at the start, and indeed they can be very weighty issues, but McIntosh approaches them in an interesting fashion, looking at the most practical and applicable ways for these topics to impact life in community.McIntosh states that theology is a sharing in the mystery of God's life. Some churches are suspicious of things that fall under the term 'theology', as if it has little connection with God or scripture, and little connection to anything real. McIntosh helps readers to discover that theology is something done (not merely 'thought about') by Christians all the time, often unawares. Theology should become a habit for us, McIntosh urges, something that we have (from the Latin habere) and something that is a condition of our lives (habitus). Theology is a method for forming a relationship with God and each other. McIntosh's text here reminds me of the statement made about one of my own systematic theology professors in seminary, Clark Williamson; one of his faculty colleagues described to a reluctant theology student that he was able to make theology more than a study, but a real spiritual practice. Exploring the mysteries here really helps this to come alive.There is no standard theology in Anglicanism to which one must adhere; McIntosh treads lightly over various doctrines and historical issues, as likely to quote a poet or mystic as a more traditionally-termed theologian to help his points come across. This is less a guide of what to think as much as it is an introduction about how to think about crucial issues. How do we begin to know who and what God is? These are things that must be worked out in community, in faithfulness, in recognition bo

I found this in the Episcobal convent bookstore after hearing the nuns read in during dinner at our women's retreat. This book does seem to draw you into a divine presence and it felt like that as it was being read to us. McIntosh has a light style of writing that is both simple and profound. He brings complex ideas right into your heart with clarity and sincerity. For anyone who both wants to know more and to feed the faith already flowering, this is a wonderful way to continue the journey.

Mysteries Of Faith introduces the Christian doctrines of creation, revelation, incarnation, salvation, and eschatology -- all held together by the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity. Mark McIntosh (Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Chicago and associate professor of systematic theology and spirituality at Loyola University) explains the language of relationship and mutuality, friendship and family ties. His central theme is our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with our neighbors, maintaining that its this mutuality that lies at the core of every one of these doctrines. Mysteries Of Faith is an ideal introduction to exploring these essential concepts by drawing on our common experiences as members of a community of faith, especially as reflected through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, to understand how we might live them in our daily lives. Mysteries Of Faith is highly recommended reading for all students of Christian doctrine and spirituality through an Anglican perspective.