I read somewhere in N.t. Wright that the word ‘repent’ was used in a secular sense, when a conqueror would implore the conquered to 'repent, and trust in me". The connotation was obviously not related to moral sin as such.
I agree, Davo, that “with regard to sin and righteousness” is not actually a part of the definition (though examples of “repentance” often involve a change of mind concerning sin). The essence of the meaning is “a change of mind.” I like to define it as “a change of heart and mind” (though I admit that “a change of heart” is not actually part of the meaning.)
That’s interesting Dave and certainly fits with Wright’s notion that “Jesus is Lord” as opposed to “Caesar is Lord” as being a political statement. This is kind of backed up by this interesting quote on Acts 4:12…
I don’t know Paidion, I don’t think that’s an unreasonable reading because any significant (genuine) “change of mind” is going to affect a “change of heart” which can only be seen in its accordant “change of behaviour” – secular or religious for that matter.
The key there qaz, is **not **what others think - what do you think? And the only way you can have an informed opinion - regarding a church - is to visit it (i.e. ask questions, observe, listen, watch, etc.).
My understanding of ‘change of heart’ is in part inspired by J B Phillips rendering of the word. He maintained that from his perspective, the heart is where conviction lies within us.
In short, the Continuing Anglicans have continued with the faith of C. S. Lewis.
The mainstream Anglican church, in contrast, has become the Church of Anything Goes. I do not think they have excommunicated anyone since before I was born. (I’m 46 years old.) Amongst other things they have:
bishops who deny that Jesus Christ rose from the dead
priestesses
widespread acceptance of abortion, homosexuality, fornication, divorce, etc.
widespread acceptance of every theological deviance you can imagine (denial of the Virgin Birth, denial of the deity of Christ, etc.)
Out of all the western forms of Christianity, historic Anglicanism is the closest to Orthodoxy. As such, I am deeply distressed by the deep inroads of rank heresy within the church that C. S. Lewis and George MacDonald used to attend. At least the Continuing Anglicans are keeping the torch alight.
I am an Anglo-Orthodox Traditionalist (AKA Anglo-Catholic and Continuing Anglican movement, with an Eastern Orthodox twist). That’s the one I like. In the words of Wiki:
Wasn’t it a Congregational church that George MacDonald used to attend, and from which he was forced to resign as pastor by lowering his salary to the point that he could not live from it?
The Episcopalians, being more liberal (i.e. gay rights, etc.), probably won’t care. Anglicans in the containing Anglican movement, might be a bit more sensitive. Although if you devote time, to show you believe in and follow, historical Anglican creeds and beliefs - they might let it pass. The best thing is not to mention it. I’ve never been asked at any service (Anglican, Lutheran, etc.), to share my beliefs.
I call it the “Universalists, don’t ask - don’t tell” policy.
I sincerely feel bad for western Christians, having to deal with Hell nonsense on the one hand or LGBTQQIP2SAA nonsense on the other. If that were my choice, I would simply stay home on Sunday mornings rather than subject myself to such things.
I suspect that they are just getting started. Give it a few years and they’ll look something like LGBTTQQFAGPBDSMASDLKFJDEWAFJEOWNVOIAWINUNCIUWEAUHTIUBBHBWAEHFBEWHJFBWEBFYEWAFEWFBEWANMBJWEFWE.
Acronyphobia
The irrational fear of acronyms. One might have been in a very confusing conversation, not knowing what they were being told because of the excessive use of acronyms. When they hear an acronym, or see one, they have similar panic attacks and feelings to that of other phobias.
Dude, I’ve got Acronyphobia. I can’t bear to hear or see an acronym, and just talking about it makes me shudder. - the Urban Dictionary
So you don’t accept ROTFLBTCDICAJTTWADBSIHPWTRHITSBKABAYB as the longest English acronym according to the Urban Dictionary.
It is an acronym for “Rolling on the floor laughing biting the carpet dancing in circles and jumping through the window almost dying by smashing into HP who’s then running horrified into the street being killed accidentally by a yellow bulldozer.”
By the way, years ago, I wondered why there was not a word to describe a vacillating object whose vacillation accelerates until it stops. I’m sure you’ve seen that happen. So I coined the word “wangulate”:
I contributed this word and definition to an urban dictionary on the internet, and it spread to slang dictionaries all over the world. Later, I discovered that the word was already in existence with a crude meaning. However,at one time there were around a dozen dictionaries world-wide that contained my definition. At the present time, I can find only three:
Unfortunately, though the word supposedly entered the third dictionary on June 13, 2010, when I went to the site, I could not actually find the word. It appears to be a dictionary from India, and there must be a way of searching it of which I am not aware.