It crossed my mind that it might not be the wisest thing to think I have anything good to say about the whole “faith vs works” thing, after all it started the Reformation and I am most certainly not a Martin Luther, not even a Martin Luther-Lite (may I be forgiven the execrable “Lite” . . . mea culpa). Then I reminded myself that I have been asked by two wonderful groups of people to do my best to point out aspects of scripture they that may not have considered, three groups if you include this blog audience. I have not been asked to come up with absolute theological novelty. That made me feel better, so I dove in.
Knox Presbyterian Faith? Works? I refuse to pick one!
St. Mark’s Presbyterian Faith? Works? I refuse to pick one!
The challenge that the faith and works question poses is actually pretty easily dealt with because it is a classic false dichotomy. It is not James who suggests that we need to decide which one of these we are going to privilege with first place but rather how do these two work together.
I am not so bold as to suggest that I have come up with the ultimate answer to this but I’m pretty sure I have given anyone looking for something to think about some good material.
Blessings,
- Date: September 9, 2012
- Liturgical Sunday: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- RCL Scripture: Psalm 125; Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37
- Sermon title: Faith? Works? I refuse to pick one!
PS Click here for easily downloadable MP3 versions of these sermons.
Photo Credit: Martin Luther by Robert Scarth
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