Cornerstone No. 184, page 20
an essentially spiritual presence in the mind of the believer over Luther’ s more objective and Catholic-inclined Eucharistic theology. It is, of course, a moot point as to how far and in what respects the Church of Scotland still consciously sees itself as Calvinist. Maybe in some respects the modern Church of Scotland is leaning more towards its early Lutheran roots and even acknowledging its medieval Catholic origins in a greater concern with liturgy, spirituality and the mystical and experiential side of Christianity as against the rational, intellectual and disputatious. Yet it remains very clearly a church in the Reformed tradition, allied to other churches in Europe and beyond which share a Calvinist pedigree, and characterised, perhaps not always quite as fervently or enthusiastically as some would wish, by its motto‘ Semper Reformanda’ and the symbol of the ever burning bush which is never quite consumed by fire. Perhaps the 500th anniversary of the Reformation will trigger conversations across the Kirk as to the nature and value of our Reformed heritage, the value and relevance of the theological insights and innovations made by Luther, Calvin and the early Scottish Reformers, and the positive legacy of Protestantism and what we can still affirm in it and build on. A programme of events marking the Reformation anniversary will culminate with an ecumenical service on October 31.
From the magazine of the Church of Scotland
Looking forward to Lent
A Lenten studies programme entitled " The Mystery of Everything " by Hilary Brand is planned. The five-week study will work around themes which spring from the film " The Theory of Everything ". Beginning Ash Wednesday, 1st March. Look out for details of meeting times and venues in the order of service sheets.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.