Thoughts on Why I Ain't Anglican

Or Not-So-Baptist Bob Strikes Back

Introduction

The works of Robert Barron, Fulton J. Sheen, and Mother Angelica at times tempt me to cross the Tiber. Chad Bird and the good folks over at 1517.org make compelling arguments for Lutheranism. The many solid theologians and thinkers of the ACNA have me longing for a tradition that is all at once liturgical, charismatic, and historical. The Book of Common Prayer has become a go-to resource for me as I plan the liturgy for my flock at Mars Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sunday mornings.

However, all of these movements have something in common: ecclesiological snobbery. The old “My church is better than yours” syndrome. Even at the 1517 Conference I attended in Bentonville, Arkansas a couple of years ago there was a certain pride among Lutherans just for the fact that they were Lutheran, just as there was a certain pride among the Presbyterians (PCA) who were in attendance simply because they were Presbyterian. Although both parties appeared to worship amicably and agr…