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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

1008.0. ""The Cruelty of Heresy" by C. FitzSimons Allison" by COVERT::COVERT (John R. Covert) Fri Nov 18 1994 13:20

A review of "The Cruelty of Heresy" by The Rt. Rev. C. FitzSimons Allison

One of the finest gifts a person can give is the reference to a good
book.  Some weeks back /john suggested to me *The Cruelty of Heresy* by
Christopher FitzSimons Allison, former Bishop of South Carolina, as a
book to look at.  Thank you /john. 

A sculpture is formed by chipping away piece after piece of raw material
until the vision of the creator assumes its 4 dimensional shape and
context.  Does Christian orthodoxy establish in a similar way? The
richness of what orthodoxy actually is has had a colourful history
beginning with the words of Scripture as Word.  Interpretation of the
Word has removed the heresies like scattered chips to provide the
boundary of shape to the truth within.  But here the analogy ends. 
Heresies are not neutral and they are not insignificant; they are cruel
and they lead to the antithesis of the purpose of the Cross and the
Resurrection. 

Bishop Allison in *The Cruelty of Heresy* has established a clear and
very positive affirmation of Christian orthodoxy by a process similar to
that apophatic way known to Orthodox Christians: that which is not
elucidates that which is.  C.  S.  Lewis has elucidated the meaning of
orthodox Christianity so clearly to the common person.  G.  K. 
Chesterton in his *Orthodoxy* has, in exquisitely delightful English,
offered the romance of his faith for all who would care to participate
in that abundance.  Now we have an equally clear and compelling account
of the motives of the creeds and the positive statements of the orthodox
faith as boundaries beyond which heresy must not transgress.  These are
the declarations of faith that provide the very foundation for the
expressions and concerns for living found in Lewis and Chesterton. 
Indeed, Bishop Allison has provided his own examples of how the
abundance of the orthodox faith finds expression in the real world. 
Obviously, Bishop Allison has had a very close and meaningful
relationship with those of his flock.  He knows his sheep.  And he knows
the Center of our orthodox faith as that intersection of time and
eternity: the Cross and the Resurrection. 

"A heart without rectitude will betray orthodoxy by tone and spirit even
if it is correct teaching.  The heart's temptation to escape the
ambiguities and problems of life and to establish its own self as center
always contributes to any distortion of the gospel.  The heart itself
must bow in continual worship before God, whose name is Father, Son and
Holy Spirit, to be saved from its escape into death and from its prison
of self-centeredness."

*The Cruelty of Heresy* is an indispensable addition to that part of
your library where working references like dictionaries are kept.  For
now, I keep mine in my briefcase.  Christmas is around the corner and I
can imagine that St. Nicholas will have many on board. 

Christopher Morbey
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