The Legacy of Nicaea & the Future of Anglicanism

Dr. Matthew Barrett delivered the John H Rodgers Lecture Series at Trinity Anglican Seminary. You can read the lecture on Credo or Dr. Barrett’s Substack.

Modern theology is marked by a radical redefinition of God, even a departure from the creeds of Christianity, and it has penetrated every corner of Christendom. In this John Rodgers lecture, Dr. Matthew Barrett reflects on the seventeen hundredth anniversary of the Council of Nicea in light of the current crises in the church. Using the wisdom of the church fathers as a guide, Barrett puts forward a vision for the future, one in which Anglicanism radiates as a leading light, exemplifying what creedal fidelity looks like in a secular age.

Barrett shares more of his story, explaining why he left the SBC behind to become Anglican. Barrett argues that Anglicanism exemplifies Jesus’ own teaching that the sacraments are the gateway to participation in the life of the Trinity. Barrett also appeals to the solid foundation of episcopal governance as that which protects the apostolic faith of Nicaea, sharing why we must not only be catholic in doctrine but polity. Last, Barrett explains why the metaphysical recommitments of Nicaea are so key to countering the challenges of our secular age.

In a day when many do not know what it means to be Anglican, here is a lecture that gives a clear answer.

The John H. Rodgers Lecture Series was established to honor and memorialize Bp. John Rodgers, founding member and dean president of what was then known as Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, and known today as Trinity Anglican Seminary. During his career, Bp. Rodgers was known throughout the Anglican Communion as one of its foremost evangelical theologians, working alongside other orthodox, evangelical Anglicans to commend traditional Christian teaching as essential for the healing of a fractured world. It is often said that Bp. Rodgers’s career was guided by two great loves: Trinity Anglican Seminary and the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion. The John H. Rodgers Lecture series continues his legacy of commending the Anglican way of reformed, apostolic Catholicism.  The lectures are held annually near Reformation Day and launched in 2023.