These resources are external links that may be of potential interest to ReformationUCC.org readers.
ReformationUCC.org is not responsible for the content on these external sites and because sites are subject to change, they may not necessarily represent the views of ReformationUCC.org, it’s authors, or anyone connected to this site directly or indirectly.
- The Principle of Protestantism is available free on Google Books. This was Philip Schaff, Professor of Church History and Biblical Literature at the seminary of the German Reformed Church at Mercersburg, PA. Schaff’s thesis is that the Protestant Reformation is not a departure from the larger catholic tradition of the church. Instead, he argues, the Protestant tradition is the theological telos towards which the history of Christianity and the Risen Christ are directing the Church in history. Recognizing the formal principle of the Church, sola scriptura - scripture alone, and the material principle of the Church, justification by grace through faith alone as they flowed from the principle of sola Deo gloria, God’s glory alone. Though Schaff was a man of his times and was severely critical of the Puritanism which birthed the Congregationalist parentage of the UCC while being overly enamored with German philosophy, the work holds an abiding interest to moderns interested in the reformation foundation of Protestantism in general and the UCC in particular.
Schaff contends with good reason that Protestantism in its reformation expression intends to be truly catholic. It is ReformationUCC.org’s contention that the UCC, by participating in “A Formula of Agreement Between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ”, affirmed it’s intention to be a church committed to the Reformation and true Catholicity. As things stand in the UCC and the churches party to this agreement, heeding the message of this work is long overdue, but absolutely necessary to reclaim the faith we have publicly affirmed in this agreement.
- Angel Food Ministries helps families save money monthly on their food bill. They do that by using churches as host sites to eliminate the costs of having a retail food establishment. This can be a wonderful way for a church to reach out to their community on a monthly basis. Asking people if they would like to save money on their groceries is a very non threatening way to initiate a conversation with a stranger!
E-Sword is a free and powerful Bible software. Certain translations and more modern resources do have a download fee involved, but the free tools are invaluable for Bible study and basic exegetical research. While Greek and Hebrew scholars may not want to function without a more expensive tool, this resource is a wonderful start for the serious Bible student or pastor on a low budget or who does not need more extensive tools. This screenshot hints at some of its many capabilities.
- Jesse Remington High School Student Blog. Find out what young Christian leaders are reading, thinking, and blogging about at the Jesse Remington High School Student Blog!
