Sacred Roots Workshop

Ses s i on 5: The Great Confes s i on

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the Great Tradition in a specific way consistent with their time and expression.

d. Occur at different times and among different peoples

e. Within all branches of Christian confession

(1) Within Catholicism (e.g., Benedictines, Franciscans, and Dominicans)

(2) Within Protestantism (e.g., Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Church of God in Christ, etc.).

f. Initiated by “founders” or key leaders whose energy and vision helped to establish a unique expression of Christian faith and practice (Wesley, Calvin, Luther, etc.)

g. Members embrace their own unique practices and patterns of spirituality which may not necessarily be binding on the church at large.

Note: These movements are only legitimate to the extent that they affirm and adhere to and faithfully express both the Apostolic Tradition and the Great Tradition.

IV. Conclusion

A Christian is, in essence, somebody personally related to Jesus Christ. Christianity without Christ is a chest without a treasure, a frame without a portrait, a corpse without breath. Christ comes to each of us with an individual summons: 'Come to me', 'follow me'. And the Christian life begins as, however hesitantly and falteringly, we respond to his call. Then as we start following him, we discover to our increasing and delighted surprise, that a personal relationship to Christ is a many-sided, many-coloured, many-splendored thing. We