This, the first post in my blog, has been posted with little pomp and circumstance. While more information may be found in the section, "About Your Wayfarer," I believe the introductory post to my blog should mention a little bit of who I am, what I do, and what I believe.
Who I Am and What I Do
My name is Christian Stacy (yep, that's my middle name) Hamilton, and I am a proud South Carolinian Southern Baptist. I was raised in the Baptist tradition and I largely believe in the majority of the Baptist doctrine. I received my undergraduate degree in Politics and Policy at the largest Christian university in the world, Liberty University, and I'm currently working on my master's degree at the University of Georgia in Public Administration, where I also teach Introduction to American Government to freshman and sophomore Bulldog pups. I'm very much enjoying the atmosphere of UGA, and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of LU. No, I'm not sure what I plan on doing yet after completing my master's. By next Summer, I hope to have a job lined up or a full ride to some doctorate program somewhere. :)
What I Believe
Perhaps this section should start out with the Nicene Creed, what many consider to be the most famous statement of the Christian Church: Protestant, Orthodox, or Catholic.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
So here's the thing that you've been wondering. I'm Baptist, yes. But why the blog to discuss it?
Glad you asked.
I've not been content with the Baptist faith for some time now. This is not because of boredom or lack of growing in the Holy Scriptures. It is quite simply because I wanted to understand my faith clearly and effectively, to defend it when necessary. St. Anselm calls this "faith seeking understanding." In the search for a defense of my faith, I began to research the New Testament Church. Come to find out, it seemed vastly different than the Baptist tradition I was born into. What then was necessary for me to do?
I had two choices. I could continue in the Baptist tradition, worried that I was never partaking in the fullness of Christ's Church...
Or, I could continue researching the New Testament Church and find out which church most closely resembled the church of the apostles.
So I chose the latter, and long story short, I was drawn to the Orthodox Church. I don't want this blog post to turn into a book, as I'm sure I'll be writing on it when time permits during the school year, however, I wanted to make note of a few things.
All the Notes
1. My faith in God has not wavered. I believe in the Creator and Sustainer of the World just as strongly as I have in the past, if not more now.
2. My faith in Jesus Christ as my intercessor before God has not wavered. Christ is the sole means of salvation, and this is a belief I will never waver on, nor will I attend a church that does so.
3. My faith in the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, Counselor, and friend in my heart has not wavered.
4. I do not believe the Baptist tradition is inherently wrong. Its foundation is firm, and I believe many are saved through the faith, just as many may be saved through the Lutheran tradition, Catholic tradition, Anglican tradition, etc.
5. I do believe differently than the Baptist on several things, namely sola scriptura, a concept espoused by Martin Luther. It should be noted that Martin Luther tried to get rid of the books of Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation because they did not fit his idea of grace and faith alone.
6. I do believe that works go hand-in-hand with salvation. That is, we are commanded to do various works if we are Christians, such as be baptized, partake in Holy Communion, etc. If we are truly saved, we will do these things as proof of our salvation. If we do not do these things, we go against Christ's commands. Faith is of prime importance. Works are a necessary proof of that faith. A simple prayer and back to a sinful lifestyle are not evidence of a changed heart.
These last points will draw harsh criticism from my Baptist friends. However, I urge any interested to do some research and see the truth in the Scriptures.
As I've mentioned in the "about me" section of this blog, I've named it after a Steven Curtis Chapman song. This truly is a "great adventure" for me. I've stepped so far outside my comfort zone. The majority of my friends are Protestant, and I'm sure I will receive much flak with little understanding. However, I'm excited for this journey to a greater glorification for Christ. Pray for me.
Yours,
Christian
