Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews - 10 Reasons Why I Love the Episcopal Church

[@TimothyRCrowe]

This video converted me not just to the Episcopal Church, but from agnostic to Christian. Thank you and bless you, Father Dan Matthews.

[@kirsten07734]

This attitude of the Church that he describes is what changed me from agnostic (I think there’s God, but I don’t think I can ever figure it out) to Christian and Episcopalian. I didn’t see this sermon until later, but boy is it powerful. The baptismal vow about respecting the dignity of every human being, very powerful stuff.

[@kirsten07734]

@Pedro Ivan Sanchez Catholicism comes in several flavors. There are Eastern and Greek orthodox, Roman Catholic, and the churches within the Anglican Communion are simultaneously both Protestant and Catholic. The preacher in this video is Episcopalian, an Anglican variety of Catholic. Watching sermons online is one way to learn about various denominations and narrow down which you want to visit in person to see if they are a good fit for you. Bart Erhman, an academic, has several books examining gnosticism and early christianities. Please be careful about discussing gnosticism as some (but not all) christians would consider gnosticism to be heresy. I hope and pray you find a church that meets your spiritual needs. Remember that God loves you no matter what. Please try to seek a church (or other community) that also shares God’s love of all people. It’s there, the place that will embrace and welcome you instead of hurt and fighten. Don’t settle for less.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

Jesus said call no man father. Leave and find a biblical church.

[@bigprettyman3795]

We dont normally call our clergy Father, but Revered. But I will call you something; Asshole. So GFY

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

@@colepriceguitar1153 so what do you call your male parent?

[@usejustonce2386]

I am a recent convert to Episcopalianism and this had me in tears. It is EXACTLY the reason I converted. Thank you God and thank you, Father!

[@colepriceguitar1153]

They value tradition over the scriptures

[@dwighttipps414]

No Cole it a three legged stool of theology. Scripture reason an tradition when one is gone it falls over

[@sprouting_lady]

I am crying like a baby because I've never heard a sermon from someone like this before. The slow, drawling important voice. The fierce, determined, earnest glare. This is the first time I've ever seen someone like this defend me. This person has all the hallmarks of someone who is prepared to rant against me, tell me I'm going to hell, that any family I may desire isn't just sinful it's fundamentally invalid and disordered. But...he's actually speaking up for me, and my community. With the same solemn, determined, methodical, and passionate tone that others might attack with. That is insanely powerful. Thank you for this video.

[@edwardgibson4466]

God bless you, Gwen. I am an "old" Christian and a "new" Episcopalian for this very reason. God calls us to love because love is the very nature of God. My new church welcomes you and the family you desire!

[@windstorm1000]

Its effected me too Gwen. Ml king would Hav loved this sermon!

[@Mrcrisis2012]

he is a false teacher...hes not speaking gods word

[@Mrcrisis2012]

Jesus speaks to you through his word

[@Mrcrisis2012]

It's all false teaching..gty.org

[@a.i.marvin6180]

Episcopal and Anglicans give great sermons or homilies. They tie all the Scriptures together and do not put people to sleep.

[@Mrcrisis2012]

It's only false doctrine..not truth of God's word

[@zacharycooney6436]

@@Mrcrisis2012 How is it false becasue we love radically and not judged

[@johnsteila6049]

Wait to you hear some of the sermons from The Saints!

[@samanthascookieboutique]

I grew up in the Episcopal Church. Now that I have young children, I am so proud to have them explore the Episcopal church and its respect of the dignity of all people. I haven't been to church in a long time and this video solidifies my decision to getting back to practicing my faith more often!!!

[@MTheChequeGuy]

A good question to ask yourself daily... “How have I upheld the dignity of every human being I came in contact with today?”

[@edsal9192]

GREAT SERMON!!! I wish the catholic church change and respect the dignity of every human!!! Francisco should watch this video.

[@bg5469]

Moses King lol okay donatist. careful throwing heresy shaped stones in that glass house you’ve built. you might put a poor baptist’s eye out.

[@galacticknight55544]

Thinking of going Episcopal myself. I need a more open-minded church, and the Episcopal Church seems like just the one. It's open-minded enough for people to be able to disagree on things without tearing each other apart, and it recognizes the need to reconcile faith with science. It doesn't blindly adhere to either a belief that everything we will ever need to know about God is in the Bible or that Church tradition should determine everything. As many have described it, it's a nice middle ground between Protestantism and Catholicism that acknowledges the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and Apostolic succession but does not subjugate itself to one bishop who calls himself supreme or say that you must follow a bunch of rules and receive a certain sacrament every so often or you will go to hell. I've looked into both Catholicism and many different branches of Protestantism, and Episcopalianism seems like a nice compromise. It has a lot of the things I like about Catholicism and a lot of the things I like about Protestantism in one church. It also has a more open-minded view of sexuality, and I cannot overstate how important that is for me. I'm not gay, but I have some weird kinks and often feel ashamed of them and like I'll go to hell for them. So naturally, I sympathize with the LGBT community because they're going through something similar. And I've REALLY suffered under purity culture. It's made me obsessed with sex and has led me to try to rush things with women so that I could marry them quickly and have sex without sinning. That only made them uncomfortable and nearly destroyed my already low confidence in my ability to talk to women. I hope the Episcopal Church will be able to undo my fundamentalist brainwashing. I've grown up in an extremely toxic church environment and suffered all kinds of religious trauma, and I haven't even realized it until very recently.

[@gloomhop1418]

God bless you brother. I hope everything is going well. =)

[@immaculateboy]

This man makes me so proud to be an Episcopalian. Amen!

[@Kat-vc2cd]

I've always been non-denominational and just started connecting to Episcopalian and this video is definitelypushing me closer to it💜

[@CarlosRodriguez-ox3bg]

OMG What a Beautiful Sermon. Going back to episcopal church

[@Snejtag]

This is one of my all time favorite sermons. The explanation of the meaning of believing in incarnation was so helpful to me on its own. Thank you!

[@mattjbg7025]

This is wonderful. To all wandering and wondering and questioning, you have a home in our community, no matter where you are in your journey.

[@freddieblue6351]

Amen

[@bg5469]

“the episcopal church welcomes you” is more than just a slogan; it’s an ethos. welcome to the indignant, the forgotten, the hurt, the betrayed, the disenchanted, the seekers and the lost, welcome to the fledgling and the beginner and the convert. find your hope for a better way forward and a healthier faith just as you are, as jesus asked us to come to him.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

The episcopal church violates the scriptures.

[@bigprettyman3795]

@@colepriceguitar1153 And you violate the teachings of Christ. DIdnt I tell you to GFY?

[@colepriceguitar1153]

@@bigprettyman3795 What is GFY?

[@tammyjo8952]

Thank you for sharing this so publically, this has been a blessing

[@alexanderscott1087]

This is great, thank you so much for the upload.

[@freddieblue6351]

Love this...We go crazy at Christmas. Thank you Father Dan.

[@kridgeway7017]

Praise the Lord!! Love this!!!!

[@markhuffine7534]

Great message, and a wonderful delivery. But most of all: CORRECT! I serve a church that is very mixed in a lot of ways...race...sexual orientation...money....no money. You name it, we have it. And NO ONE cares about any of that....they just love each other. Doing our best to live out Fr Dan's message. God Bless!

[@marcus8016]

I needed this today. Wonderful sermon.

[@thomascurry4762]

I was raised a Catholic from birth until well into adulthood. However, being gay was not something I could reconcile with and believe in Catholicism. In fact, being a Catholic was/is extremely unhealthy for gay people. And between being Catholic and being gay, I could only change my religion and not my sexuality. So, I became a (Reform) Jew, because it was something that I was familiar with from family member, and that community was super welcoming and affirming. Had I met this guy about 5 or 6 years ago, I may had become Episcopalian instead! Nonetheless, this sermon definitely made me to refocus on seeing all creation, and all creatures, as reflections of the Divine. Thanks for sharing this!

[@shanak123]

Amazing. I have made up my mind

[@chironmentor]

In 1978 I had a crisis. I sought Fr. Dan's help and asked for his advice. He said he'd have to think and pray about it and that I should see him the next day. On that day he said what he thought my problem really was--and a light of recognition went off.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

Jesus said call no man father. (Obviously not referring to a familial father)

[@jas9friend]

@@colepriceguitar1153 he was even referring to your actual father. But he also said call no man teacher. Yet his apostles called themselves teachers. It was hyperbole. Jesus and all of the Old Testament were poetic, never was a straight answer given to the Pharisees for instance.

[@jbriton]

Love this sermon.

[@Mother47]

Enjoyed Incarnational Theology

[@HarveyHaans]

What a great message! Such a shame we don't have Episcopal or Anglican churches in the Netherlands..

[@anniebolger4465]

You might be interested to know that there are several Anglican churches in the Netherlands! europe.anglican.org/where-we-are/church-locations/netherlands

[@robertwindhorst6474]

There is an anglican church in amsterdam..op het begijnhof

[@Jordan-hz1wr]

Athanaseus: "What was God, being good, to do in seeing his creation on the road to ruin and lapsing back into non-being? AND SO the Word became flesh."

[@ScrunchBug22]

Love this. Underrated comment.

[@monus782]

I guess we Unitarians also have that theology, 12:40 is literally what the first of our seven principles is about. I still find the church to be too creedal for my taste to formally join as much as I love the liturgy and the Prayer Book tradition (we have King's Chapel in Boston for that), unless there's more people like Bishop Spong. Otherwise I love going to the Anglo-Catholic parishes when I can.

[@brettmiller4270]

This is amazing!

[@emaliehuggins6965]

I have never heard an old white man preach in such a way. ❤

[@differnet]

Amazing sermon. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@tj3kidos]

Wowwww

[@barryford1482]

I,m an Anglican in Australia which is the same as Episcopalian

[@robertcapen6814]

Matthews continuously refers to "Incarnational Theology." What is the bedrock frame of reference for this theology? Some of it appears to fit Biblical teaching but other parts do not. The Nigerian Episcopal Church would not agree with Matthews position on some of the issues he presents, so the Episcopal Church USA is not united universally. Matthews message makes everyone feel good. Did the message of Christ make everyone feel good? I'm perplexed.

[@kirsten07734]

In any church where scripture, tradition and reason are balanced; where discussion, discernment, and democracy are guides; and where love of God and neighbors are the core…growth will happen and people and churches will mature and slowly grow wiser. We learned to reject slavery though we still wrestle the demon of racism. Some Anglican Churches are learning to reject gender discrimination, though we still struggle with the demon of sexism. And most recently, some have learned that orientation is not a “lifestyle” or a choice, but how God chose us each to be. We grow at different rates. Conservatism attempts to keep us grounded and not fly off recklessly but it’s function is not to prevent progress, but to slow it just enough to really think it through. To discuss. To discern. To pray with open hearts. It has been painful on all sides. That’s what this homily outlines: a half century of agonizing growth out of theological necessity.

[@bigprettyman3795]

Yes, he did. Except Dogmatic Pharisees and the rich. Sort of like some of the commenters here.

[@sameash3153]

Well, it's somewhat paradoxical. A lot of those ideas that he affirms were not popular with the culture at the time they were preaching them. So they weren't "feel good" messages. They do resonate that way now though after wokism has become so common place. There probably is an Episcopal conspiracy behind wokeism btw but I won't go there. I'll just say even Wikipedia uses the humorous phrase "disproportionate representation" among the America elite.

[@seanpeters7909]

The bedrock of that theology is that it represents the pet causes of wealthy American liberals. Interestingly, Matthews seems to come close to denying the dignity of the people with whom he disagrees.

[@russ254]

“gender discrimination” you mean “not coerced into participating in someone’s sex fantasy identity.”

[@russ254]

“respecting the dignity of every human being” means treating people as god sees man, not as man chooses to see himself. if a man identifies as a dog, respecting his dignity means denying him to his face and treating him with his dignity as a man, not dignifying his fantasy and dignifying his rejection of his own dignity.

[@jaimesfolly]

God saves us right where we are (Rom 5:8, Gal 3:28, 1Cor 7). I do not want to be a stumbling block for someone seeking Christ regardless of their sin. Salvation comes first, then repentance and good spiritual fruits (Philippians 1:6).

[@troyvance9533]

Awsome!

[@rdalbright1]

It is a fast shrinking church.

[@jaimesfolly]

All churches seem to be shrinking, but my Episcopal parish is growing and expecting future growth. That may be because our city is experiencing a boom in population. For me, I try to serve God and others regardless of trends.

[@michaelsumstine1579]

Outstanding

[@wbskas]

The Incarnation must lead us to the atonement from our sinful, prideful, lost state as Jesus saves us if we believe in His sacrifice and put our faith in Him, as did the "good thief" on the cross. Unfortunately, this preacher doesn't understand real Biblical theology. I am sad about this kind of theology, especially as an Episcopal priest myself. This sermon reminded me of what the Scriptures tell us in II Timothy 4:3. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

[@terriebunnell7269]

wow

[@davidstanton5587]

No joke ,it's because Francis is of a masculine active Christian spiritual life thanks to his order who shun higher office

[@davidstanton5587]

You see people don't use them the Catholic church has a plethora of councils, if the incarnation is destroyed you destroy Christ's sacrifice its like denying the devil you destroy the incarnation for why did Christ come !the serpent is cunning.... cunning

[@georgewaite9389]

If it's so open, why is is still so White/middle-upper middle class? And if it's so great, why is is shrinking away faster than the polar ice caps?

[@magicdog9523]

Because it doesn't advertise its existence, and doesn't try to keep people from leaving if they want to.

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Along with the number of college educated people as well. Unfortunately, many people attend church to be entertained - and will leave the second they don't like the pastor anymore... 🤷‍♂️

[@barelyprotestant5365]

A man who cheated on his wife with another man was a "great choice" for the Episcopate? An alcoholic, who later divorced that man he chested with?

[@barelyprotestant5365]

Wow...so the argument is either Gnosticism or every act under the sun is good. Love that false dichotomy.

[@TimothyRCrowe]

Cheating on anyone is wrong, be they male or female. Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery, whether the mate be same sex or not. Alcohol isn't evil. One of the miracles of Christ was to turn water to wine at a wedding party. Its abuse is a sickness and selfishness of others that brings evil. To cheat was a selfish choice. Incarnate Theology does not excuse sinful and dishonorable behavior.

[@kausamsalam8543]

To be fair, why are you blaming that scenario on this convert?

[@russ254]

because Robinson was made bishop of NH - he’s supposed to be giving moral and theological guidance, not flouting it

[@TheNdh00]

You can 🍺 .

[@johnsteila6049]

The Anglican Church is born in sin and remains there.

[@JM-gu3tx]

The Episcopal Church leadership doesn't believe in the "love thy neighbor" part of the Bible, apparently.. The Episcopal Church in don't care if they are the only people making noise on a Saturday morning. Callous, selfish,rude, narcissistic and awful neighbors..

[@troyvance9533]

That is the absolute opposite of our teachings. I am sorry that you have had a different experience.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

The episcopal church is unbiblical

[@bigprettyman3795]

It is Biblical, and true to the message of the real Jesus. not the Republican Jesus or the Jesus of elitists. And the Bible is a worked over book written not by God but by man. I follow the Philosophy of Jesus, not a dogmatic old book. If you think the message of Love of Humankind is unchristian, then you are not one.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

@@bigprettyman3795 If you believe in Jesus teachings you believe in part of the Bible. Why do reject the stuff you find that don't fit your views of what love is? Is permitting the lifestyle of those who sin love. How can you endorse the lifestyle of those who sin when the wages of sin are death?

[@tamarashort7269]

@@colepriceguitar1153 we love a sinner but do not cherish sin,

[@colepriceguitar1153]

@@tamarashort7269 yeah

[@anjanettelanham2914]

I was raised in the Episcopal Church and suffered great abuse.

[@Mrcrisis2012]

this guy doesn't know the savior and Lord Jesus of the bible

[@llfJet]

Scripture/God does indeed teach us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us but it does not teach us to embrace sin or accept sin. In the beginning of this video he says "everyone is good". He said that a couple of times. God said "no one is good, no not one." That is why we need a savior. We need to accept his blood sacrifice and accept him and turn away, repent from our sin, the way of the world and without that repentance there is no forgiveness for sins so I do not agree with this man as far as embracing all sin. We are to preach the gospel to everyone, yes, and let them except or reject the Savior of their own free will but God is the judge not us, and we do judge not only when we wrongly condemn others but when when we also accept sin and say "its OK. Carry on. " Jesus went to sinners and loved them and warned them. He preached the truth, warning about sin and he kept moving forward but he did not stop and become a participant in their sinful behaviors and rejection of God. If they've shown they want nothing to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ which means not to sin we are not to go through life making our best friends those who reject God or who pervert the truth of his Word. Clothe them; feed them; show them the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your good works but remember, no one is good without repentance, faith and trust to our Savior, Jesus, God incarnate, and letting him remove our sin and make us grow by the Word more like himself. I am sorry he did not preach on the doctrine of imputation which is simply a trade-off. When we put our trust in Jesus, our sins and our sinful nature are on the cross, done away with, and His Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. He takes our sinfulness and gives us his holiness. We are made righteous through the blood of his cross. We are to turn to Jesus and turn away from our sin and living a holy life pleasing to God, not say we are Christians and then glorify our sin. The world is upside down.

[@bigprettyman3795]

He knows the true Jesus. You, obviously, do not. Sickening Lil Troll.