What is the Anglican Via Media?

In this video, Rev. Dr. Michael Bird explains what the Anglican via media is and is not. He focuses on Anglicanism as trying to negotiate different Protestant options in the English context and offering a critical evaluation of Anglo-Catholicism.
Contents
Anglicanism between Protestantism and Catholicism (00:01)
Anglicans and Catholicity (01:45)
Anglicans on Worship (03:30)
Anglicans on the Eucharist (04:15)
What about Anglo-Catholicism? (05:05)
Anglicanism as Reformational Catholicism (08:40)
Conclusion (10:15)
Watch these videos too:
/ @earlychristianhistory... The Channel
• Anglicans-R-Us Anglicans-R-Us Playlist
• 5 Reasons To Be Anglican! 5 Reasons to Be Anglican
• Anglicanism as Reforma... Anglicanism as Reformational Catholicism
Keep up with Mike
Twitter: @mbird12
michaelfbird.substack.com
#Anglicanism #anglicanchurch #anglocatholic

[@earlychristianhistorywithm8684]

WHOA, way more controversial than I thought it was going to be. I thought this was Anglican History 101. But I seem to have kicked over a hornet's nest of ecclesiastical controversy. I feel like I'm now being chased by a bunch of people wearing cassocks, chasubles, stoles, cinctures, and carrying long and sharp processional weapons. I think my only defense is to hold up a copy of a 1552 Prayer Book and cry out, "The Power of Cranmer Compels You!"

[@theologianstable]

What you stated in the video is in line with what I studied about Cranmer for a seminary paper I wrote. Not sure why people are giving you a hard time.

[@earlychristianhistorywithm8684]

@@theologianstable I know!

[@ronv7995]

As an ordained non-denominational pastor recovering from dispensationalism (lol) that has recently been confirmed into the Lutheran tradition, and looking deeply into Anglican history as well - I must say that in my studies I have seen nothing but confirmation of everything you said in your video. Thank you for posting it.

[@earlychristianhistorywithm8684]

@@ronv7995 Thanks mate!

[@Steadfast-Lutheran]

As a former Anglican (ACNA), I strongly agree with your characterization of Anglo-Catholicism as a late innovation and departure from earlier Anglicanism.

[@dharmabm42]

Here in the US we have the Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) which identifies as classically Anglican and it is certainly not liberal. Yes, inspired by the Oxford Movement ("high church") but we put a strong emphasis on the early church. Next time you're in the US, Fr. Michael, come visit us! At my own parish I was pleased to lead a study through your book 'Seven Things I Wish...' as a Lenten discipline 🙂

[@earlychristianhistorywithm8684]

Would love to visit one day!

[@ahbeng888]

Interesting take. I went from Methodism to Anglicanism (in the via media approach you articulated in the video). But eventually the via media broke down for me and I ended up becoming an Evangelical Anglo-Catholic that was being let down by the Anglican and Methodist traditions. So I ended up “Crossing the Tiber” via the Ordinariate (that you mention in the video). There is much that I can still learn from my Anglican brothers and sisters (you and Bishop NT Wright are two examples), but there is much that I couldn’t reconcile in Anglicanism with the early church and Scripture which is why out of conscience I had to cross the Tiber.

[@BabylonianCaptivity]

I really dig your videos. I had thought Anglicanism was a horrific train wreck. I now see and experience it to be much more than that and after years as a Catholic monk and then EO convert and sometime radically reformed guy...i think Anglicanism might just offer a place: the local church of the land that was always there while i travelled the globe looking for the elusive "one true church!!"

[@shanthalperera5216]

I was expecting "then if you stay till the end of the video, i will baptize you into the Anglican Church."

[@Steadfast-Lutheran]

Just curious, have you read the Book of Concord and if so, briefly what are your thoughts?

[@CJBeez1]

In the U.S., the Anglicans believe in "real presence" and don't mention a "spiritual presence." If I'm not mistaken, I believe some Reformed/Calvinist churches affirm the "spiritual" view of the eucharist. I can mentally assent to that view, but it seems like it's "all or nothing," with the higher churches having a closed communion. Therefore, I still remain a "memorialist".

[@SibleySteve]

Need your pastoral advice, I’m in an Anglo Catholic affirming liberal episcopal church, vibrant, liturgical smells and bells but very leftish. I myself am low church conservative but this is my only option, and my wife likes it. Am I guilty for contributing to this mission? There is no perfect church, I am told. They have a good charity program with the homeless and a great psalter choir. Tganks

[@earlychristianhistorywithm8684]

There is no church, and no local church, that is pure and perfect. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding the best fit or the least worst option. In any case be a faithful member of the church, speak up graciously when appropriate, and worship and serve the Lord where you’re at.

[@Leviticus_is_fun]

Can i make a video request!? Are Anglicans Evangelicals? or Are Anglicans Reformed?

[@Chris-Stockman]

I must say I’m surprised to hear you say that Anglo-Catholics are the ones that are at risk of going liberal when I look around the world and it’s been the Church of England and the Episcopalians (in the U.S.) that are on their way to hell. ACC is the most conservative Anglican tradition by far.

[@urbanpaip]

What is your take on AS? Are anglican ministers valid as they are in that chain? And what about say baptist minister that can't be tracked to any kind of AS?

[@murraylloyd6011]

"present in the eucharist" i read no such thing in scripture. They ate a dinner, it was a meal with bread. Anglo Catholic ? Imputed righteousness uniting with infused righteousness? Achieving the necessary holiness in purgatory uniting with the Christ our righteousness? As i said to my dear Anglican minister friend you have not sufficently severed from the false gospel of Rome nor adhered to your articles sufficiently, which at least contained some discernment regarding Romes blasphemous practices. The divide grows as many, many and many begin to re-embrace Rome while she holds fast to her damnable heresies. You would be in majority. May i just add one last point. If Anglicans hold to the gospel of the bible then it is irreconcilable with the gospel of Rome. And if anyone preach another gospel let him be accursed. Cramner would be turning in his grave as the saying goes.

[@matthewhartt5887]

Via media has evolved into Broadchurch!