From Moscow with Love: the Pope, Protestantized Catholicism, Crosspolitic, and New Saint Andrews Graduation
Moscowlized in two days.
I am writing from a hotel in Spokane, where I have stayed many times. I will return to Pensacola shortly, through my usual Dallas route. As always, my time in Moscow was remarkably fruitful. Attending the NSA graduation ceremony is just another assurance of how much I treasure this institution—the music, speech, and commencement address were symphonic.
It was a delight to see the Palouse again. The colors seem to be extra bright this time. It’s my third trip to Moscow this year, and I can say I have seen snow, mud, and blossoming flowers. I spoke at the Epiphany lectures in January, then at the Mission's Conference in March, and finally attended NSA’s commencement and board meeting these last two days.
I am unsure what image you have of a board meeting, but I can assure you that any sense of tedium you may have is mistaken. Of course, I can only speak of New Saint Andrews College. The men are jovial, and the food and fellowship are additional benedictions of the whole thing. I am bullish about the work of NSA. Being on the board gives me an even greater insider look into this school, and while I am heartily bent on its good, I can also say that I can see what they are producing on the ground level. In other words, I have empirical evidence of its goodness.
It was two short days, but enough to see and catch up with dear friends, stop by Sword and Shovel and see the Swait tribe, and enjoy the best coffee in Moscow.
I had the opportunity to hear Joe Boot speak in Tucson, AZ, last week, and again as the commencement speaker for the class of 2025 in Moscow. Joe is an astute thinker. Given the high level of theological illiteracy and priestly heresy in England, Rev. Dr. Boot may be one of the few voices of reason in a culture slowly making their way towards hell.
Before I go, let me leave you with my Crosspolitic interview. Toby, Gabe, and Choc Knox are a blast to be around, and I have treasured these guys’ friendships for a long time. There is always a high chance I will take them up on a last-minute offer. I was fairly sleep deprived, but we still talked about some significant things, including the new pope, the Protestantized Roman Church, the CREC, and a few other topics. I have been introduced at podcasts, conferences, and television interviews hundreds of times, but this intro was extra special! Thanks to the Waterboy!
Notations
Stay Close to the Church
The same critique offered during COVID can be provided today. Back then, many sought refuge in virtualized systems to escape the enfleshed gathering of the so-called radicals. Today, many are still forming virtualized ecclesial systems to escape the enfleshed gathering of the saints. In both cases, they de-churched to fabricate a church after their own image. Today's exhortation is the same: stay close to the local church, honor those who rule over you, and find refuge in the communion of the gathered saints.
Easter Catechism
Paul writes that the resurrected Christ … must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. Let me provide you with a short Easter catechism:
Question #1: Are all Christ’s enemies under his feet now?
Answer: No. Christ’s enemies have not all been conquered or destroyed.
Question #2 When will Christ ultimately bring all his enemies under his feet?
Answer: When the last enemy death is destroyed.
Question #3 When will death be destroyed?
Answer: At the end of history, when all enemies are under his feet.
In the resurrection, Christ begins to put every enemy under his feet, and He will continue to do so until the end of history. This is the hope of those who are his friends and who are now reigning with him. This is our hope. Thanks be to God.
Christ is Risen, indeed!
Uriesou T. Brito
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