Fr. Harry Winter
The Five Ways
Introduction to the Five Ways
There are five ways to live the Christian life. But all five have rarely flourished simultaneously. Usually, one or two dominate. During the last half of the twentieth century, in every denomination, all five competed in the average parish, congregation, and religious order. Only once or twice has this happened in the two-thousand-year history of Christianity. And then, instead of mutual support, the competition brought conflict and division. Yet all five can claim a basis in the New Testament.
Catholic Christians (and they exist in every denomination) are baptized as infants, love the sacraments, and are suspicious of emotion. Evangelical/Charismatic Christians search for a born-again experience, or baptism in the Spirit, as adults. They welcome emotion, long sermons, and witnessing and are uneasy with structures such as sacraments. Reformed (neo-orthodox) Vatican Il Christians recognize the necessity of change and renewal and frequently mediate between those Christians who practically worship change (Liberals) and those who view any change as betrayal (Fundamentalists).
You can learn more about the Five Ways here.
Five Ways Blog – Most Recent Post
- Five Ways of Christianity After 20 Years, Even More Important
Twenty years ago, I explained that every Christian has a favorite way, a secondary way, and one that is repulsive. This can make evangelization difficult or easier. In the past 20 years, each of the five ways has increased in power and influence. We need to be familiar with the five ways even more than ever.
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Recent Five-Ways posts from Fr. Harry
- Five Ways of Christianity After 20 Years, Even More ImportantTwenty years ago, I explained that every Christian has a favorite way, a secondary way, and one that is repulsive. This can make evangelization difficult or easier. In the past 20 years, each of the five ways has increased in power and influence. We…
- Five Ways – Aug 24August 19, 2024 In our July Five ways, I included Bishop Robert Barron’s rejection of the way the Olympic opening ceremony insulted the Last Supper. Our first item below is from our Oblate of Mary Seamus Finn, giving another view also criticizing the Olympic…
- Five Ways – July 24July 30, 2024 Many thanks to those who commented on the June 21 Five Ways. First, let us continue with Christian Joy, remembering that the Holy Spirit is the source of joy. A rabbi said to a precocious six year old boy “So your…
- Five Ways – June 24June 21, 2024 Many thanks to those who commented on the May 20 Five Ways. First, let us continue with Christian Joy, remembering that the Holy Spirit is the source of joy. Dad was listening to his child say his prayer “Dear Harold.” Dad…
- Five Ways – May 24May 20, 2024 Please note my e-mail has changed. It seems the old one still works. On Sunday, May 19, Sixty Minutes interviewed Pope Francis in a very intriguing 20-minute section. If you google “60 Minutes Overtime, Interviewing Pope Francis,” you will find some…
- The Heroes of the HeroesCheck out the recent article from Jim Brobst on laity making a difference. In the annals of missionary life, the spotlight often shines on the courageous deeds of missionaries braving adversity to spread the Gospel. Yet, behind every missionary’s tale of heroism lies a…