Jesus has just warned his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which we know is the teaching of those two groups. Now they have finished crossing the water, and have gone north out of Israel into Caesarea Philippi. This city was an imperial city built up in Roman style. It is here that Jesus then asks “Who do people say that I am?” What is Jesus doing? He is doing catechism!!!
What Does “Rugged Confessionalism” Mean?
Confession refers to the stated truths understood and held by the Church as the teachings or doctrines of the Scriptures. To be a rugged confessionalist is to know with confidence and to teach with determination the truths of the Word of God.
Introducing Rugged Confessionalism
Whenever I read of a movement within a church denomination, I ask, what is it that is perceived as missing that a movement hopes to accomplish in the life of the church?