Summary
In this post Francis J. Beckwith outlines the final step that led to his return to communion in the Roman Catholic Church. The focus of this short article is an outline for how his understanding of Apostolic Succession was clarified.
While not an extensive defense of the doctrine, it is helpful as a personal reflection and exploration of the topic.
Francis J. Beckwith is Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Graduate Program in Philosophy.
Overview
Theological Tradition of the Author:
Roman Catholic
Topics:
Apostolic Succession
Links:
[Source]
Quotes
“…a leading argument in the Early Church against heretics was their lack of episcopal lineage and continuity and thus their absence of communion with the visible and universal Church.”
“…as the Church grows and develops, its intrinsic properties mature in order to accommodate its increasing membership as well as meet new theological, political, geographic, and pastoral challenges unanticipated by its younger incarnation.”
episcopi ecclesiarum protestantium 