A: The via media (Latin for "middle way”) is a phrase that describes the Anglican Church's theological identity as a balance between different religious extremes. Historically, this concept has evolved through several distinct interpretations. Let's take a look at them here:
The phrase was coined in the 16th Century during the reign of Elizabeth the I in England, emerging as part of the Elizabethan Settlement as a path between Roman Catholicism and radical Puritanism, later evolving to also represent a middle road between different Protestant traditions, particularly Lutheranism and Calvinism (Reformed Christianity). Under Queen Elizabeth I, the church retained traditional Catholic structures (like our bishops and the structure of our liturgy) while adopting Reformed theology, (such as the authority of Scripture and eliminating papal authority).
In the 19th Century, John Henry Newman created "The Oxford Movement" and wrote a book in 1837 called The Via Media of the Anglican Church. Newman and the members of his movement (called "Tractarians") argued that Anglicanism was a "middle way" because it remained "Catholic" by keeping apostolic succession and the sacraments without "Roman errors" (such as the papacy), and that it is also "Protestant" without the radical reformation that some denominations were perceived to have underwent.
So how is this history relevant to us now? We use the "middle way" as a framework to integrate three primary sources of authority, often called by Episcopalians the "three-legged stool," a phrase created by theologian Richard Hooker.
The legs of the three-legged stool are:
Scripture: The authority for faith and practice.
Reason: The use of human intellect to interpret faith and apply it to new contexts (this
also includes our experiences).
Tradition: Respect for the historical practices and teachings of the early church.
It is worth remembering that a three legged stool will become unbalanced and topple if the legs are not exactly the same length. One of the above sources of authority cannot be prioritized over the other two - all are connected and must inform one another for us to remain balanced and stay within the "middle way."
The via media is often seen as a "Big Tent" approach that allows for a wide range of theological diversity, taken from both Catholic and Protestant sources. This diversity includes:
Anglo-Catholic: High church traditions emphasizing sacraments and liturgy.
Evangelical: Low church traditions emphasizing personal conversion and the Bible.
Liberal/Broad: A focus on modern social issues and inclusive practice.
You will find all of these elements present in Anglicanism and each parish and diocese has it's own "flavor" or emphasis. Additionally, each parish may represent a combination of these elements. The take away is that to embrace the concept of the "middle way" means staying away from extremes and incorporating a range of diverse beliefs and experiences into the life of the church. Essentially, we have a flexible framework inside set boundaries and quite a bit of diversity in our pews. Which leads me to one final piece of information - the distinction
between orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Orthodoxy refers to correct doctrines (or dogma), creeds, and theological principles. Orthopraxy emphasizes correct conduct, including ethical behavior, rituals, and liturgical practices. The Episcopal Church is more orthopraxic than orthodox. This means that we allow for an accept a wide range of theological understandings and interpretations but emphasize common or communal worship and living in community together in specific ways.
Give some thought to St. Luke’s when you worship with us. Do you experience it as Anglo- Catholic, Evangelical, Liberal/Broad or a mixture of all three? How do we balance orthodoxy and orthopraxy? How can you apply the "three-legged stool" in your own life? Do you view us as more Catholic or Protestant or can you see how we are both?
Author: The Reverend Ashley Wright