The Rosary
Rev. Angus Stewart critiques the use of prayer beads (rosaries) in Christian worship, arguing that they lack scriptural support and contradict Jesus's command against vain repetitions. The article marshals Reformed theological arguments from Luther and Calvin to demonstrate that genuine prayer requires faith and mental focus on God's promises rather than mechanical repetition of formulas, making it a defense of Reformed prayer practice against Catholic liturgical traditions.
Rev. Angus Stewart The discussion regarding the sale of rosary beads in the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Dublin (January, 2008) raises important questions about the rosary itself. Why are prayer beads (widely used in paganism) required when there is no scriptural support for them? Do the practitioners need some tangible assurance that their prayers have been uttered to and heard by God? Is not the heavenly intercession of the crucified and risen Son of God, the only high priest, enough...