Article 18 of the Church of England’s 39 Articles must surely qualify as one of the most culturally unpopular of Anglicanism’s core beliefs. Even the title is enough to upset contemporary sensitivities: 'Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ.'
Even more strikingly, the actual text of the article anathematizes those who teach that everyone can be saved by their own belief system, whatever that might be. They can’t, however carefully and sincerely they try to live that belief system out.
The Roman Catholic Council of Trent anathematizes those who dissent from its views at numerous points. But this is the only such curse in the 39 Articles. Is it right to be so starkly against those who disagree that Christ is the only way? Should they effectively be consigned to hell in this way? The wording of the Article is as follows:
They also are to be had accursed that presume to say, That every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that Law, and the light of Nature. For holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.
The Article quotes from Acts 4:12 to provide Scriptural warrant. The apostle Peter on trial before the Sanhedrin, speaks of Jesus Christ of Nazareth offering a unique salvation: 'Salvation is found in no-one else for there is no other name given amongst men by which we must be saved'. Read more
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