About this site
Ok, because this is the “About” page, I assume that I have to give a brief synopsis of who I am, what I like, etc. I’m not really sure why I have to do this other than the fact that I would feel awkward having a blog and not giving some explanation as to who I am.
My name is Trent Arwine… aka… Trent Arwine. I was born in 1975 and born again in 2001. I am very happily married. I enjoy serving God (especially through evangelism). I also enjoy reading, philosophy, math, and music. Professionally, I am an information systems analyst… whatever that means.
Why do I write? Really, for two main reasons.
(1) I enjoy writing. Most of my writings never make it to this blog, but I write often. I love music but I cannot play an instrument at all. I love art but I have absolutely no innate artistic capacity. I love writing, and have that capacity. I am not an excellent writer, really, not even interesting, but I do find writing as a means of expressing those thoughts that are deepest within my mind and heart.
(2) Much of the content that I post originated in the mind of someone else. My goal in life is to cheer on the faithful in Christ, encourage the weary, and evangelize the lost. When I come across an article or poem, a song or quote, that inspires, encourages, or convicts, I want to share it. Perhaps someone will stumble upon it and benefit… regardless, it serves as a repository for me to be able to reference and to send to another who needs to be encouraged or challenged.
I don’t think I could afford a tombstone, but if I could, and I could leave some text on it, I would want to leave the lyrics to this song…
Before the Throne of God Above
Words: Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
Seeking to clarify the coucil of Trent
This blog actually has nothing to do with the council of Trent, but since Trent it is my middle name, I chose to reference it in my subtitle. I have therefore included a brief description of it here. I am not Catholic and therefore disagree with the council of Trent.
The Council of Trent was the 19th Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church. Considered one of the Church’s most important councils, it convened in Trent for three periods between December 13, 1545, and December 4, 1563, as a response to the Protestant Reformation. It clearly specified Catholic doctrine on salvation, the sacraments, and the Biblical canon, answering all Protestant disputes. It entrusted to the Pope the completion of some sections of its work, as a result of which Pope Pius V issued in 1566 the Roman Catechism, in 1568 a revised Roman Breviary, and in 1570 a revised Roman Missal, thus initiating what since the twentieth century has been called the Tridentine Mass (from the city’s Latin name Tridentum), and Pope Clement VIII issued in 1592 a revised edition of the Vulgate.
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor favored the calling of a council, but the popes were generally reluctant, and Francis I of France also raised difficulties. The council was first delayed and sometimes suspended because of resistance from the popes and revolt against the emperor. Pope Paul III finally summoned the council in 1537 for Mantua, which was blocked by France, and in 1538 for Vicenza, which got no support from the Emperor. A 1542 convocation for Trent finally took effect in 1545, and the Council convened for three periods: 1545-1547, 1551-1552, and 1562-1563, with the first suspension caused by an epidemic at Trent and the second by a revolt against the Emperor and the personal opposition of Pope Paul IV.
To those involved, the Council of Trent was the most impressive embodiment of the ideals of the Counter-Reformation. It would be over 300 years until the next Ecumenical Council.
Bible Translation
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture used on this website is from the English Standard Version.