Product Description
An everything-you-need-to-know guide for newcomers to engage deeply in the Christian life in the tradition of the Episcopal Church, written in an accessible, conversational style. This book will carefully present the Episcopal Church's language of worship theology church structure and sacraments so newcomers will have the vocabulary to share their beliefs and practices, explore the Bible, understand prayer and discern their own ministry within the church. Similar in format to the earlier book for teens, this new book will draw on the success of the teen book by retaining its broad content areas as well as its clear and simple language, while inviting readers to consider their relationship with God and the church community as an ongoing process of transformation and providing a way to engage in that process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good introduction to the Episcopal Church
As New to the Episcopal Church this was a big help for me from the history and the essence of the Denomination it really enriched my appreciation for this Church.

excellent!
As a new member of the Episcopal church I found this book to be very helpful.I learned so much about the faith and it answered many questions I had.It is easy to read and understand.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
This revised edition of the classic text on Episcopal Church history brings the story of the Church up-to-date with a new chapter on the 1990's. This new chapter pays special attention to the Church's renewal efforts, Presiding Bishop Browning's time in office, the issue of homosexuality, changing leadership dynamics, liturgical change, and Lambeth 1998.

"A truly inclusive story of the church's life in the USA and overseas. The attention to women, African-Americans, Native-Americans, and hearing-impaired, and also to those of recent 'lifestyles' is well done."
-The Rev. Samuel M. Garrett, Professor Emeritus Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Robert W. Prichard is Professor of Church History at the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Informative
I found this to be a very good summary and overview of the history of the Episcopal Church.I learned more about how the church was formed and developed than from other history books of the Episcopal Church.

great book
A great look at the history of the Episcopal Church, and one that provides the basis for delving deeper.I was handed this by my rector when I asked about the history of our church.Not too many years later, I found myself in seminary, on myway to becoming a priest.Add to that, my instructor was the author of this book!

A good introduction
Robert Prichard's `History of the Episcopal Church' is one of the more accessible of church histories available on the official Anglican version of the church in the United States - the Episcopal Church, sometimes called ECUSA, whose official name, the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, is a bit of a tongue-twister.

Despite the fact that many people came to the Americas for religious freedom (and one of the churches against which they were rebelling was the Anglican church), the Anglican church arrived on American shores very early, with the establishment of colonies on the southern coast of North America (Virginia, the Carolinas), which had official sanction by the Royal authority, and thus official ties to the official church.However, this was a strange situation for Anglicans to find themselves in - while still the official state religion and dominant group back home, they were outnumbered by other immigrants to North America by a significant margin, and this did not even count the numbers of Native Americans.Continuing immigration from non-Anglican parts of the British Isles (Scotland, Ireland, and non-Anglican English and Welsh) caused religious ambiguity in colonial social life and governance also in the New England settlements, which had prior Dutch Calvinist colonies already.

Prichard traces this beginning through the Great Awakening, which had Anglicans experiencing internal difficulties, and the Revolutionary War period, where many Anglicans were viewed with suspicion for their ties to the Royalist cause.One of the difficulties caused for Anglicans in America by the Revolutionary War was a suspension of formal ties to the Church of England, where bishops had to swear allegiance to the crown, something the newly independent Americans were not willing or able to do.The consecration of Seabury took place therefore under the auspices of the Anglican church in Scotland, who required as covenant for their transference of episcopal orders the acceptance by the new institution in America of certain liturgical forms, such as the prayer of consecration from 1549 rather than the more common 1552.

This also represented the period of the growth of Methodism, with the figure of John Wesley prominent in the activity - Prichard states that while the Methodist movement grew out of and had respect for the Anglican traditions and institution, the only Anglican clergyman whose authority they accepted over themselves was that of John Wesley.Prichard's discussion of the strands that came from earliest Anglicanism is interesting for the future development of various denominations in America, and shows how much common lineage the Christian community in America shares.

Prichard's text continues with discussion of the mission and expansion period of American growth, the Civil War period, the settlement of the West and looking toward foreign missions, the Depression and War periods, and finally the second half of the twentieth century with its period of institutional strength, shifting theologies, and prospects for renewal.

In each of these sections, Prichard draws upon a variety of historical resources.He does not confine himself to looking simply at events, institutions, or personalities, but weaves these together as they are necessary to achieve an overall narrative story.Liturgical and theological shifts are discussed but not fully developed (this is not a theology or a liturgy text); attendant events and developments in the general history of the United States are brought in both for context and for influence.

There is a generous assortment of illustrations - line art, wood cut and photographs - as well as tables of information (dioceses admitted to the church as states were admitted to the union, etc.).There are no maps, which might in a few instances have aided the discussion.There is a useful index.Each chapter has a series of endnotes immediately following the chapter, but there is no general bibliography or list of selected readings.

In general, this is a very good text for learning the history of the church in the United States.There are occasional mis-statements, and occasional omissions one might quibble about, but on the whole, it is accessible, readable, and useful for the general reader and student.

Just the facts, ma'am
Oh my.The back cover of Prichard's *History* correctly says that "many people today are looking for a history of the Episcopal Church that is brief, comprehensive, easy to read, and inclusive."But the book lacks all of these qualities except possibly the first (depending on whether you consider a 300+ page book "brief").

To his credit, Prichard does try to cover the history of the church in America, taking us from the first years of colonization up to the election of Frank Griswold as Presiding Bishop.This is a formidable task, and Prichard is to be commended for giving it a go.

Having said that, however, three things about the book are troublesome.First, I'm afraid that it's written in the dryest style imaginable, bringing back unpleasant memories of standardized textbooks struggled through in high school.

Second, it's more of a rather breathless compendium than an integrated history.By that, I mean that the approach is rather positivistic:history is presented as little more than one fact after another arranged in chronological fashion.There's very little attempt to weave these facts into a broader context or to show interrelations between them.As a consequence, the social context of the church is all but ignored.Instead, Prichard focuses ad tedium on the institutional development of the church.This is obvious an important part of its history.But how informative or fruitful for the general layreader is a history of General Convention?

Finally, Prichard never makes any systematic effort to tie together theology and history.He focuses exclusively on the institutional church but ignores its spiritual progression.As a consequence, the account seems, at best, lopsided.To give but one example:on pp. 188-89 Prichard writes of William Porcher DuBose, arguably the greatest episcopalian theologian of the 19th century.But he mentions him primarily in reference to an historical debate about church structure, and throws in only a one-line aside about DuBose's incarnationalist theology.This refusal to weave spiritual and institutional history renders Prichard's work rather soulless, if I may use that word in this context.

The book is worthwhile as a quick reference for dates and events.But I'm afraid that a popular history of the Episcopal Church still remains to be written.

An excellent introduction and handy reference
This book is a revised edition of Prichard's work originally published in 1991. According to its preface, the author particularly rewrote the tenth and eleventh chapters, adding sections discussing the development of the Episcopal Church in the last decade of the twentieth century. This update helped me enormously to understand the current situation of the Church as I read it just before the General Convention that the Episcopal Church held in Denver, Colorado, this summer.

This book is very readable. It contains many illustrations, which are quite helpful. Compared to David L. Holmes' _A Brief History of the Episcopal Church_ (1993), Prichard narrates the history mostly chronologically and not thematically. He discusses different theological trends that existed in the Church, and follows their interactions and developments. He talks of the changes in women's status in the Church. He neither leaves out the Church's works among ethnic minorities nor foreign missions. The author touches many other historical events as well as important figures. These facts makes the book an excellent introduction and handy reference to the history of the Episcopal Church. ... Read more

Product Description
A treasured resource for traditional Anglicans and other people who appreciate the majesty of King James-style language. It features a Presentation section containing certificates for the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

an American prayer book, NOT The Book of Common Prayer
Wow...hip language at a low street price!...but do you know what you are getting?

Although many sincere contributions were made to this work, the overall result is NOT a traditional Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

This is not only a radical departure from the Reformed Catholic Doctrine of Cranmer's original Book of Common Prayer, but also a subliminal and stealthy concealment of New Age relativist "innovations" in both principle and teaching within the familiar liturgical structure of the BCP.

The differences between this American diVersion and the previously faithful rendering, the 1928 BCP, include:
-- the ritualistic version of the Eucharist ala Gregory Dix;
-- "inclusive" and thus heretical Psalter;
-- revised and refocused, and thus much diminished, church year;
-- complete displacement of the traditional Eucharistic Lectionary;
-- a 180 degree swing from the classic spiritual focus of Personal Salvation to a worldly focus of Baptismal Covenant
-- resulting in both a mandatory political bias to many prayers and worst of all many collects which veer toward the current Roman Catholic obsession with social justice rather than the traditional Anglican stalwart dedication to repentance;
-- reversion to a papist Roman Catholic Eucharistic Prayer, even in the absence of the authority of Rome.

I thank the late Dr. Peter Toon for verbalizing my distaste and discontent for Rite One of this 1979 Book of Common American Heretical Innovations and Politically Correct Incantations as practiced by The Episcopal Church in the United States.

Besides identifying the doctrinal and conceptual differences above, Dr. Toon observed that the illusion of Rite One being like the old BCP is accomplished simply by reconstituting Rite Two, the New Age Theology, into King James English, thus fooling all those who are content with being merely ritualistic.

As a Reformed Roman Catholic, converted to Anglicanism via the beauty, simplicity, faithfulness and power of the Holy Spirit imparted by the 1928 Prayer Book, I cannot in good conscience recommend this work even to my friends in TEC, not to mention those of us who have attempted to regain the Faith by forming/joining ACNA!

Perfect text, hard to navigate
I am happy to be able to use the BCP with my Kindle.However, the publisher failed to notice how the book is used by those who really use it!I say the Daily Office, and it's very difficult to find the readings, since they, in the printed version, have Year One on the left hand side of the page and Year Two on the right: easy enough to work with in the bound book, but maddeningly difficult when there is no way to tell which "Year" you are in when on a page in the Kindle version. The bound book has indications on the bottom of the page, but these do not appear in the Kindle version.Whoever prepared this text for the e-book is clearly NOT a user of the BCP, and I am disappointed.I am very pleased with the font, though; it is identical to the bound book and this is somehow reassuring.

Good quality, perfect size, lovely red color and feel
Every Episcopal church has the Book of Common Prayer in the pew, to use during a service.Its content is extensive - a thousand pages covering every aspect of worship in the church, including the Catechism and the Psalms.It is a classic, but much more than that - it is a book that provides comfort and inspires meditation.This edition is a superb value.It has the same content and pagination as the book used at church, but is physically smaller and a more convenient size to carry with you in a purse or briefcase.The font is easy to read, and the "feel" of the book is quite luxurious for the price, with its lovely leather-like red cover and soft pages that lie open nicely, not stiffly like most soft-cover books sold today.

Nice, Simple Portable BCP at a Good Price
I wanted to buy a copy of the Book of Common Prayer for home use since I find the BCP so comforting in the mornings, evenings or anytime. This copy, while not "luxurious" is perfect for my needs and I love the red color. The price is right and I recommend this as a good, simple edition. One day I might invest in a fancy leather edition, but for now, this is just what I needed!

The Book of Common Prayer
Received in a timely manner, in good repair and a much later version than the one I had. ... Read more

Product Description
If you listen closely enough to teenagers, you’ll hear their deep yearning to connect with God, and a powerful instinct to belong. And you’ll find out right away the one thing they really hate—being preached to.

Here in My Faith, My Life, teenagers learn all about the Christian faith they’ve been baptized into – and the Episcopal Church that offers them a spiritual home. With lively writing that’s always informative and never condescending, the book gives them all the basics they need to know to understand their faith – and claim it as their own.

Closely linked to the Book of Common Prayer, My Faith, My Life covers everything from scripture, church history, and sacraments, to the meaning of prayer and ministry in the lives of real teens today.

This is the essential handbook for teens in the Episcopal Church – an excellent resource for confirmation classes, youth study groups, and high school Christian education programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

book review
This is a good little book for teenagers who want to know more about the Episcopel Church, full of answers for those unasked questions.

Helping Teenagers With A Language of Faith
I purchased this book for the four teenagers in my youth confirmation class at an Episcopal Church in California. As I was reading the book, I reflected on my own confirmation class many years ago and discovered the only thing I remember about the class was the teacher's name - not that Holy Confirmation had anything to do with continuing a spiritual journey begun at Holy Baptism. It is my hope that the youth in my class will discover and appropriate for themselves a working lanugage of faith that will sustain them on their spiritual journey. Although much of the content of the book is historical and factual, it also presents the faith journey as a living reality - one to be embraced and lived in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Teenagers have a great hunger for the spiritual life but often flounder in the modern trivia of life that consumes so much of their time and energy. This book will engage their minds and hearts, encourage them to live out their Baptismal Covenant in meaningful ways, be actively involved in the life of the congregation,and be a useful resource for them for years to come.

great confirmation resource
After years of searching for good confirmation resources, we finally found this, and we love it.The adults involved love reading it and the kids (who have actually done their reading) have great things to say about it as well.

Book Study
This is a great book for a book study with teens.We've been working out of it for over a month and our kids are so enthralled and it has generated wonderful discussion.

Helping our youth get their own grasp of their faith
My wife and a good friend and I are leaders for the J2A group at our parish, and we have been working with these fine young folk for almost three years.Our great desire is that they find or strengthen their faith by attending worship services regularly, even in churches; by communicating and communing with the others in the group at church and at school; and that they build for themselves a strong foundation from which they can take that leap into faith, not necessarily onto which they may fasten themselves and become hidebound.

Ms. Gamber's book has turned out to be a wonderful resource for us, both the young people and their leaders in the group, with the great help of our Rector.We have every hope that they will all make the decision to go through confirmation this summer. ... Read more

Product Description
From birthday cakes and anniversary dinners to summer vacations at the beach, each family has its own ways of marking the days and seasons of its life. For the Christian family—especially Episcopalians—it’s no different. With an array of colors and an assortment of rich traditions, Episcopalians move through the Church year, marking the days and seasons that tell the story of Christ in our lives—in history and today.

This book—written for newcomers to the Episcopal Church as well as lifelong members—takes readers by the hand and leads them through the Church year, from the first Sunday of Advent through the last Sunday of Pentecost, answering questions like "Why do we use purple in Lent?" and "What does Maundy Thursday mean?"In an easy-to-read conversational style, Welcome to the Church Year introduces readers to the traditions of the Church seasons and explains why we do what we do.But it does more than offer interesting trivia about church vestments and pageantry. Its insights can help readers participate in the liturgies of the Church year in a deeper, more meaningful way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Welcome to the Church Year
All the Welcome to series are excellent, and I have purchased them.I have rated them 5 stars since they have "earned that designation" for me.I have, until recently, been a hit and miss Episcopalian so these books have really helped me to become comfortable and much more knowledgable.Well worth the money, for sure.

Time after time...
Time is a tricky thing to deal with theologically.There are elements of repetition, and elements of once-only.In our church experience, we look back on the once-only kinds of events (both historical and revelatory) through a cyclical pattern that has varying spans; perhaps the most significant is that of the church year, which follows the progress of the seasons, allowing for variation, but also adding stability to the way in which we as a community approach God and the narratives surrounding God's action in the world.

As Vicki Black states, there are two primary cycles in the church year.The first is the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle, and the second is the Lent-Easter-Pentecost cycle.Traditionally, the church year is said to begin at the first Sunday of Advent.This day is always the fourth Sunday before Christmas; while Christmas is always December 25, the variability in the calendar means that the actual date for the beginning of Advent changes from year to year.This cycle continues through the Epiphany, after which 'ordinary' time takes place until the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.('Ordinary' time refers to the fact that these weeks are numbered with ordinal numbers - second Sunday after Epiphany, etc., and not to the fact that they are outside any of the greater seasons of the church.)

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on different dates in different years, dependent upon the date of Easter.Unlike Christmas, which is fixed on the calendar (which is the Roman solar calendar still in primary use in the world), Easter shifts from year to year, as it is pegged to the Jewish celebration of the Passover, which is governed by a lunar calendar.Lent lasts for 40 days (exclusive of Sundays) until Easter.Holy Week is technically a part of Lent, but has different colours and aspects as things go up to Easter; the Easter season continues until the feast of the Pentecost 50 days later, at which time the church goes into the second, longer period of 'ordinary' time, until the advent of the next Advent season.

Black discusses each of these six elements (Advent-Christmas-Epiphany and Lent-Easter-Pentecost) in separate chapters, along with a special chapter on Holy Week, and an introductory chapter.Black's development is personal, in that she discusses how she incorporates this into her family with her husband and son; she also allows for variations of practice in different parishes and dioceses.There is a minimum of technical language here - the text is very accessible, yet doesn't 'talk down' to the reader.It is both engaging and inviting.

The book can be used by a discussion group at the church - despite the division into eight chapters, it could easily be used as a Lenten discussion book or for an inquirer's class to learn aspects of the church year.There are potential discussion questions listed at the back of each chapter.The book itself is rather short and easily read in a short time, but can be useful as a reference throughout the year, too.

This is part of a series by Morehouse Press, which also includes 'Welcome to the Book of Common Prayer' (also by Vicki Black), 'Welcome to Sunday' and 'Welcome to the Episcopal Church' (both by Christopher Webber).All of these books are great as introductions to the ways (sometimes mysterious) Episcopalians do things in church - useful for newcomers as well as life-long members who might never have learned the 'why' behind what the church does.

The Mystery of Christ in Time
This book is a wonderful introduction to the ways that Episcopalians/Anglicans both celebrate and remember the redemptive work of God in Jesus and then in the Holy Spirit.It is a short work that is easy to read, and includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making it idea for small-group discussions inside and outside of church.

Vicki Black is a deaconess in the Episcopal Church, USA.She writes as a fellow Christian on the way, as well as someone who has truly lived the Church Year and pondered its meaning deeply in her heart.One of the most personal elements of the book, however, is that she also writes as the mother of two young boys.Throughout the book she discusses different ways that she and her husband have sought to make the different feasts and fasts intelligible to her elder son (who was 5 years old at the time this book was written) so that, rather than being diverted by Santa Clause and the Easter bunny, he might see Christ more clearly.

There are seven seasons in the Church Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter to Pentecost, and Pentecost/Trinity.At the heart of it all is the belief that Christmas did not simply happens 2,000 years ago, but happens now, "in the mystery of God choosing to dwell within humankind, a mystery that transcends all time" (p. 5).While discussing the seasons, Black discusses the development of both universal and local traditions, the history behind the seasons, the current liturgy in the Episcopal Church, USA, as well the Biblical readings and themes that permeate each season.A truly holistic worldview emerges.

I began reading this book shortly before Christmas Eve (so, while still in the season of Epiphany), and just finished it today, December 31, 2005.While America as a secular nation will celebrate tomorrow as "New Year's Day", I learned that in the Western Church, we celebrate tomorrow as the "Feast of the Holy Name".While in the secular arena, Christmas is just one day, I learned that for Christians, Christmas is a season that lasts for 12 days: from Christmas day to Epiphany (Jan. 6).

What has been opened up for me in reading this book is a sense that regardless of whatever national days or natural seasons are going on around me, there is a "higher" time that constantly is turning to God's own redemptive activity.It both fills the heart and the mind. ... Read more

Product Description
Blue cloth hardcover with silver lettering on front and spine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

My complete satisfaction
The 1982 Hymnal was specially wrapped and mailed with a cardboard protector and it arrived in perfect condition.It is in brand new shape and ready to go.I am completely satisfied in every way concerning this my new Hymnal.

excellent purchase
Before buying the Hymnal 1982 according to the Episcopal Church.I checked out the details on Amazonand it was very informative, my bening an Episcoplain for 36 years I knew excatly what I was looking for . And Amazon was right on the mark with this product , I have been buying from Amazon for a number of years, and have been always satifyed with everything I have ever purchased from them. The Hymnal arrived in excellent condition within the amount of time promised for delivery.Would I recomend this product to family and friends yes very much so . Would I do bussiness with Amazon again? Yes absolutly with confidence and satifaction. Mary R.Forman.Redding Ca

Hymnal 1982
The hymnal arrived promptly and was in new condition.I am completely satisfied with the price and the purchase.

A good hymnal
A good sampling of hymns from the American Episcopalian church.Some of the settings seem to be archaic just for the sake of including plainsong instead of singable tunes, but the texts tend to be good.

Episcopal Hymnal
Serves the purpose for which it was bought: our own copy in the home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Product never arrived
Hm, first thing from Amazon not to arrive. Am hoping it will show up one of these days. I know the item itself is a five star item and a very good history, but haven't had a chance to read the whole thing, just exerpts during a recent class.

A Well written, balanced and measured brief history
David Holmes' "A Brief History of the Episcopal Church" provides a well written account of the church begining with its roots in the English Reformation and continuing on to the 1990's.He write a comprehensive history touching on the highlights without ever getting bogged down in uninteresting details.Although at times, I wish he had gone deeper, but this is a "brief" history.In keeping it brief, I think he is judicious and prudent with the material.

He successfully manages to follow the course and events of the church, shall profiles with key characters, discuss tensions and conflicts and describe some theology...all while keeping it brief.

I think any readers will find that this book carries out its mission well and gives an erudite, intriguing history of the Episcopal Church.If only an author could briefly tell us where it is going in the future.

A Brief History of the Episcopal Church
I enjoyed reading this book by David L. Holmes. He goes into great detail about the Episcopal religion, and its history from the Anglican Reformation to the present. He not only tells when some Anglican traditions started but what other religions were doing during the same time frame. This book has given me a real hunger for doing more research on the Episcopal Faith

Fair and Caring History Gives Context to Modern Church
Dr. David Holmes's Brief History is important reading for anyoneinterested in the Episcopal Church, being engaging in its style and tone,comprehensive in its coverage, and useful in its bibliography.Dr. Holmeshelped me, an Episcopalian of 30 years, make fair and caring sense of themany currents of religious thought that I first learned about in the late1960s, and to place them into their historical and theological contextsboth within and outside the Episcopal Church.Those currents too oftendivide and discourage rather than unite and uplift us, and we Episcopalianscould argue a lot less (even about liturgy and music!), or at least arguewith more community, if we learned the historical facts and the gentlysuggested lessons that this book can teach us.We also might come awayfeeling more kinship, not only with other Episcopalians whose views we maynot share, but also with other denominations, with whom we share more thanmany of us (including this reviewer) probably know.

A "brief history" that will appeal to many
Good history pairs accurate facts with clear analysis.Great history addsfresh ideas, compelling personal accounts, and a genuine passion for thesubject matter.In this engaging book on the Episcopal church, DavidHolmes has written history of the best kind.

As a professor at theCollege of William and Mary, Holmes commands knowledge of both churchdevelopment and European and American history.Yet his simple, directlanguage makes complex topics clear to readers unfamiliar with churchhistory or religious studies in general.His research also makes Episcopalhistory relevant to a wide range of audiences.

In a chapter entitled "TheGrowth of the Episcopal Church," Holmes chronicles the church'spost-Colonial development.The diversity in this section shines.Withfascinating detail, the author describes Anglican attempts to evangelizeNative Americans, touches on foreign missions, and writes about the effectof immigration on the church.

Holmes also deals deftly with the role ofAfrican-Americans in the church, beginning with the baptism of anAfrican-American family at Jamestown in 1623.He objectively describes thechurch's response to slavery and the Civil War, and explains the subsequentdisaffection of many African-Americans from the denomination.

Finally,Holmes brilliantly chronicles the little-known role of women in areas suchas missionary work and the social gospel movement.The book tells thestories of several women affected by the national debate over women'sordination in the 1960's and 1970's.

Even without the detailed and livelyhistory that comprises its six main chapters, Holmes's book would be worthreading for its fascinating appendix, which chronicles Henry VIII's questfor an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.In an exceedinglywell-researched account, Holmes balances historical detail with humaninterest drama that will captivate readers of all levels.

With livelyprose and compelling analysis, this "brief history" will be a delight forscholars, laity, and history buffs alike. ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 3,000 written entries, this book is a reference for Episcopalians, both lay and ordained. It includes material specific to the Episcopal Church and its history and polity, liturgy and theology, as well as subjects relevant to the whole church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Only Episcopalians need reply
This is quite a good bookfull of explanations ofwhy the priest wears purple in Lent and green in July and other liturgical facts and fancies. A tour de force for Episcopalians. We thrive on this sort of stuff.

Definitively helpful
Can you tell the difference between the ICEL and the ICET?Does a Lay Reader perform the Laying on of Hands?Do you know what EDS, CDSP, ETSS and 'General' have in common?What is fair about Fair Linen?

The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this book, 'An Episcopal Dictionary for the Church'.It is an encyclopedic dictionary, spanning nearly 600 pages of text (many dictionaries are more of a handbook variety, with brief definitions and far fewer pages).This dictionary has a roster of over thirty contributors from the length and breadth of the church, and a bibliography that is well over a hundred items in length.

Even with the number of pages, there are a few omissions.There is no entry for lavabo, for example; there are many definitions and descriptions that relate to vestments, church elements and architecture, music and liturgical elements, but every so often I find a term that is not included.Despite this, the book remains perhaps the most comprehensive single-volume dictionary available for Episcopalians and other Anglican types.

In addition to the more dictionary-definition types of entries, there are brief article-style entries on major concepts and theological issues.These are often not of concern to Episcopalians alone (terms such as 'baptism' and 'salvation' are included as entries), but these are set in a more Anglicanised context.There are also brief biographical entries on major figures in Episcopal history, broader Anglican history, and yet broader Christian history that ties in more closely with the Anglican heritage (this includes a good number of saints from the early church).

Because of its encyclopedic quality, it is very readable and holds the attention well.Although the entries aren't directly cross-referenced, they do lead well into one another, and invariably I find that whenever I am looking up a term, person or thing, I spend a great deal of time reading and skimming, learning yet more that I didn't know before.

So, if you want to be certain of being able to tell your apse from your Elohim, this just might be the book for you.It is a valuable reference tool for any Anglican or Episcopalian, and I find new things in the book each time I open it.

The title says it all -- A User-Friendly Reference
I found this to be a great reference book, with well written articles across a broad variety of topics on the Episcopal Church and Christianity in general.Ive already given away my first copy, and I can't wait to getmore copies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Don't expect to be told what to do
This book describes the spiritual journeys of several people who left the Roman Catholic Church for the Episcopal Church.It seeks to teach readers about those journeys, and through that process, to provide them with some insight into why someone might become Episcopalian.The book thus teaches by example.What it does NOT do is instruct, in the sense of "you should become Episcopalian because [insert set list of reasons]."The book does NOT provide a laundry list of reasons for such a conversion, and it does not seek to justify converting to Episcopalianism on the basis of the Bible.

I think for these reasons it will be difficult for many Roman Catholics to learn much from the book.Indeed, in several of the stories the author presents, the people were disappointed that he did not simply tell them what to do or think.Instead, he encouraged them to ask questions and to reach their own decision.Let's face it:having never been encouraged to do those things in the past, many Roman Catholics will find the methodology uncomfortable and disturbing.This is not without purpose, as they would likely feel the same way about the Episcopal Church.

Therefore, the book is quite useful, very readable, and I recommend it.

Personal, and not offensive
This book was fairly helpful, and as a Roman Catholic(in transition) not very offensive, especially compared to many outlandish works such as Boettner's Roman Catholicism.
This book really brings up good points, and while reading it, I several times thought "Wow, I can really relate to that" since it is from the perspective of everyday former Roman Catholics.
And, Roman Catholicism is not the world's largest religion because it is nessicarily something great. It dominates where it was once the state-enforced religion. You don't find many Englishmen, Swedes, Lutherans, and especially Russians or Muslims flocking to Catholicism.
The book is keen to point out that these people were born into Roman Catholicism and taught there was nothing more, and I know that really does keep most Roman Catholics from ever thinking of stepping into a fine place like an Episcopal Church.
I'm glad I read the book.

Biblical Arguments Missing
I purchased this book as I was considering converting from the Roman Catholic Church but after reading this book I changed my mind. The stories are sincere but are often based simply on the persons views of the RC which may or may not be clearly indicative of the Church's real teachings. I was expecting a volume which like - Surprised By Truth Vol 1&2, gave the testimonials of former Protestants who became Catholic after providing detailled biblical reasons for their conversions. Which often entailled giving up lucrative ministries and careers in their former denominations.
I learned a few things about the EC but not enough to justify a conversion in good conscience.

incomplete
I am a former Roman Catholic who converted to the Episcopal Church. I must say that I was surprised that an Episcopal priest would write such a negative book about someone else's religion. The overall sense you get is that Catholicism is rule bound, boring, herd-like, to the extent that many RCs are driven to the Episcopal Church. Well, much of this may be true of many Catholic parishes, but certainly not all. There is a certain self-congratulatory smugness here about the Episcopal Church that I find extremely distasteful. Obviously if you are going to interview a bunch of people who decided to convert to your religion, you are going to get a lot of negative views about the religion they came from. The happy RCs aren't going to be much in evidence in this book. My problem with this book isn't so much in the way it was written, as in the incomplete picture it gives of RC, since it is a negative one, and the poor taste of the author. I have heard a lot of people say that Catholics are taught to look down on other denominations, but I must say that I hear a lot more complaining about the "Romans" as an Episcopalian, than I ever heard negatives said about Protestants when I was a Catholic.

Interesting subject matter; bad presentation
This is a poorly written book on a very topical subject. Being born and raised Roman Catholic in America, I'm well aware of the personal struggles faced by Roman Catholics who are torn between institutional Catholicism as preached by the Vatican and personal Catholicism as espoused by the majority of Roman Catholic parishes in America.

This book tries to paint the Roman Catholic Church in broad brushstrokes as dogmatic and overbearing, and quite frankly I would agree that the upper echelons of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, especially under the restrictive policies of Paul VII and John Paul II, are all that and more. However, what this book fails to address--which is a typical mistake of the proverbial outsider looking in--is that the Roman Catholic Church in America has survived in direct proportion to the independence its parishes and pastors are given. The Church survives because most priests are left alone by the Vatican to address the individual needs of their parishoners. And within the context of this relationship, an inverted pyramid of power has slowly supplanted the former pyramidial hierarchy that placed the Holy See at the top. The "Vicar of Christ" has become more of a symbolic figurehead, and we as Roman Catholics--AMERICAN Catholics--will admit to as much if you back us into a corner.

Ultimately, if the message this book preaches was really all that attractive, then a pragmatism-first-Christianity-second "Catholic light" religion like Episcopalianism would be the rule rather than the exception, and Roman Catholicism wouldn't be the single largest Christian denomination on the globe. And this is coming from a complete pro-birth control, pro-choice, gay-friendly left winger who thinks priests should be allowed to marry and that women should be allowed in the priesthood, so don't start throwing the labels on me. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Helpful Look at the Episcopal Church (or how it should be)
Sydnor does an excellent job at providing a view of how the Episcopal church developed and how it should continue to exist.He offers overviews of the services of the church and specifically at the liturgies and worship.He includes a brief history of the church that I found useful, even though I have read fuller histories.In his history, he includes how the Church of England developed from the Reformation and how Anglicanism has incorporated the traditions of the early church that defined orthodox Christianity.He then discusses the theology of the Episcopal/Anglican Church and its mission.

He also emphasizes the participation in the church by not only priests but by all members of the laity.He writes about how laity are called to ministry, to pray, to witness and to take responsibility for the church.

Although the view of the current state of the Episcopal church may differ than this dated view, this view is a model that can still be pursued and held up as a challenge to contemporary innovations in theology and ecclessiology.

Looking at the Episcopal Church
The book was very helpful and fulfilled a need I had teaching adults about the church.Good stuff.

A great little book!
What this book lacks in size, it makes up for in content and information!

A wonderful tool to those interested in learning more about the Episcopal faith tradition, beliefs, and rites/practices.A bit too basic for someone whom is active in church and has a full and comprehensive working knowledge of Episcopalianism.

Highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
The Episcopal Church's rituals and foibles, character and characters, beauty and liturgy - seventeen syllables at a time.Stand, sit, kneel, stand, kneel:It's quite a good workout fora Sunday morning.Blessing animalsis a joyous day at church.Who has ugly pets?- and many more!Episcopal Haiku will delight Episcopalians with its humor and universally recognizable situations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Haiku Hilarity
Such fun! A clever, form-accurate poetic rendering of reflections anyEpiscopalian would relate to and giggle over. Much fun!

Buy this for Episcopalians!
If you love an Episopalian, buy this book for him or her.They'll laugh...make sure they're not drinking white wine while they read it or they might spit it out!

humble and humorous
It's pretty easy to make fun of Episcopalians but this little tome manages to do so with great charm and humility. I turned downpage corners thinking I would love tomemorize a fewof the delicious haikus and reel themoff at the appropriate moment at church and non church functions.I then realized I had turned down most of the corners of the book. These elegant little poems are funny but also quite sound spiritually. One per page. I was enchanted. The perfect confirmation, God child, graduation gift or just I had to get this for you no occasion present for the Episcopalian or main stream Protestant or enlightened Roman Catholic. A delight. ... Read more

Product Description
In order to determine the locus of authority within the Episcopal Church, political scientist James Dator carefully analyzed the three main styles of constitutional government confederal, federal, and unitary and applied them to the Episcopal Church in his 1959 dissertation. Now, working with religious journalist Jan Nunley, who added current legal cases and canonical updates, Dr. Dator s research offers newfound currency and prescient applicability. Topics include a thorough examination of the Episcopal Church s Constitution and Canons, 1782 to present, plus the structure, executive powers, and governing roles of its various parts. ... Read more

Product Description
At once "travel guide" and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change. Series contributors - recognized experts in their fields - analyze our present plight, point to the seeds of change already at work transforming the church, and outline a positive new way forward. What kinds of churches are most ready for transformation? What are the essential tools? What will give us strength, direction, and purpose to the journey?

Each volume of the series will:

* Explain why a changed vision is essential
* Give robust theological and biblical foundations
* Offer a guide to best practices and positive trends in churches large and small.
* Describe the necessary tools for change
* Imagine how transformation will look

Making disciples through Christian formation too often looks like a limited number of educational programs offered to child, teen, and adult "consumers" who move on if they don't find what they want. How can we make the transition from consumer religion to participatory faith by building congregational relationships that nourish people spiritually and empower them to risk living, worshipping, learning, and serving God and each other in new and enlivening ways? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A solid read for any Episcopal Pastor
Church is a place where people can grow as people. "Transforming Disciples" is another entry the transformations series, a series aimed at Episcopal ministers who want to make their congregations be as fulfilling as possible, both spiritually and as members of the community. Discipleship is discussed in this volume, offering pastors advice on turning their normal congregation members into religiously educated disciples of the church. "Transforming Disciples" is a solid read for any Episcopal Pastor trying to make their church better.
... Read more

Product Description
A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH by THE REVEREND WILLIAM WILSON MANROSS. Originally published in 1935. PREFACE: THE AIM o this history is to show the American Episcopal Church as a living institution, and to supply a connected nar rative o its development, both internally and in its relations with the society in which it is situated. Such an object neces sarily involves some lessening o the emphasis placed upon dramatic incidents and striking personalities, but I hope that the inherent interest of the Churchs story, which I have endeavored to bring out as fully as possible, will more than compensate for this loss, if it is a loss. As to sources, I have relied rather extensively upon secondary authorities in preparing chapters one, two, and eight, and for a few details elsewhere. Otherwise, the history has been based entirely upon a study of original sources, though in this class I include a large number of contemporary biographies which are not primary sources in the technical sense, but which generally represent the nearest approach that can now be made to their subjects. The excuse for using secondary sources in the chapters mentioned is that they deal with subjects which have been ex haustively treated by previous historians, and it seemed advisable to devote the time available for research to an investigation of the extensive portions of the history where a fresh approach appeared to be necessary. Parts of chapter nine are based on a sketch of Bishop White which I prepared for the Bishop White Prayer Book Society while already engaged in the present work, but that sketch was the result of a careful study of all the available sources. The secondary sources to which I am most indebted are W. S. Perrys The History of the American Episcopal Church., Volume I, for the first part of chapter one and for most of the material in chapter two which was not taken from William Bradfords His tory of Plymouth Plantation or John Winthrops Journal, F. L. Hawkss Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of the United States Volume I, for the portion of chapter one dealing with Virginia and A. L. Crosss Anglican Episcopate and the American Colonies for chapter eight. All other secondary works consulted, together with a portion of the original sources, are listed in the bibliography. Acknowledgments are due to Professor Frank Gavin of The General Theological Seminary, without whose advice and en couragement the work would never have been undertaken to JDr. Lewis C. Washburn of Christ Church, Philadelphia, the librarians of General Seminary, the New York Historical Society, and the Wisconsin State Historical Society for their courteous co operation, especially in permitting the use of valuable manuscripts to Professor H. C. Robbins of The General Theological Sem inary, who has kindly read over the later chapters of the book and offered many helpful suggestions to Miss Mary Beattie Brady of the Religious Motion Picture Foundation, Mr. F. L. Olmsted of the General Convention Committee of the Diocese of New Jersey, The Spirit of Missions, and Mr. Alexander B. Andrews of Raleigh, N. C., for friendly assistance in obtaining illustrations and to my friend, Miss Catharine Wisner, for invaluable assistance in reading proofs. WILLIAM W. MANROSS October, 1935. ... Read more