Anglican and Episcopalian Churches Books

Book SynopsisOften spirituality today is isolated from church teaching and doctrine, as in Joseph Campbell’s treatment of myth and the many forms of New Age theologies, but doctrine apart from the life of prayer is abstract and sterile. In Spiritual Theology Allen turns to the great teachers of the past—the church fathers, Augustine, Maximus the Confessor, Bonaventure, Hugh of St. Victor, Calvin and Luther, George Herbert—to recover a spirituality that is rich with the doctrines and disciplines of theology. Allen covers the great questions of the spiritual life: what is the Christian goal? what leads us toward that goal, and what hinders us? what is conversion? how can we discern our progress in the spiritual life? what are the fruits of the Spirit? A second purpose of the book is to introduce readers to the disciplines and texts of the threefold way, found in the eastern church from the fourth century on. Allen writes simply and clearly of the active life and the development of virtue, and the contemplative life, which includes coming to know God through the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture as well as directly, face to face, which is the domain of mystical theology. This book is a basic and accessible introduction to the classic writings and doctrines of the spiritual life.Trade ReviewDiogenes Allen’s new book . . . begins with an autobiographical exploration as to his discovery of ‘spiritual theology’ after years of being ‘a teacher of philosophy and theology to students preparing to be ministers.’ “This introduction is helpful and sets the scene for Allen’s endeavour, which is to open up the depths and vistas of the Great Tradition as a practice of holy living—a bodily practice of learning ‘to live every moment of one’s life with an awareness of God.’ Allen writes fluently, and in eleven shortish chapters covers the classical pattern of the spiritual journey as it has been repeatedly performed in the tradition. Above all his work bears the very real enthusiasm of a ‘convert’ who you sense is discovering something for the first time and is exceptionally eager to pass it on. -- David Moss, St. Stephen’s House * New Directions *C. S. Lewis once wrote of The Imitation of Christ that ‘it is not addressed to our condition.’ It suggests, for example, that scholars and writers hide themselves in the study when they should be helping in the kitchen. . . . The main thrust of this book is addressed directly to our condition. It is concerned with how we may live in the presence of God, and grow in the spiritual life. . . . “The author draws on the whole sweep of theology and spirituality throughout the ages, and makes substantial connections between, for example, Calvin’s Institutes and the life of prayer, Gregory of Nyssa and the goal of Christian spirituality, and Iris Murdoch and moral awareness. “The book is accessible in the best sense, not patronizing or simplistic, but clear, well illustrated, and free from theological jargon. It is a good and useful book which will take a thoughtful reader into the rich tradition of theological spirituality. -- Philip Crowe * Theology *I was glad to see the first chapter of this book entitled ‘What is Spiritual Theology?’ as that was the first question that came to my mind when I wondered whether or not to read it, given that I do not like theology and have never heard of the spiritual variety. . . . In a way, Diogenes Allen’s opening is an easy one, clearly and kindly written, citing examples from all ages and branches of Christian history. . . . “Allen examines the most common reasons why people seek God, starting with distress in the face of troubles such as natural disasters. He writes well. All the motives he mentions for God-seeking are well explained, with the help of extracts from his customary wealth of sources. … “Perhaps it is because I am a Catholic that I settled down most comfortably when I was past conversion and on to the eight deadly thoughts (or seven deadly sins, as they were called when I first learnt about them). Allen’s account of the difference between lust and sexual instinct is just one of those in this chapter which I thought a masterpiece. His piece on the dark night of the soul is wonderful. . . . “By the time I had finished his chapters on ‘The Book of Scripture’ and ‘The Book of Nature,’ I was feeling positively inspired. It was a bit of a relief to find the end of the book discussing the growing closeness of God in terms of a habitual presence for spiritual theologians rather than a moment of ecstasy. . . . “The book . . . is only 161 paperback pages of text, of which the central matter-of-fact core of advice will be good to have at hand while fighting one’s way through life. -- Teresa McLean * The American Spectator *Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Chapter 2 What is Spiritual Theology? Chapter 3 The Journey and the Goal Chapter 4 Conversion Chapter 5 Three Journeys to God Chapter 6 The Eight Deadly Thoughts Chapter 7 Progress in the Spiritual Life Chapter 8 Contemplation Chapter 9 The Book of Nature Chapter 10 The Book of Scripture Chapter 11 Mystical Theology Chapter 12 Christian Doctrine and the Spiritual Life

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Book SynopsisIn this volume of The New Church’s Teaching Series, Mark McIntosh introduces the great mysteries of the Christian faith: the doctrines of creation, revelation, incarnation, salvation, and eschatology, which are all held together by the doctrine of the Trinity. To explain these beliefs for Christians today, particularly the Trinity, McIntosh begins with what we know: the language of relationship and mutuality, of friendship and family ties. The central theme of the book is our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with our neighbor, for such mutuality lies at the heart of every doctrine. McIntosh’s starting point is the fact that every one of us is a theologian, for we are all drawn to approach the mysteries of faith with attention and love. By drawing on our common experiences as members of a community of faith, particularly through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, he helps us to explore these mysteries for ourselves and to see how we might live them in our daily lives. As with each book in The New Church’s Teaching Series, recommended resources for further reading and questions for discussion are included.Trade ReviewDefining theology as ‘the struggle to put what has been understood in prayer into words’ (p. xi), McIntosh shows that theology is a natural part of every Christian life. * Anglican Theological Review *Mysteries of Faith introduces the Christian doctrines of creation, revelation, incarnation, salvation, and eschatology—all held together by the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity. . . . [This book] is an ideal introduction to exploring these essential concepts by drawing on our common experiences as members of a community of faith, especially as reflected through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, to understand how we might live them in our daily lives. * Midwest Book Review *Three strengths mark this volume. The teaching is orthodox; it is clear; and it speaks to the heart, claiming the believer as a whole person who is invited to think as a Christian but also to worship and live as a Christian. * Virginia Seminary Journal *Although part of a series for Anglicans, Mysteries of Faith provides an engaging, lucid, and accessible examination of [Christianity’s] central doctrines that should benefit members of other denominations as well. It would be hard to conceive of a better treatment written for laypersons, or one that makes the mysteries of faith more real and relevant * Christian Library Journal *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Mysteries of Faith Chapter 2. The New Encounter with God: The Mystery of the Trinity Chapter 3. The Splendor of God: The Mystery of Creation Chapter 4. The Voice of God: The Mystery of Revelation Chapter 5. The Humanity of God: The Mystery of the Incarnation Chapter 6. The Glory of Humanity: The Mystery of Salvation Chapter 7. The Drama of the Cosmos: The Mystery of Communion Chapter 8 Resources Chapter 9 Questions for Discussion

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Book SynopsisWhile there are no easy answers to loss and death, Mature Grief offers a compass to anyone navigating the unknown and uncharted waters of grief. Each life comes from God. It begins with God and has no end. Our parents came from God, out from the circle of eternity, bestowed with goodness, and in dying they return to God. Their circle is complete. And in between, their spirits splashed-down here briefly in a quiet eddy at the edge of the flowing river of time. Our lives began as a ripple of their lives. And their deaths may provoke a tidal wave of grief. In this thoughtful and practical book, pastor Donna Schaper guides the reader through the process of grieving the death of a parent. While acknowledging that every person’s experience of grieving the death of a parent is unique, she offers helpful insight to the reality that some occasions of grief are quite simple and others, for reasons as complicated as life itself, are fraught with confusion and complexity. Especially helpful is Schaper’s wise guidance for making transitions: dealing with belongings, family dynamics, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other important dates.

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Book Synopsis“Really wonderful; an elegantly written initiation into the mimetic theory. I am lucky to have interpreters who understand what I want to say and who can write so well.” —René Girard The work of René Girard is hugely influential in literature and cultural studies. But it is in understanding the relationship between religion and violence that his theory has created its greatest impact. Girard’s understanding of mimetic rivalry and conflict and of scapegoating is seen by many to be the key to a completely new understanding of Christianity. Girard’s name evokes curiosity and—often—strong feelings among devotees and skeptics. Discovering Girard is the first book to present Girard’s work to a wider audience. It explains and appraises Girard’s mimetic theory, shows its impact on theology and other disciplines, and manages to convey the excitement that a discovery of Girard’s ideas often generates in readers.Trade ReviewMichael Kirwan has pulled off a masterpiece of accessibility; he has unfurled a huge map for the ordinary traveller which neither simplifies nor distorts.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most significant works on Anglican and Women's history to be published in recent years. Includes a foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This book tells the story of how a parish women's meeting started in 1876 by a Victorian vicar's wife is now the most authentic and powerful organization of women in the new global Christianity. Its cross-disciplinary approach examines how religious faith and shifting ideologies of womanhood and motherhood in the imperial and post colonial worlds acted as a source of empowerment for conservative women in their homes, communities and churches. In contrast to much of feminist history, A History of the Mothers' Union 1876-2008: Women, Anglicanism and Globalisation shows how the beliefs of ordinary women led them to become advocates and activists long before women had the vote or could be ordained priests. Having survived an identity crisis over social and theological liberalism in the 1960s, the Mothers' Union provides a model of unity and reconciled diversity for a divided world wide church. Today it is hailed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and international development practitioners as an outstanding example of global Christian engagement with poverty and social transformation issues at the grass roots. The material is arranged both thematically and chronologically. Case studies of Australia, Ghana and South Africa trace how the Mothers' Union arrived with white British women but evolved into indigenous organizations. CORDELIA MOYSE is Adjunct Professor of Church History at Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, PA, USA.Trade ReviewA fine contribution to British women's and British religious history. * JOURNAL OF BRITISH STUDIES *At last a careful study of the Mothers' Union based on the wonderful archives created at Mary Sumner House and now in the Lambeth Palace Library. [...] A thoughtful and carefully prepared book. * THE MAGAZINE OF MU AUSTRALIA *This important book is in some sense an untold history of the Anglican Communion itself, charting the globalization and development of Anglican faith and cultures. * LIVING CHURCH *

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Book SynopsisThe combination of Fresh Expressions and the explosion of interest in monastic spirituality is resulting in the emergence of new monastic communities inspired by historic patterns of religious life, but reframed for the contemporary world. This worldwide movement is seen as a radical expression of ecclesial community and was named in Mission Shaped Church as one of the leading new forms of church that would help people reconnect with Christianity. A new monastic community may be a dispersed group of families and individuals meeting to share meals and worship, it might be a group connected virtually; it might be a youth group exploring monastic spirituality. In this book, leaders of traditional religious communities and emerging 'new monastic' communities tell their stories and reflect on how an ancient expression of being church is inspiring and shaping a very new one. Included are many well-known contributors: Graham Cray, Tom Sine, Shane Claiborne, Ray Simpson, Abbot Stuart Burns and others exploring intentional living in the UK and the US.Trade Review'As an introduction to what the contemporary church can learn from our ancestors in the faith, this book is a helpful starter ... Bishop Graham Cray observes that our culture is making disciples more effectively than the Church, and shows how some monastic practices may help us catch up. Shane Claiborne's 12 marks of the New Monasticism are a very useful summary, and Tom Sine provides an insightful plea for us to help our young people reflect that they are the first generation since the war whose lifestyles will not exceed that of their parents.''This book is full of hope. Wonderful things are occurring. A different church is possible - one responsive to the signs of our times, compassionate, inclusive and passionate about God's Reign of Peace, Justice, Reconciliation and Wholiness. We need a book like this in a moment in which the forces of retrenchment are prevailing.' -- Frank Regan

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Book SynopsisThe Beauty of Holiness: The Caroline Divines and Their Writings offers an expansive and detailed portrait of the continued maturation of Anglican theology and devotion in the central half of the seventeenth century. The Caroline Divines have long been hailed as the patrons of an Anglican ‘golden age’. Their emphasis upon liturgical renewal and development, like their emphases upon learning and piety, have had a pervasive influence on the Anglican ethos that extends down to our own day. The Beauty of Holiness includes selections from key figures such as Lancelot Andrewes, John Cosin, and Jeremy Taylor, but also expands the canon of Caroline divinity to include lay writings, some of which were published posthumously. Traditional topics such as sacramental theology and private devotion are complimented by readings on poetry as a spiritual discipline, natural theology, and the importance of family prayers. Chapters survey diverse facets of Anglican orthodoxy such as liturgical practice, the cult of King Charles the Martyr, and defenses of the celebration of Christmas, while an introductory essay sets these developments within the historical context. The Beauty of Holiness thus functions as both an introduction to the Anglican past and a catechism for the Anglican present.Trade Review"Benjamin Guyer, in this strikingly variegated collection of writings, sets out to change the prevailing conception of the Caroline Divines and their significance...The strength of the book lies in its provision of a wide range of sources to illustrate the religious literature of the period." -- Rev W Brown Patterson * The Living Church *

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Book SynopsisBorn at a time of intense religious controversy, Anglicanism was marked from the start by an ability to hold opposing Catholic and Protestant tendencies together in a wise and generous spirit. Rooted in the earliest formularies of faith, it was able to withstand many passing theological disputes. As disagreements threaten once again to separate one Christian from another, here is a succinct and timely reminder of the core beliefs and values that unite all Anglicans so powerfully. What Anglicans Believe is ideal for new and seasoned but weary believers. A refreshing and inspirational guide, it is arranged in four parts: The Faith – what we believe The Source of the Faith – the famous 3-legged stool of Scripture, reason and tradition The Order of the Faith – how our worship and mission reflect our beliefs The Character of the Faith – how our history equips us to deal with new challengesTrade Review'In line with being "An Introduction" to what Anglicans believe, the result is satisfactory, balanced and carefully constructed ... As a scholar and priest who has worked within four differing Anglican provinces, Wells is well-placed to offer some useful insights ... [He] has made a commendable and robust contribution to current Anglican theology and ecclesiology.' -- Revd Dr Maurice ElliottNew Directions' Book of the Month - 'This is a good book. Wells writes well, demanding a high level of engagement from his readers ... Answering the question "what do Anglicans believe?" is an almost impossible task, since the answer is either too simple or too complicated. "What Anglicans Believe" comes as close as any new book could do to answering the question in a balanced and interesting way.' -- Ian McCormack

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Book SynopsisAn essential handbook for churchwardens, PCC's and all with responsibility during this crucial time in the life of a church. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on preparing for an interregnum, arranging for continuing worship and pastoral care, keeping church administration going, meeting legal responsibilities, finding a new priest and laying a good foundation for future ministry between priest and people.

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Book SynopsisThis guide to the Christian faith is ideal for those preparing for confirmation. Arranged in three parts: "Becoming a Christian", "Belonging to God" and "Belonging to the Church", it is appropriate for personal reading and as a basis for a confirmation course. In uncomplicated language it takes the reader from the first step of making a choice for God and lays a solid foundation of teaching that will hold good for the whole of life.

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Book SynopsisThis volume includes lectures from high profile figures from academia and the Church. Anglian and Catholic voices explores continuity and change in the Anglican Church and its relations with Rome, from its earliest days onwards.Trade Review"The essays are scholarly and at the same time readable and accessible. (...) Peter Lake gives a masterly account of the significance of Richard Hooker. Gerald Noel examines ARCIC and other aspects of ecumenical developments in recent decades. Those who wish to deepen their awareness of the development of Anglicanism in the context of Western Christendom, particularly in relation to Roman Catholic Church, willl gain much from this book." -- Gordon Geddes * THE READER, winter 2004 *"This book is worth much study and prayer. It should find a placed on the shelves of all those caught up in the history of Anglicanism." -- Peter Atkins * Reviews in Religion and Theology, Vol 11 issue 4, September 2004. *"In helping to create a sense of common ownership of history, the book gives a strong foundation for future co-operation." * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisA down-to-earth book which explains the essential Anglican approach to worship, the scriptures, spirituality, doctrine, rityeaosial and moral questions, dialogue with people of other faiths and much more.

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Book SynopsisEvery priest serves as a deacon for a year - this guide aims to enrich that experience. It focuses on the theory and practice of one of the three biblical orders of ministry.Trade Review'...the book is to be recommended for the way it teases out the diaconal base for priestly (presbyteral) and episcopal ministries.' -- The Revd Dr Sister Teresa Joan White * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Oxford Movement sprang into life in the 1830s in reaction to the liberalisation of theology and in response to new freedoms for Catholics in society. It was an opportunity for Anglicans who regarded themselves as loyal to Rome, despite the interruption of the Reformation, to promote Catholic theology in the Church of England. A high doctrine of the Church and the sacraments, ritualistic worship and the revival of religious life - plus remarkable social work in slum areas - all characterise what we now call Anglo-Catholicism, still alive and well and accounting for a third of the C of E today. Here the writings of the leading lights of the Oxford Movement are introduced with a useful commentary and explanation.Trade Review"This collection by Professor Raymond Chapman is drawn heavily, and properly, from the Tracts and brings them in selected extracts before a new audience as they are not easily obtainable nowadays beyond the confines of academic libraries. It is the latest contribution to a series by the estimable Canterbury 'Studies in Spiritual Theology'. (...) It is an admirable enterprise. The books are short and accessible. Professor Chapman provides a clear introduction and leads succinctly into each extract and provides an excellent assessment of the Oxford Movement, its heirs and successors." -- Edward Benson, New Directions, December 2006.

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Book SynopsisFrank Dennison Maurice (1805-72) was arguably the most significant Anglican thinker of the modern age, with an immense influence on contemporary Anglican identity and understanding. Through a series of bruising encounters with his contemporaries, he pioneered a creative response to the critical challenges of modernity. Paying equal attention to contemporary criticism and orthodox Christian belief, he anticipated trends in later theology and set a pattern for reflection and negotiation that is familiar in Anglicanism today. In his work on the church's social witness, he founded Christian Socialism; in his writing on the doctrine of the church, he set out principles that remain central to Anglicanism today; he advocated a representative rather than a hierarchical theology of the ministry; and he established the formula of 'Scripture, creeds, sacrament and episopacy' which has guided Anglican approaches to inter-church relations for a century. This reader draws on sermons, pamphlets as well as his classic texts. An introductory essay explores the man and his remarkable legacy.Trade Review'Morris has organised a great variety of texts in a way that will interest many readers to learn more about Maurice. Morris's reader provides an interesting collection of texts that will help the reader to appreciate the main issue of Maurice's theology and the vibrant commitment of his faith'. -- The Living Church, October 2008

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Book SynopsisIn 2003, a story shook the Anglican world in general and Anglican monastic life in particular. On August 8th, seven members of The Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican order of Christian brothers living a simple and prayerful life and known for their peace work throughout the South Pacific and beyond, were brutally murdered as a result of ethnic conflict in the Solomon Islands. They had been taken hostage five months earlier. The Melanesian Brotherhood is the largest Anglican religious community in the world with over 300 brothers and more than 300 novices and has received a United Nations award for its peace work. From 1990-2005, Richard Carter, a British priest, was tutor, chaplain to the Melanesian Brotherhood, eventually becoming a brother himself. This extraordinary, powerful and moving book is based on his diaries from that agonizing time for the Community. It tells the harrowing story of the loss of seven good, young and holy lives and the aftermath of those deaths. It tells the story of individuals and a community trying to make sense of faith in the face of fierce conflict and tragedy. It recounts the challenge of living out the Christian faith when confronted by great fear and loss. It is thus a story for everyman. Rowan Williams writes a preface.Trade Review'This is a brave and intimate account of war, tragedy and redemption in the South Pacific. With In Search of the Lost, Richard Carter bears witness to a nation's descent into chaos and violence, but he also charts its salvation through the sacrifices of a heroic community of Christian monks. Carter documents the colliding violence and beauty of his island world with disarming honesty and grace. Infused with prayer and rich with detail, this occasionally devastating story is a testament to the power of faith to lead individuals and nations back to the light.' -- Charles Montgomery'This wonderful book brings to life the vision of the Melanesian Brotherhood, the struggle to make sense of the sacrifice and trauma of these last years, trauma for the Brothers and for the whole community of the Solomons, the overflowing joy of their witness and their freedom to communicate across cultures with confidence and vigour.' -- Rowan Williams'Richard Carter's account of the martyrdom of the seven members of the Melanesian Brotherhood is deeply moving. His account of how the brothers lived through and beyond this tragedy is profoundly honest, never flinching in his description of the pain and the moments of uncertainty. It is the story of the triumph of hope over despair and of God's creative grace over destruction. This creativity is evident in the marvellous way in which the parables of Jesus come alive, re-enacted by the Brothers as part of their preaching. We are also carried through the darkness and beyond by poetry and song. This book will make you weep and laugh, and strengthen your faith.' -- Timothy Radcliffe OP'This moving and powerful account documents the challenge of how to make sense of and live out the Christian faith when there is conflict, fear, trauma and tragic loss and sacrifice - a journey which in some form every Christian has to make.' * Fairacres Chronicle *'A riveting true-life tale of inter-ethnic violence and of the Christian peacemakers who intervened and paid the ultimate price ... At every stage of the Revd Carter's narrative - whether of internal tensions, external threats, tragedy and trauma, through to a resurrection of faith and strengthened mission - it is evident that the Brotherhood's journey is a walk with Christ.' -- Paul Winter

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Book SynopsisWidely regarded as one of the most amusing ecclesiastical memoirs of the 20th century, Colin Stephenson's autobiography is an Anglo-Catholic classic, embodying a great love for people and a relish for their eccentricities and foibles. The heady peaks of Tractarian glories between the wars decidedly shaped Colin Stephenson's preferences. Young and impressionable, he revelled in the rich ceremonial of continental Catholicism in all its triumphal self-assurance. As an inexperienced naval chaplain in the Second World War, he set about installing baroque altars on warships, despite the 'violent firmness' with which certain admirals and captains reacted. Such encounters delighted him and many episodes are stories told against himself. After the war, and despite serious injury, he returned to Oxford and created the 'highest church in the city', before succeeding Alfred Hope Patten as Guardian of the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, where he found plenty to satisfy his appetite for the oddities of high Anglicanism. 'It may be a trivial record', he writes, 'but I hope it is illuminated by love and I think I have made myself as ridiculous as anyone.'

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Book SynopsisAlfred Hope Patten was a larger than life figure, terrifying to some, but determined to realise his vision of restoring the medieval shrine in the Norfolk countryside that had been closed at the Reformation. Colin Stephenson's account of his ambitious enterprise, his successes and failures (including a failed attempt to establish religious communities of men and women at Walsingham), his penchant for flamboyant clerical dress, his love of the Roman Church but his dislike of Roman Catholics, does not claim to be the last word in historical scholarship, but is a warm, engaging and entertaining account of one the highest achievements of Anglo-Catholicism in the last century and of one of its most colourful and controversial personalities.

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