The Sacramental Church: The Story of Anglo-Catholicism

by John F. Nash

What is Anglo-Catholicism? What are its origins? Are Anglo-Catholics real Anglicans/Episcopalians? What is their relationship with Roman Catholics? Has Anglo-Catholicism betrayed Anglicanism's Protestant roots? The Sacramental Church answers these and many other questions. Addressed to the general reader, it explores the history, practices, beliefs, and attitudes of Anglo-Catholicism. While Anglo-Catholicism has deep roots in English Christianity, it attained its modern form through the nineteenth-century Catholic Revival--a movement that aroused strong passions among proponents and opponents alike. The revival, its proponents declared, reclaimed for the Anglican faith its heritage as an authentic branch of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church." Anglo-Catholicism gave Anglicans/Episcopalians options to embrace ceremonial forms of worship, affirm the objective real presence and sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, venerate Mary the Mother of God, or join a monastery without abandoning their Anglican tradition. With an extensive bibliography and numerous direct quotes, The Sacramental Church provides a valuable reference source as well as a very readable story of Anglo-Catholicism--the expression of sacramental Christianity with special relevance to the English-speaking people.

306 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2011

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one John F. Nash in the Goodreads database.

John Francis Nash earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of London before immigrating to the United States in the 1960s. After a varied career in science, business, and higher education, he retired to write and teach philosophy and religion.

Reviews

[Bruce W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides an interesting historical survey of Anglo-Catholicism in England, the United States and "British North America" (Canada). Although a lot of the history of the Church of England and the Episcopal Church was familiar, the particular focus on Anglo-Catholicism and its similarities and differences with High Church Anglicanism was quite interesting. It was helpful to me as it clarified that though I share a lot with Anglo-Catholics, I am more properly a High Church Anglican. A very interesting book and one which I would like to have on my personal bookshelf. Sadly, I was not able to read the final chapter as the book was due back to the library.

[Sammy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and understandable -- easily the best primer on Anglo-catholicism I've read.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best contemporary introduction to Anglo-Catholicism.