The Anglican Understanding of the Church: An Introduction

by Paul Avis

A short guide to the origins, structure and values of the Churches of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Paul Avis explains and clarifies the history and theology involved, and introduces concepts in a structured way, making the book clear to those who may be coming to these issues for the first time. It is also an invaluable aide-mémoire and reference tool for the specialist, presenting a clear outline of the structure, form, function, disposition and beliefs of the Church. The 2nd edition is more up-to-date in its examples and refers to developments such as Fresh Expressions, women bishops and the Anglican Covenant, and is also more reader-friendly, with questions for reflection or discussion and suggestions for further reading.

Genres: Theology, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Books Of The Way · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly interesting and detailed as an introduction to the Anglican ecclesiology but on the last chapter, some of the sentences are incredibly long, intricate and convoluted.

Would definitely recommend if you're interested in a level, nuanced view of Anglican ecclesiology. Just beware, you may have to read some sentences (read: paragraphs) numerous times to comprehend.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book giving a good introductory explanation of the Anglican understanding of the Church, and considering this from a variety of angles. The questions for discussion were very interesting, and the considerations around the episcopate and the thirty-nine articles were helpful in developing my understanding of how this all fits together. It was rather complex in parts, so perhaps more for clergy or more theologically minded laity than being a general introduction (or relevant sections could be used to guide discussions in a simpler way if that was the desire).

[Julie-Ellen Schofield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not what I expected. Not a book to know about the Anglican faith. Really an argument about Angligan episcopacy and what elements form it. As an ex Catholic who has joined the Anglican Church, the only interesting facts were around what catholicity means, and that the Catholic church does not recognise the Anglican Church. Much of this book discusses the Church as it is in England. At times it is hard to follow and I found the arguments to ultimately lead nowhere. It may mean more to someone studying theology. Ultimately, not sure a book needed instead of a shorter academic paper.

[Luke J. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful and informative introduction to the many and various understandings of the Anglican church that will help anyone who is new to the denomination, or who may have been in the church for many years and not really known much about the "inner workings" and history of why Anglicanism exists as it does. Well worth the read!

[Jonathan Meintjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and clear view of the Anglican Ecclesiology. Very helpful