People Called Episcopalians: A Brief Introduction to Our Way of Life

by John H. Westerhoff III, Tobias Stanislas Haller, Sharon Ely Pearson

What are we as Episcopalians? This concise booklet explores five main areas of Episcopal life: identity, authority, spirituality, temperament, and polity. A great introduction to the Episcopal way of thinking in readable prose for any newcomer or seeker in the Episcopal Church who may wonder what makes Episcopalians different than Roman Catholics or other protestants.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian

48 pages, Staple Bound

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only primer needed to understand the tradition I now call home.

[Matt Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written overview

Enjoyed this brief synopsis of what it means to be a part of the Episcopal Church. I think it is a helpful overview of any wondering what it might be like to become a member or is simply curious about what the Episcopal Church is all about.

[Jorge Pallares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.

This is a very good book that summarises what we Episcopalians are in a fairly understandable way and also gives a broad overview of the structure and government of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

[Joyce Carneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo's views

Wishing to learn more about the Episcopalians I chose this book. It did not did disappoint. Very helpful and interesting read.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short (40 pages) introduction to the Episcopal church, its beliefs and organization. Helpful overview.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good overview of the origins,beliefs and practices of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the Episcopal church, including theology and governance. A great place to start

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and brief introduction to the Episcopalian Church. I was particularly struck by the three tenets of the Episcopalian Church in regards to authority, known as the three-legged stool: Scripture, tradition, and reason. I also like their view on the middle way (via medi) meaning between the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church, a happy medium if you will. Finally, I was drawn to the several ways the Episcopalian Church does church: high church, low church, broad church. High church being very ritualistic, liturgical, and traditional. Low church being very free and contemporary. And, the broad church which incorporates both the high church and low church methods.

Overall, I am drawn to the Episcopalian Church, but it does seem heavily nationalistic. After all, it was formed (along with its Constitutions) at the EXACT same time the American republic was formed. It broke off from the Anglican (Church of England) in response to the American Revolution. Should not our allegiance be to King Jesus rather than President Washington or King Henry? Furthermore, the polity of the church seems very, well... polity. Heavy on church government, dioceses, parishes, bishops, and conventions. This can be a bit daunting to those of us who like room to breathe and the freedom to thrive outside the confines of the institutional church.

Overall, the Episcopalian Church seems like a good fit for those of us who long for the ancient, but also want a bit of freedom. And, I recommend this short book for those who are searching for the right denominational fit, particularly to the Episcopalian Church.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief introduction to the Episcopal Church in the United States. Included are its history and descent from the Church of England, the Anglican Scottish church, the Catholic Church, and back to the apostles of Jesus. The authors stress its role as a middle road (via media) between the Catholic and Protestant Churches and it authority of a “three-legged stool” of tradition, scripture, and reason, and its unifying principal in common prayer rather than in doctrine. It describes its sacraments and describes its members as characterized as having open minds, the ability to tolerate ambiguity, and appreciating both beauty and nature. It goes on to outline the local and national organization of the denomination and its international relations with other Anglican churches.

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lifelong Episcopalian, but that doesn't mean I know everything there is to know about this wonderfully diverse church. I read this book because I am part of a welcome class for newcomers at St. Anne's. And this is what I learned that I never knew before: The Episcopal Church, despite its official name of The Protestant Episcopal Church, is not Protestant. Of course, we are not Roman Catholic or Orthodox either. We Anglicans are out there on our own.

[Brian Ipock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book explaining the Episcopal Church's beliefs and positions on several key factors. It's a great introduction as to what makes this Christian Community unique among the other branches of the Christian tree.

[John Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a succinct overview and introduction for individuals interested in learning about the Episcopal Church and the Anglican ethos.

[Jude Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, but very thorough, introduction to the Episcopal church.

[Holly Evanoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Great source of information for those curious about the Episcopalian way of life. Will highly recommend to others I know

[Hannah C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A succinct primer of Episcopal tradition and history.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 4 out of 5]

We use this book as a primer for people who want to get more involved in the Episcopal Church. It is good in it self but also a good jumping off point.

[Annielee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative.

Good for those new to the Episcopal church who want an overview of their beliefs and structure. A quick and enjoyable read.