101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian [Paperback]

Louie Crew (Compiler)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

"The Episcopal Church is a secret too well kept, " says compiler Louie Crew. "Many are starved for what we experience daily and too easily take for granted." With these words, Crew invited thousands of people online to participate in creating a list of reasons to be Episcopalian. Portions of that list, and many additional contributions, fill this charming, pocket-sized celebration of the Episcopal Church.

These 101 thoughtful, poignant, and sometimes humorous responses not only entertain but also teach about the Church's gifts. From the beauty of its prayer and liturgy, to its inclusiveness, and its reliance on Scripture, tradition, and reason in balance with one another, there is much to celebrate in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition.

101 Reasons To Be Episcopalian makes the perfect gift for confirmands, newcomers, and anyone interested in dialogue about why we are Episcopalians.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819219258
• ISBN-13: 978-0819219251
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scripture, Tradition and 101 Reasons, March 8, 2006

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian (Paperback)

It is somewhat of an irony that I, a former Episcopalian, would be writing a review in praise of a book with the title '101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian'. However, my reasons for not being part of this institution do not lessen my general zeal and admiration for the greater presence of Anglicanism in the world, and thus if one extends this title a bit, I can also join in as part of this community, however tenuously.

Louie Crew is someone I have met, have heard preach, and with whom I have had disagreements, but in terms of general integrity, his approach to his church and faith has been consistent, passionate, laced with good humour and insight. Crew draws on scripture, reason and tradition in this listing of reasons, and while some are drawn a bit more broadly than the reality would warrant, they all tap into some of the key strengths of the Anglican community generally, and the Episcopal church as an institution specifically.

The Anglican tradition in America has a rich history, far more varied than most in-the-pew people realise, and given the mobility of denominational identification in these times, a good percentage of the church (both congregation members and clergy) originally are from outside this church. Crew's book can help fill in some of the gaps of knowledge that even life-long Anglicans might have, and does so in an accessible and inviting way.

37 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informative, March 22, 2003

By 

Sheena Lawrence (Gainesville, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian (Paperback)

The book tells what a number of Episcopalians consider the best reasons for being Episcopalians. It provides a different view of the Episcopal Church and reveals some of the humor with which we see our faith. You should recognize some of the names!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Search, January 18, 2008

By 

Trudy Nelson "the Wolf" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian (Paperback)

In my search to understand a bit more about the Am. Episcopal church, I read this book. It is more of a brief look at some of the 'personality' of the people who inhabit the church rather than church doctrine or liturgy itself. This is an entertaining, often humourous little volume. If you are looking for information about the Episcopal church itself (beliefs, order of service, liturgy) this is not the book to buy. For that, I recommend Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship. If, however you are looking for a brief glimpse into the humaness & humor of those who make up this church body, this is an entertaining read.