Customer Reviews

Ancient Faith, Future Mission: Fresh Expressions in the Sacramental Tradition

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Americans have long heard that Christianity in Europe and England is waiting in the graveyard for some kind Samaritan to provide a decent burial. Ancient Faith, Future Mission is a book that tells of new life emerging in the Church in England.
Christianity evolved over the years into a powerful force in the life of Western Europe, and indeed through the colonial period, around the world. We changed from being a faith community focused on living the life of Christ in our time to being doctrinally correct. Ancient Faith, Future Mission suggests we may well be returning to our roots. This is a hopeful book. The Church is beginning to realize that we are not a rest home for saints, but rather, a hospital for sinners and all are welcome.
Roderic D. Wiltse
Episcopal Priest for 50 years.

I typically measure the value of a book by the number of pages I've dog-eared or marked up for reflection and application. Few pages in this book went unscathed, but not all for good. The concept is great but the contributions vary. Archbishop Canterbury's address on the meaning of catholic and evangelical Christianity is good. But I'm not a fan of Brian McLaren's postmodern vision for Christianity. The chapter on modern monasticism and a sacramental understanding of life and time is very good, as is "Liturgically Informed Buildings." But Carl Turner's support for "Feminist, Black, and Queer theological frameworks" is regrettable--how can we hold to anything other than a Christian theological framework? "Liturgy and Cultural Engagement" is very good. And the Contemplative Fire movement is intriguing. But U2charist? And The Crossing's affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Christianity is part of the problem, not the solution. Overall, some good stuff but probably not worth your time unless you're Anglican.