Anglican Vision [Paperback]

James E. Griffiss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1997

In this first volume to the New Church's Teaching Series James Griffiss provides an introduction to the Anglican tradition. He focuses especially on Anglicanism's ability to hold together theological continuity (especially the emphasis on the Incarnation) with social and cultural change. After discussing the Episcopal Church today and the ways in which it has changed over the past fifty years, Griffiss shows how the distinctive Anglican approach has been lived out in its history, spirituality, mission, worship, and approach to Scripture. Throughout, the book stresses the place of Anglicanism in the late twentieth century and its ability to be both flexible and traditional in rapidly changing cultures. The Anglican Vision is intended for wide parish use, including adult education, parish forums, inquirers and newcomers classes, and study groups throughout the church year. It includes a study guide, list of resources, and suggestions for further reading.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Throughout, the author has recounted his own journey in faith, and here he speaks as a late 20th century man as much as a scholar. As one whose own journey parallels his, I found the account readable and persuasive. More to the point, it makes Anglican life and worship accessible to those who have come newly to our household.

Griffiss does a fine job of portraying the wisdom inherent in treasuring the old, discerning the merely customary, and embracing the virtues of the new. (Sewanee Theological Review )

Anglican theology, as Griffiss describes it, draws strongly on tradition, yet it is open to change and its ultimate purpose is liberation through Christ for individuals and communities. The Anglicanism he advocates is mature enough to forego brash certainties, and to be open to ambiguity, doubt, and questioning. (Virginia Seminary Journal )

About the Author

James E. Griffiss is editor of the Anglican Theological Review and the series editor of the New Church's Teaching Series. An Episcopal priest and theologian, he has taught systematic theology and several Anglican seminaries in North America, including Hashota House, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and Seabury-Western.

James E. Griffiss is editor of the Anglican Theological Review and the series editor of the New Church's Teaching Series. An Episcopal priest and theologian, he has taught systematic theology and several Anglican seminaries in North America, including Hashota House, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and Seabury-Western.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (January 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561011436
• ISBN-13: 978-1561011438
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #91 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Anglican

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Know Thy Church, July 11, 2000

By 

Thomas C. Milner "tmilner" (The Woodlands, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anglican Vision (Paperback)

Growing up in the Episcopal church, I found this book very helpful in understanding both the Church's past and present. Most other denominations have strong statements of faith and see issues in black and white. I always wondered why the Episcopal church was accepting of so many varied opinions. This book tells you some of the background of this phenomenon and gives you a theological argument for why its good. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The broad view..., June 11, 2004

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Anglican Vision (Paperback)

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. There have been 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts, such as the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, as well as an earlier teaching series. However, each generation approaches things anew; the New Church Teaching Series, published by Cowley Publications (a company operated as part of the ministry of the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE - one of the religious/monastic communities in the Episcopal church, based in the Boston area) is the most recent series, and in its thirteen volumes, explores in depth and breadth the theology, history, liturgy, ethics, mission and more of the modern Anglican vision in America.

The first volume, by James Griffiss, is entitled 'The Anglican Vision', and is a one-volume introduction to Anglicanism. There are two primary sections - Origins of Anglicanism, and Anglican Belief and Practice. In the first part, rather than beginning with the Reformation or the Church Fathers, Griffiss traces the development of Anglicanism in a very personal way, using stories of his own experiences in seminary and ministry, as well as the stories of others in their journeys toward church community. The more standard history - here a very basic overview (as a more in-depth history comes in a later volume) - is developed in the following three chapters, always with an eye toward setting the context for Anglicanism today.

In the second section, Anglican Belief and Practice, again Griffiss gives a brief overview of topics such as worship and belief (there are more detailed discussions of each topic here in later volumes in the series). Griffiss puts his own belief structure into this - the church has no set dogmatic or doctrinal system to which one must adhere. Griffiss sees, in addition to the various sacramental practices of the church, that the church itself can be viewed as a sacrament, an 'outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace'. Griffiss traces some of the relationships between scripture, reason, tradition, liturgy and spiritual practices that comprise a community.

One of the important issues facing the church today is the tension between continuity and change. Griffiss addresses this at each turn, focusing upon the incarnational aspect of the church. There are controversies of identity, ethics, inclusion, and practice; Anglicanism does not have an authoritarian structure that dictates policies on these matters for the whole communion (nor indeed often for individual provinces in the church). Griffiss does a good job at keeping the various sides in play in his discussion.

Griffiss is a priest and systematic theology professor, who was named Canon Theologian by the current Presiding Bishop of the church. He is a respected clergyman and respected author, who care and dedication to the church is very apparent in these pages.

Each of the texts is relatively short (only two of the volumes exceed 200 pages), the print and text of each easy to read, designed not for scholars but for the regular church-goer, but not condescending either - the authors operate on the assumption that the readers are genuinely interested in deeping their faith and practice. Each volume concludes with questions for use in discussion group settings, and with annotated lists of further readings recommended.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American Anglicanism in Perspective, April 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Anglican Vision (Paperback)

James Griffiss does an incredible job of tying together the many ends of the Anglican experience as it exists in the Episcopal Church. This book is perfect for people considering joining the church, people interested in the life of the church, or for church study groups. The writing is free flowing and easy to understand without being childish. I highly recommend this book.