Introduction to the Episcopal Church [Paperback]

J. B. Bernardin (Author), Joseph B. Bernardin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1992

This classic resource, first published in 1935, offers an enlightening overview of the Episcopal Church, including its fascinating history and lore, and information about the church year, buildings, symbolism, vestments and customs. The author also explores the Episcopal Churchs government, doctrine, and sacraments, as well as its view of the Bible and prayer, and moral law.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing; 5 Rev Upd edition (March 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819212318
• ISBN-13: 978-0819212313
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat dated, but useful nonetheless..., June 15, 2004

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to the Episcopal Church (Paperback)

In many ways, this book is of a different age. While it will provide insight into the Episcopal Church, it is probably not the best introduction to the current state of affairs of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Originally published in 1935, it has various writing conventions that have been dropped (always calling the apostle Paul `St. Paul', for example) by many academic writers. This is very much a book of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer mindset; in that regard, many can find use for this book as a counter to more modern trends in the church.

The book is fairly brief, consisting of ten chapters on the following topics: History, Government, Bible, Prayer Book, Lore, Prayer Life, Moral Law, Doctrine, Sacraments, and Requirements. This was intended in many ways as a study guide for Confirmation candidates; to this end, there are several sections at the conclusion dealing with Preparation for Confirmation, a guide to Self-Evaluation, some Prayers, and a short Bibliography of Christian Classics Bernardin identifies as significant in general Christian history, such as writings by Augustine.

The book is a very practical guide in many ways - it explains various practices and liturgical pieces well. It deals with basic theological propositions such as the meaning and development of creeds, particular regular worship pieces, and general moral and governance issues in the church. It does not get bogged down too much in great detail, but doesn't skimp on the information either - rather, Bernardin set out essentially to explain the practice and the belief of the typical church for newcomers and interested but uneducated regular attenders alike.

Bernardin touches briefly on the issues of history, going back to the early church in New Testament times, following through to the Reformation, up to the present time. The development of Prayer Books over time is also briefly covered, but primarily as a means to illustrate why the current Book of Common Prayer has the shape it does.

While this would not be my first choice for an introduction to the church for the average Episcopalian or non-Episcopalian interested in learning more, it is certainly a useful guide, tending toward the more conservative side; for those for whom this orientation is important, this book will be especially welcome.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Informative Overview, July 16, 2001

By 

Carolyn K Armistead (Moore, OK USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to the Episcopal Church (Paperback)

I used this book in addition to the Confirmation classes I took at our Cathedral. It gave me the opportunity to study more in-depth the history and doctrines of the denomination I was becoming a part of. The book is clear, and laid out well for reference purposes. Recommended for anyone seeking to learn more about the Episcopal Church.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Church As It Once Was, October 27, 2009

By 

Richard R. Losch (Livingston, AL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to the Episcopal Church (Paperback)

I used this wonderful little book for teaching fifty years ago when I was first ordained. It lays out the teachings of the Episcopal Church as it was before the Revisionists took power, and as we pray it will one day be again. It presents sound doctrine, and teaches good solid spiritual and sacramental living. For those of us who revere the Anglican faith as it was once practiced here and still is in most of the Anglican world, this book it a treasure.