Customer Reviews

Not Angels, But Anglicans: A History of Christianity in the British Isles

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This book would be ideally purchased with the book A TREASURY OF ANGLICAN ART -- also available from AMAZON.
NOT ANGELS BUT ANGLICANS gives the reader of any background (Episcopal, Roman, Protestant or none) the history and flavor of the English Church and British Spirituality -- from early and medieval Roman Catholicism to the present Anglican Communion -- the largest worldwide body of Christians after the Roman Catholic Church. Not just a dry collection of facts , this work selects historical figures and makes them come alive again as Anglicans develop from a 16th century national state church (Th C of E) to a world wide communion of 80 million adherants in churches all over the globe in the 21st century.
Of interest to all Episcopalians, Christians of any stripe and Anglophiles everywhere. Also looks good on a coffee (tea?) table!

Not Angels, but Anglicans is a collection of historical essays written by various writers about the Church in the British Isles. It's strong point is the various perspectives that offer some insights that a more traditional history text by ignore. However, I also found this to be the weak point in that because the authors focused on their own interests, many historical events, movements and people were either ignored or given little attention. I think this book is a good follow-up to a book like The History of the Church in England by Moorman that follows a thorough chronological format.

The Anglican Church has influenced millions of people all over the world. It is the largest world wide church after the Roman Catholics. But unlike the Roman Church, there are few well written sources to introduce the history, theology and personalities of this Christian Body.
While this book concentrates on the Church of England, there are also chapters about the American Episcopal Church, and the world wide Anglican Communion. Anyone who is interested in learning about this Church would benefit from reading this very interesting, very readable (and colorfully illustrated) book.