Book Description
In this prizewinning book, Dell Upton interweaves architectural and cultural history to create a vivid new picture of colonial Virginia. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings, the book examines the architecture, decoration, and furniture of Virginia`s Anglican churches as expressions of eighteenth-century life and society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Architecture explored
Dell Upton's book does for the eighteenth century Virginia parish Church what Addleshaw's 'The Architectural Setting of Anglican Worship' did for its English and Irish counterpart half a century ago by high lighting and exploring a unique church architecture and the society that produced it.Upton explores the architectural, historical, and sociological aspects of Anglicanism in Colonial Virginia as expressed in the church buildings. However it isn't just an architectural study. Upton's awareness of the social context of Virginia Anglicanism as an Established Church enables him to look at the buildings as an expression of the society that produced them. He raises awareness of the unique nature of the parishes, and the need to accomodate the scattered population and hierarchical social order of the colony. He also compares the church architecture of the Old Dominion to other formal structures such as courthouses and mansions, and vernacular homes illustrating the construction techniques and conventions common to all buildings in Georgian Virginia. If I have one minor criticism it is that Upton does not seem to have any great familiarity with the history of 17th & 18th century Anglicanism. For example, he states that the Rev. Devereux Jarrett (1732-1801) was a Methodist when in fact he was an Evangelical Anglican sharply critical of the separatists. Upton also seems to have only limited familiarity with the Anglican Book of Common Prayer and its demands on the worshipping space. However these are very minor blemishes in what is primarily a study of an architecture in its context. This is a very interesting and valuble book for anyone interested in colonial church architecture, the history of Anglicanism or Virginia history. ... Read more

Book Description
"The image of dancing with God may seem like an odd one for a book on Christian theology," writes Jay Johnson, "More than a few people probably assume dancing and theology have at least one thing in common: Other people do them. The good news of Christian faith suggests something different. Each and everyone of us is invited to dance with God. Each of us can dance. Each of us can do theology."

Theology, long seen as the domain of professors, scholars, and clergy, is actually the work of all God's people. Dancing with God uses the metaphor of dance to help readers--especially those without a theological background--approach the discipline of theology as something we all do, and not only something to believe. And doing theology is the practice of hope.

This book explores the way Anglicans approach theology. The good news, according to Johnson, is not about the assurance of"getting things right." It comes, instead, from considering our texts, creeds, and liturgies as invitations to dance with the God of abundant life. Beautifully and accessibly written, Dancing with God makes an excellent book for individual or parish study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Admirable Readability
This is a useful, readable guide to liturgical questions (both everyday and large-scale) by the new Bishop of Missouri. +Smith admits his own particular prejudices in the matter, but does not propose them as the way everyone should go. He emphasizes the importance of priest matching parish in terms of basic worship style, and gives practical advice on exercising authority. Well worthwhile. ... Read more

Product Description
Colorful and concise overview of the History and Traditions of the Anglican Church ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A highly readable and surprisingly rich introduction
We are putting together a short course at our church on what it means tobe an Episcopalian and came across this compact volume, which was compiledit seems as part of the general preparation for the Lembeth conference inCanterbury this past summer (1998).The book's organization may seemwhimsical in part (the first chapter is a list of saints' days), but thereis no part of the book that does not tell you something fundamental andinteresting about the makeup of the Anglican communion.There is a map ofthe Anglican world, which will astonish Episcopalians in the U.S. (werepresent only 2.4 million of a total 70 million Anglicans world wide). You will find a list of the archbishops of Canterbury (pages 40 through 42-- nearly all single names -- like Feologild -- on page 40) beginning withAugustine and ending with George Carey.You will find a chapter on historyand vision, a chapter on the history of the Lambeth conference, a chapteron elements of the faith, and a glossary of Anglican terms.You will findgreat irony (see the last sentence on page 47), and you will findcontributions by Frank Griswold (Anglican Spirituality) and John Westerhoff(Anglican Temperament).You will find the hymns of George Herbert, whichare breathtaking in their power.And, as if that were not enough, you willlearn that a new rose -- The Compass Rose -- was bred by Norcutts andlaunched (?) at the 1997 Chelsea Flower Show by the Archbishop ofCanterbury in anticipation of the 1998 Lambeth conference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Comprehensive and informative, but perhaps reaching TOO far?
In this book Mr.Whalen attempted to give a detailed overview of the various protestant churches and other religious movements in the US. It was originally written in 1958 and updated in 1978 and again in 2002. Overall I think it serves it's purpose, It gives a detailed view of churches such as the Anglican and Lutheran, as well as many of the newer movements such as the pentecostal churches. It also details cultish movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons. The point where I think the book fails is that the author then goes on to discuss the Orthodox Churches, which are generally in line with Rome, and not too far from the fold. So the Chapter was short and didn't do these Churches justice. He also discusses Judaism and Islam, as well as Buddhism. Those three chapters really seemed like a rushed hack job, and seemed thoroughly out of place with the rest of the book. Yes, they are religious groups in the US, but I think the Author would have done better to stick to those groups that have strayed directly from the Catholic fold rather than just willy nilly covering everyone. The Chapters on Judaism and Islam did not do either religion any justice, and the chapter on Judaism smacked of anti-semitism. Maybe I'm being too sensitive? I don't know.By now with the developments of Episcopalians appointing a gay bishop and suck the book is a little out of date in its optimism of reconciliation, but overall it was a great, comprehensive and quick read for those looking to learn more about protestant movements in the US. Because of the chapters on Judaism and Islam being unnecessary and somewhat offensive I will have to dock the rating and so I shall give this book 3.5/5 points.

Concise, informative, and tries hard to be fair
Separated Brethren is a nice compendium of information on the wide range of Faiths outside of the Roman Catholic Church.William Whalen is to be commended on his efforts to be matter-of-fact, and in most cases, succeeds at tempering bias.The book is an engaging read, full of information, well balanced, and broad in scope.

There are a few instances where the text contains implied judgement.Particular scorn is reserved for the Mormans (as would, of course, be fitting for such a religion that has the gall to call itself Christian).Whalen cannot resist the occasional contrast against Roman Catholicism, and I got the impression that apologists for the various Faiths described would not have focussed quite so much on certain aspects.

Nevertheless, it must be recognized that this is a book written to assist Catholics in ecumenical and interfaith understanding, rather than a purportedly unbiased review of religions.As such, it is perfectly acceptable to feel the loss of critical aspects of the Catholic Faith within those religions that derive from the Mother Church.

As a side note, since some Baptists claim their church "pre-dates Christ," I suspect they would be quite offended by their place on the "Christian Family Tree" in Whalen's book.I also suspect that when even the Pope recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as "the second lung" of The Church, the placement of the Eastern Orthodox church on a branch would cause significant resentment.

Finally, most notably lacking in the book was treatment of the Traditionalist Catholics.Their claim is that the second largest denomination in America is "Catholics who left after Vatican II."While SSPX might be relatively small in America, I would consider their presence at least as worthy of note as "The Old Catholics."

Essential reading for any Christian
Of all the books on my shelf, Wm. Joseph Whalen's Separated Brethren is among the most instructive and the least dispensable. This is the first book I bought after converting to Catholicism, but that is not why I treasure it. Its pages are now yellowed and its cover worn, but I treasure it because it has everything I want in a book. It is concise, easy to read, gripping and addresses an issue that anyone who seeks truth should examine if he is truly sincere in his search. Which Church is the true one? Whalen answers this clearly by presenting the facts of history.

Whalen's Separated Brethren is not apologetic in style, but it is apologetic in effect as it enumerates with certainty the post-apostolic origins of non-Catholic, Christian religions. Like Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Read this. You will be blown away when you see the other side of the coin. Are you a Christian who would like to see the early Church restored? Read this and find that She never died. She is, perhaps, unrecognizable, but only because She has grown more wise and beautiful.

Whalen also brings together in one volume the teachings of all the mainline Protestant traditions, as well as some cults and some non-Christian traditions. I would like this book to be in the hands of every Catholic who thinks that it doesn't matter which church you go to. They are NOT all the same.

A quote from "Critic" on the back cover calls this book "a masterpiece of synthesis." Well said.

"I have other sheep...."
"Separated Brethren" was first published 40 years ago and hasbeen revised and updated twice since then.That this book is still aroundis proof of its being an excellent one-volume reference guide on religiousdenominations in the United States; I myself found this title veryinstructive and well-written.The book mostly concerns Christiandenominations not in union with the Roman Catholic Church, yet authorWilliam J. Whalen includes non-Christian religions as well, such asJudaism, Islam, Buddhism, the Baha'i faith, and the better-known cults. Given the fact that Mr. Whalen is Catholic and Our Sunday Visitor is awell-known Catholic publishing house, the book compares the beliefs of the"separated brethren" to Catholic teaching, yet it is remarkablyobjective at the same time.Mr. Whalen does not fall into a condescendingor critical mode; he simply discusses the origins of the different churchesand describes their beliefs.He will at times provide slightly drollcommentary on teachings that appear odd to mainstream Christians,especially teachings from denominations that claim to be Christian such asthe Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses.A lot, though, has happened inthe non-Catholic religious world since this third edition of"Separated Brethren" came out in 1979; take, for example, themerger of two major Lutheran churches in the United States; theestablishment of ultra-traditionalist Catholic groups which have separatedfrom Rome; the rise of Messianic Judaism; renewed debates in the largerProtestant denominations on matters of morality; increased defections ofconservative Anglicans/Episcopalians into the Catholic Church; and the roleof the Orthodox churches in a post-Communist Russia and Eastern Europe. All these events, plus the hopelessly outdated church figures some 20-plusyears old, make it necessary for the book to be revised as soon aspossible.

Table of Contents
preface 7
I. America's religious panorama 9
II. basic differences between Catholicism and Protestantism 18
III. the Lutherans 25
IV. the Presbyterians 39
V. the Espiscopalians 49
VI. the Methodists 60
VII. the Baptists 72
VIII. the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ 81
IX. the United Churchmen 89
X. the Quakers 96
XI. the Perfectionists 104
XII. the Pentacostals 108
XIII. the Seventh-Day Adventists 117
XIV. other Protestants 125
the Moravians 125
the Mennonites 127
the Reformed 130
the Christian Reformed 131
the Brethren 131
the Salvationists 134
the Convenanters 136
XV. the Unitarian Universalists 138
XVI. the Eastern Orthodox 145
XVII. the Old Catholics 152
XVIII. the Cultists 167
the Swedenborgians 168
the Spiritualists 169
the Unity School of Christianity 171
the New Thoughters 173
the Worldwide Church of God 175
the Hare Krishnas 177
the Scientologists 178
the Moonies 179
XIX. the Mormons 184
XX. the Jehovah's Witnesses 198
XXI. the Christian Scientists 207
XXII. the Jews 218
XXIII. the Muslims 226
XXIV. the Baha'is 230
XXV. the Buddists 238
church membership statistics 241
general bibliography 247
index 249

252 pages total ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Standard
This book is the definitive standard of careful analysis in liturgical research.Presented in parallel columns, comparison among the various editions of the American Book of Common Prayer is made simple andrewarding.Seeing the texts in a reproduction of their publishedtypographies is a delight.This book is a vital reference, especiallyhandy for all priests, but valuable for anyone who loves the Prayer Book. The addition of notes on the liturgical reform process make the bookcomplete as well as enjoyably informative. ... Read more

Product Description
Anglican Missal American Edition containing the liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer according to the use of the Church in the United States of America together with other devotions and with liturgical and ceremonial notes ... Read more

Book Description
Always Open explains the essentials of the Anglican approach to authority, the Bible, social and moral questions, dialogue with people of other faiths, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Everything You Want to Know Without Being Prosletyzed
I hate books about churches that "try too hard". This one doesn't. It's "playful", intriguing, even entertaining without insulting your intelligence. I admit some bias. As an Anglican
convert its hard to fault a book like this. Its brevity gives the reader enough to spur on one's own research including visit to a local church to see if it matches what is described in the book. The author seemsat home with many Anglican clergy and associates I have met over the years. You won't be disappointed.
Atreides ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For Communal Praying
Martin R. Dudley's The Collect in Anglican Liturgy: Texts and Sources 1549 - 1989 is an absolute gem.In fact, it is a multi-faceted gem, for not only does it collect (no pun intended) every single Anglican collect written between 1549 and 1989, but it takes a historical look at each one by noting the development of the collect through three distinct periods: 1549 - 1929, 1930 - 1972, and 1973 - 1989.Within each section, he notes the development and different versions of particular collects, which is quite helpful.He notes how some collects were discarded, and how others were sometimes substantially rewritten.Further, Dudley also includes the Latin collects from the Sarum Missal (one of the major liturgical sources for the Book of Common Prayer) and traces the history of each individual collect to its source.I thought it was quite interesting how many collects come straight out of older Latin liturgies, including but not limited to the Sarum Missal.

But what, exactly, is a "collect"?Dudley, in a substantial 43-page introduction, notes that we don't quite know the origin of the prayer style itself, but that "collect" most likely "means the celebrant's conclusion or summary of the prayers of the faithful" (5).It was one of three types of prayers that appears to have unique to the Western/Latin/Roman liturgical tradition - the other two being litany prayers and Eucharistic prayers - that, although they were compiled in the sixth century, are sometimes hundreds of years older.Thus, when Cranmer compiled and wrote the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549, he was working - in part - out of a much older and thoroughly Western/Latin/Roman liturgical tradition.Dudley seems to favor the earlier collects - or, he is at least more willing to criticize more contemporary collects, noting that a collect should be addressed to the Father, through the Son and that although it should be theologically substantive, it should not be rhetorically cumbersome.He thinks that some of the contemporary collects fall short on some of these issues.

Dudley does not restrict himself to the collects that have been historically used in England, but takes a global perspective, noting the development of the American collects, as well as those in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, India, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.Thus, this book is really quite up to date, for the only major liturgical development that I know of since 1989 elsewhere in the Anglican Communion is that of the Kenya - but I do not know if there were any new collects commissioned for the Our Modern Services (Kenyan BCP) in 2002.All of this, however, leaves quite a few questions unanswered, for there are a number of Anglican provinces that aren't mentioned here that are found in Central and South America, as well as throughout Asia and other parts of Africa.Perhaps these different parts of the Anglican Communion have not commissioned new collects but have only translated those from the past.However, Dudley doesn't actually say so.Rather, he hints that the book has been put together in part for those parts of the Anglican Communion - Africa, specifically - that are now putting together specific liturgies so that those particular liturgical commissions might have a solid resource for developing their own prayers in their own language, while also remaining rooted in traditional Anglican soil (41).

This book, as noted above, is a real gem.I highly recommend it for all who are interested in Anglican liturgy - on a global basis, whether more ancient or more contemporary - as well as for those who would like to read and pray a different type of prayer.Collects are formal, and in many ways quite majestic - they are for a community, and are therefore not merely homespun.There is real theological depth in these prayers, and Dudley's work of collecting them is a great service to all.

An unrivalled resource
About two years ago, when I began working with the Synodical Commission for Worship on a revision of our Church Year and Liturgy, one of the questions we asked was how we would be able to make the best use of the historic collects (opening prayers) of the Church Year in our new scheme.

This book made it simple.

Collected together for reference and comparison, Dudley's volume made it simple to research the history of the Collect in the usage of the Anglican Liturgy, from the Latin collects of the Sarum usage to the 1979 revisions and even into the late 1980's, this book covers the entire spectrum of opening prayers from throughout the Anglican Communion.

At the price this book is offered at, it is almost a sin not to have it on your bookshelf.It is a truly indespensible resource for the Anglican cleric, or any cleric of the Western Rites with an interest in liturgical prayer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Admirable Readability
This is a useful, readable guide to liturgical questions (both everyday and large-scale) by the new Bishop of Missouri. +Smith admits his own particular prejudices in the matter, but does not propose them as the way everyone should go. He emphasizes the importance of priest matching parish in terms of basic worship style, and gives practical advice on exercising authority. Well worthwhile. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Shakespeare's Religion Examined
This is essential reading for anyone interested in Shakespeare's religion--an issue that recurscontinually among Shakespeare scholars. Professor Wright sees the history plays as vital expressions ofShakespeare's patriotism containing a common-sense argument for theAnglican Church as the proper spiritual adjunct of the English (andTudor)Crown. He makes a persuasive case for Shakespeare as an immenselyintelligent, well-read and theologically literate defender of the AnglicanChurch. This is a powerful (and readable) antidote to the light-weighttheorizing about Shakespeare as a Lancashire Catholic. ... Read more

Book Description
From the very beginning, human beings have loved to listen to stories. And Jesus loved to tell them. The parables are vivid, rich, arresting stories that make us think and teach us lessons about our relationship with God and others. From talents to mustard seeds, from shepherds to Samaritans, Jesus used common reference points to teach important truths.

But the parables are filled with ambiguity and room for interpretation. With historical and cultural background, and careful scholarly detail, this book helps readers explore their beauty, richness, and joy. ... Read more

Book Description
Lee tells the story of Arlo and of the church belonging to Alice and Ray Brock. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Entertaining but Flawed
This book has nice pictures of Arlo, Alice, and the church, but it unfortunately also has some serious flaws.Lee makes a few odd claims about Arlo Guthrie, the strangest being that his draft status was really 1-A.According to Lee, "The truth is he was not disqualified for the draft at all.His number simply never came up." (p. 102)I'd like to see Lee's source for this, but since she didn't footnote anything I have no idea where she got this information.Arlo Guthrie, in his commentary to the 35th Anniversary DVD of Alice's Restaurant, says that Lee is wrong: the army called him back several times and ultimately told him they didn't want him.Given Guthrie's denial, Lee's lack of evidence, and the general behavior of the US military in 1966 towards anyone classified A-1, I don't believe Lee.The book is entertaining, but I'd take it with more than a few grains of salt.

Groovy, man!I mean, like, Wow!
This book is more than it seems to be.It appears at first to be a rather dry history of a New England church, like many others, and the first few chapters nearly lose the reader in distant church history.But wait, this isn't just any church; it's Alice's church.You know, from the song "Alice's Restaurant."Cut to the 1960s, and you have a fascinating story of the intersection of hippies, media, folk music, idealism and the brutal demands of real life. At the serene center of it all is Arlo, who had the naivete, charm and good fortune to dump trash where he shouldn't have and write a quirky song to tell the world about it.What happens when an obscure 18-minute song becomes a hit becomes a cultural phenomenon becomes a movie? Things implode, that's what.Relationships disintegrate as the very act of recording destroys the thing being recorded (like particle physics). Author Lee is clearly a church supporter, but she is also a fine reporter who has the sense to let the story tell itself. Just when things get a little too sentimental or weird, Lee brings it back to center. Only in the last few pages does she gush uncontrolably (or lets the quotes do so).In the end, the early history of the church makes sense in the light of its afterlife. At least as portrayed in the book, the whole thing fits into a grand gestalt. Alice's Church is now the Guthrie Center, supposedly named for Woody but really an extension of Arlo. It is devoted to charitable works that are vaguely defined and seem in danger of disgressing into Sixties-like anarchy. Only the charismatic force of Arlo seems to hold it all together.

Really first-rate in every way. SURPRISINGLY well done.
I don't think I've ever seen a better piece ofjournalism.

I didn't expect too much from this book. I bought it for the usual tourist reasons (we were in Stockbridge to hear Arlo sing in the church). Published by Berkshire House, it graces the "local shelves" tables of every local bookstore and gift shop.This book didn't actually need to be GOOD. It just needed to have some scraps of fan information about Arlo and some old pictures of the Church and Officer Obie and so forth...

I cannot begin to describe how surprisingly satisfying this book is. It is really a first-rate job. It is so much more wide-ranging and thoughtful than might have been expected.

And Laura Lee covers the exact range of topics I was interested in, with just the right balance.

For example, about a quarter of the book is devoted to the "pre-Arlo" era. It's more than a lick-and-a-promise, interesting both in itself and as a jumping-off-point for musing on How Things Change. I never realized that the little fork-in-the-road Van Deusenville area of Housatonic was once a significant industrial town... At the same time, a quarter of the book is just about enough. I didn't want to wade through monograph on Great Barrington history, and after paying proper respect to the Bostwicks and the Van Deusens, we get to Ray and Alice Brock by page 65.

The thing that makes this book so splendid is Lee's sympathetic attention and reporting of _mild_ differences in opinion. I'm not sure I've ever seen a better piece of journalism. You see events refracted through different peoples' eyes--NOT a big-deal Rashomon conflict, just, well, different people saw things a little differently.

For example, Arlo's guru, Jaya Sati Bhagavati Ma, is seen through Arlo's eyes. She is also seen directly and with respect through Laura Lee's. However, Lee also reports the Berkshire Record's description of her as "a spiritual Ethel Merman wielding a Brooklyn persona" and Alice Brock's remark "Here is this dame, she's my age, she's from Brooklyn, she's Jewish, just like me, but she had this giant scam."

Thoroughly satisfying, absolutely first rate.

Lee closes the loop on "The Church"
I finished Laura Lee's lovingly crafted book over the Labor Day weekend,having enjoyed it immensely. It becomes obvious that Laura Lee has aspecial love for the Trinity Church (now the Guthrie Center) because thehistory of The Church is exhaustively recorded in the first half of herbook. I think it's safe to say that if you need more information about thehistory of Christianity in colonial Western Massachusetts than what Lauraprovides, you're likely well out of the general audience this book aims at.I think Laura hit the highlights as it pertains to the Housatonic/Lee/VanDeusenville area, and the Trinity Church.

The book springs forward inthe second half to chronicle the uniquely strange and humorous eventssurrounding the Alice's Restaurant Massacree, the film "Alice'sRestaurant" (itself a baffling blend of truth and fiction) and thesubsequent history of the Church, having fallen out of the Brock's handsand ultimately into Arlo's. Lee closes the loop on all these wonderfulevents and brings us right into the modern era of the Guthrie Center,leaving the reader with an intimate feeling of hopefulness about therenewed Church and the lives surrounding it.

I suggest reading the book,listening to the song, watching the film, visiting arlo.net, and visitingGreat Barrington. These are all the pieces of the puzzle. Thank you, Laura,for providing such an informative, entertaining, and loving overview of theChurch that was, the Church as it is, and the Church that will be.

- J.Dock, Sept 2000

Outstanding Book!
Ms. Lee has really captured the enduring spirit of a community and a time in this book. The history of a church in the Berkshires seems like an unlikely topic, but add the fact that the church is the same one from"Alice's Restaurant" and an element of interest is added. Whatwas a nice surprise was how interesting the history of the church and itssurrounding community really is. Ms. Lee has given a slice of American lifethrough the church from its beginning to its famous showing in the saga ofArlo Guthrie in the '60's and now. I sincerely hope that this book willhelp others to see the importance of understanding of our history and willhelp the Guthrie Center. ... Read more

Book Description
What Anglicans Believe is a personal statement by David L. Edwards and a revision of the book first published in 1974. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Please no candy
The book is written in a clear style but its like candy you can either put it in your mouth and its taste good but nothing is left or you can put it in your hands and find a sticky mess. It is the product of confused church community trying to reason away what is going wrong. If I want this type of logic, I will be off to see the wizard and follow the yellow brick road.

General and helpful
This book is aimed at people who aren't sure whether they believe in God, or what the Episcopal Church is about.It takes the reader step-by-step through the resons for believing in God, with a definite Anglican point ofview, but does not do a great job of pointing out how Anglicans differ fromother Christians. Still, it was interesting and helpful even for someonewho already knew a fair amount about the episcopal Church. ... Read more

Book Description
The wonderful sights, sounds, and smells of the Anglican liturgy can engage the imagination of young children and draw them into enthusiastic worship. But it can be a bit confusing as well.

Through the interactive games and puzzles in this fun-filled activity book, children ages 4-7 can grow to a deeper understanding of Anglican worship life. From learning about the participants in the entry processional, to coloring the vestments of the priest and deacon, to identifying the amazing things their senses tell them about the Eucharist, this book is a treasure trove for kids and adults.

Forty one-page activities are followed by a four-page parent guide designed to promote parenting in the pews and offer tips for parents and other educators using these activities with children. Permission to copy the pages for use in church or school is included in the book. ... Read more