101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian

An endearing little collection of aphoristic remarks on the Episcopal Church and its members that provides a variety of personal viewpoints.

This is a great little booklet full of christian reflections, good for everyone. But it also depicts the episcopalian mindset in many of the things it points out. I found it a very uplifting read.

What a great book. It really captures what it is to be an Episcopalian, most especially our ability to laugh at ourselves.

It is somewhat of an irony that I, a former Episcopalian, would be writing a review in praise of a book with the title '101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian'. However, my reasons for not being part of this institution do not lessen my general zeal and admiration for the greater presence of Anglicanism in the world, and thus if one extends this title a bit, I can also join in as part of this community, however tenuously. Louie Crew is someone I have met, have heard preach, and with whom I have had disagreements, but in terms of general integrity, his approach to his church and faith has been consistent, passionate, laced with good humour and insight. Crew draws on scripture, reason and tradition in this listing of reasons, and while some are drawn a bit more broadly than the reality would warrant, they all tap into some of the key strengths of the Anglican community generally, and the Episcopal church as an institution specifically. The Anglican tradition in America has a rich history, far more varied than most in-the-pew people realise, and given the mobility of denominational identification in these times, a good percentage of the church (both congregation members and clergy) originally are from outside this church. Crew's book can help fill in some of the gaps of knowledge that even life-long Anglicans might have, and does so in an accessible and inviting way.

The book tells what a number of Episcopalians consider the best reasons for being Episcopalians. It provides a different view of the Episcopal Church and reveals some of the humor with which we see our faith. You should recognize some of the names!