An Introduction to the Episcopal Church: Revised Edition

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.

This book is an easy read - one to two hours max. Huge print! However basic info on Episcopalian doctrine/ belief. Just as the title suggests.

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.

THIS IS MUST READING FOR EVERY SERIOUS EPISCOPALIAN. I THINK IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR CONFIRMATION. IT IS SO REFRESHING TO READ SOMETHING RELIGIOUS BY SOMEONE WHO IS TERRIBLY WELL EDUCATED. SO DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE RUBBISH YOU SEE UNDER THE GUISE OF "RELIGION" NOWADAYS.