Theology in Anglicanism

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. One of the better of the 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts is the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, which comprise several volumes that look at different aspects - theology, spirituality, history, and more. This volume, 'Theology in Anglicanism' edited by Arthur Vogel, looks at the ways in which theology is used, interpreted and given authority in Anglicanism.Anglicanism is often characterised as rest on a three-legged stool of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. These three elements have a dialectical relationship with each other - none is necessarily dominant, and the emphasis can vary over time, place, and community sensibilities. Theology plays an important role in various ways, stemming from each of the three legs of Scripture, Tradition and Reason, not the least of which in its influence in the liturgies - much of the liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer derives from or is influenced by theological intention; it is a point of contention when the liturgy changes to reflect different theological positions, and it is a point of continuity when liturgies remain unchanged despite changing theological ideas.This text consists of seven essays, not intended to be comprehensive, but which do cover many important topics. Noted church historian Henry Chadwick gives an historical overview of the context of Anglicanism and theology, going back to the church fathers and building up to the time of the Reformation and creation of the Thirty-Nine Articles. Editor Arthur Vogel contributed two essays - the first essay is the second chapter, looking at the connections between Reason and Faith, drawing in ideas of philosophy (ontology and epistemology) as well as revelation and mystery. His second essay, occuring later in the book, gives a discussion of Anglican views on authority, and the fact that as a church and community, we have no authority over God, and very little authority over people, including member of its own church. James Griffiss looks at issues of Christology, emphasising the incarnational aspect of Anglican sensibilities. Richard Norris and Louis Weil both look at issues of community and ecclesiology in different essays - Norris exploring the notion of grace and ministry, and Weil looking at the sacramental/liturgical structures of the church community. In the final essay, Arthur Michael Ramsey, a noted theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury (the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, to be precise), looks at the future directions of Anglicanism. Stressing continuity over confessional aspects, Ramsey integrates a sense of spirituality and the sometimes conflicting idea of human reason as an object of reverence. These are necessary concerns to