Those Episkopols

I advocate this book "Those Episkopols" by the Rev. Dennis Maynard be issued to every member and interested parties of the Church. It answers basic important questions about our Episcopal Church such as how we worship (it's supposed to be "boring"), how we think (we must use reason in order to understand God's creation), how we treat the Bible (divine inspiration, not divine dictation), how we live (dogmas are silly; when we get to heaven, Jesus is probably not going to ask us what (mostly man-made) rules we followed, but whether we loved him and one another), and how we are saved (not something that just happens; it is an ongoing process through our lives), etc. The book provides a good starting point to becoming a thoughtful, knowledgeable Christian and member of the Church. The reader should continue their studies and actions by beginning a study of the Bible, asking questions of their fellow man, doing good works, and most importantly THINKING. An easy and quick read (1 hour), I marked up my book with tons of highlighter and am now more confident when inquiring friends and strangers ask me about my faith and practice.

5.0 out of 5 stars Short, Sweet, and Enough to Convince Me!, April 23, 2008 By Catherine Mccoy (Norfolk, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) After visiting over 15 churches in my new relocation area, I finally found a place to belong that fits me to a "T". After attending services for a few months, the minister asked if I would be interested in being officially "received" as an Episcopalian. I needed to know more, so he handed me Maynard's book as an introduction. As I turned each page, I found myself saying "Yes", this is who I am, and this is the kind of church I belong in. It was a perfect "first" read ... not too heavy, not too long, but just enough to tell me I was heading in the right direction. Maynard's humor and straight forward observations of the Episcopal faith are sure to help even the most hesitant reader figure out if this might be the faith for them.

I love this book. It helped me to decide to become an Episcopalian. I always give a copy to anyone who is slightly interested in the church. It is very funny and light, but very insightful.

I have been a lifelong Episcopalian, and I found this to be an excellent book full of great information. It was easy to read and understand. This would be a wonderful book for those interested in the Episcopal Church, as well as a great book for those of us who have been with the church longer and just want to "brush up." I learned so much, and learned all the reasons why I love the Episcopal Church. Well worth the money!

My husband and I have been searching for a religion that we would be happy in for so long. After attending St John's Episcopal Church in Oklahoma, our Rector gave us this book to read. WOW! It told us exactly what we wanted to know. I was worried about different social issues in choosing a religion. This book explained the Episcopals beliefs very clearly with much humor. It left us wanting to head right out to church and get involved. The author writes how he loves the church and couldn't imagine his life without her...we feel the same. I never knew there was a relgion out there made "just for me."