The Episcopalians

Denominations in America #11

by David Hein, Gardiner H. Shattuck Jr.

The story of Episcopalians in America is the story of an influential denomination that has furnished a large share of the American political and cultural leadership. Beginning with the Episcopal Church's roots in sixteenth-century England, The Episcopalians offers a fresh account of its rise to prominence. Chronologically arranged, it traces the establishment of colonial Anglicanism in the New World through the birth of the Episcopal Church after the Revolution and its rise throughout the nineteenth century, ending with the complex array of forces that helped shape it in the 20th century and the consecration of Gene Robinson in 2003.

The authors focus not only on the established leadership of the church but also to the experience of lay people, the form and function of sacred space, the evolution of church parties and theology, relations with other Christian communities, and the evolving ministries of women and minorities.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2003

Reviews

[Jordan Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

For better or for worse, this book was very text-book-y. It was very fact-based and left out critique or personal opinion, which I appreciated. The Episcopalians is one of a dozen books in publisher Praeger's Denominations in America series. Though this book was dry at times, I wouldn't be surprised if I picked up another book in this series at some point in the future.

[Thom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly solid if unremarkable history, useful as a survey for those interested in the history of the church up to the 20th century.

[Janet Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info for church history class

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written summary of the development of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. from the Colonial Era through the present. The book discusses how the Church formed and the people who were influential in Church, government, and society.