Deep Anglicanism: A Brief Guide

by Gerald McDermott

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity

400 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.

He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.

Reviews

[J. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Would recommend to Presbyterian leaning reformed folks for a fair and balanced read from a Reformed Catholic perspective (which I would consider myself).
My only quibble is his stance on supercessionism.

[Kirk Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic introduction to the Anglican tradition. The layout of Anglican spirituality is what drew me to this book, as the BCP daily offices are a precious habit in my life now. However, I unsurprisingly have many things I disagree with the Anglican Church — infant baptism, holy orders, apostolic succession, and priestly absolution — that will preclude me from ‘being Anglican.’ Yet I love their liturgy and will continue to be nourished in my communion with our Lord through these means.

Also, I was surprised how much I read chapters like Matthew 18 so differently than McDermott. Where he sees apostolic authority and succession playing out, I see every-member ministry bearing its weight upon each Christian in the local church. Very little is said here about how the member fits into the ecclesiology and liturgy of the Anglican Church here, and I believe that would be a happy addition to any forthcoming edition.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't agree with the author's take on one or more of the "Hard Questions" section, I think this book is a good introduction to conservative non-Reformed Anglicanism. There were parts that I liked really well, especially the Prayer Book section.

[Jake Schaumloeffel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short: A thorough "deep" introduction to the Anglican tradition, that interweaves history, the richness of Anglican theologians, and responses to common objections.

The long: I appreciate that McDermott focused on making Anglican distinct from the traditions commonly associated - Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and even Reformed. He addressed most of my nagging questions and hesitations, but even still I was wanting more (I can't critique because this is functionally an introductory book). Understand this is coming from a conservative, reformed catholic approach and that there was a lack of emphasis on the "generous orthodoxy" emphasized mostly by the evangelical branch of Anglicanism. Also know that McDermmot writes not to the uninformed, but presumes you understand some basics of Anglican history and general Christian terminology. If you enjoyed McKenzie's "The Anglican Way" this would be the next step in deepening your understanding, especially regarding the historical development from the 11th to 21st century. He does a great job at including the updated 2019 BCP and rise of ACNA in his discussions, which is refreshing for the new Anglican who is confused on recent history and dynamics within the Communion.

This is close to being the best "deep" introduction to the Anglican faith. But, some gripes follow:

1) Although I agreed with many of his conclusions on Holy Orders and Marriage (latter chapters), I wish McDermott was more charitable and nuanced in his discussion of such topics.

2) There are some clear typos and editing mistakes that are unfortunately distracting.

3) The organization of chapters was bewildering at times. He waffled between a systematic approach, with history sparsed in, and a Q/A approach similar to a catechism. I don't think it worked.

4) Lastly, and least-ly, his writing is a bit bland. Typically blunt and to the point, it sacrifices flow for conciseness.

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful guide to a higher Anglicanism. It would have benefited from some editorial work: sometimes his rhetoric is too much, other times I wish he’d elaborated on a point, some chapters end abruptly where I expected more. I also wish there was a “further reading” section since sometimes he asserted his view without much support. But still, a strong introduction

[Jaden Weatherly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very approachable introduction to a more Anglo-Catholic stream of Anglicanism.

[Jadon B · Rating 4 out of 5]

McDermott's Deep Anglicanism offers its readers a fresh overview of the Anglican tradition that manages to be both comprehensive and accessible. Anglicanism is viewed as a big tent denomination these days, but McDermott successfully argues that the historic Anglican identity is "reformed Catholicism," in which the historical Church listens and adapts to the most potent criticisms of the continental Reformation (and leaves the more extreme parts behind). In this sense, Anglicanism does provide a via media between Rome and Geneva/Wittenburg, not by offering a buffet style approach to Christian tradition, but by holding Scripture as the highest authority while following the truly catholic teachings of the undivided Church as a guide.

The book is "Deep", in that it has chapters dedicated to nearly every facet of the Anglican tradition -- the sacraments, the formularies, the prayer book(s), and apostolic succession, just to name a few. It is also a "Brief Guide" because the author condenses and synthesizes information so as not to be overwhelming. For those already well-versed in the formularies and in church history, you might not learn many facts that you don't already know by reading this book. But I found McDermott's synthesis to be highly reinforcing, forcing me to make connections across works I have never thought to make. Nearly every page contains footnotes with citations, comments, and additional reading materials would be informative to even the most learned Anglicans.

I think all Anglicans should read this book, and those "Anglican-curious" should definitely read it.

[James T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history is deep. The book is surprisingly concise and readable.

McDermott offers a comprehensive but brief introduction to traditional Anglicanism. He leans Anglo-Catholic, but not to the extent of "Rome without the Pope" that you see from some who accept that label. He's willing to be assertive about what the historic view of the undivided Church is; he argues his views competently, but this is not the book for fully fleshed-out coverage of every argument and counterargument. The main omission I noted was the lack of any discussion (that I recall) of icon veneration, one of the more controversial aspects of Anglo-Catholicism for those from a Protestant background.

Deep Anglicanism is probably best for those who have been around the block with Anglicanism and are wanting to know more about why their church does things a certain way (or, for those in a more evangelical ACNA church, why other parishes look much more Catholic). It would also be a good book to give to family members who are vaguely familiar with Anglicanism but concerned about its more Catholic trappings. I'd still probably recommend Aaron Damiani's Earth Filled with Heaven for a square-one introduction to a sacramental worldview and Thomas McKenzie's The Anglican Way for a more neutral introduction to the range of Anglican belief and practice, though neither takes as much of a stance or goes as deep into the issues as this book does.

[Jackson Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new Anglican I found this book to be a fantastic introduction to Anglican distinctives and thought processes. Particularly, McDermott provides some great polemics for what he refers to as ‘Reformed Catholic Anglicanism.’ It was a light read that touches on almost any are you could think of when exploring Anglicanism, shedding light on contemporary theological issues and common questions. I’d recommend this book to any one considering Anglicanism or seeking to get authentically Anglican answers to many pressing questions of our day.

[Dr Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful and readable, but do be aware that it is written not just from an Anglican perspective, but from a very specific Anglican perspective, that orthodox evangelical Anglicans would find much to disagree with, for example on purgatory. It does not distinguish clearly between Anglican doctrine and the personal opinion of the author.

[Ben Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found many of the arguments to be strawmen, the prose to be unimpressive, and there were many generalizations. I really feel like the book was hindered by being too brief.
However, as an Anglican, I will say that this book strengthened my view that Anglicanism is the most catholic denomination and the best way for Christendom to move forward.

[Bobby Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for any conservative Anglican. It is a great primer for those who are interested Reformed Catholic Anglicanism. Also for a book that is 350 pages it is a pretty fast read. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Nathan Lasky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great short primer on Anglicanism. Definitely Anglo-Catholic even if he prefers the title Reformed Catholic Anglican. If you are new to Anglicanism, have been in the church but have some questions about things, or if you’re just curious from outside, this is the book for you!

[Evan Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I thought the author got a little sidetracked with pet projects in chapters 29-31. But still, he had some great arguments!

[Neh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously debated whether this should be given 4 or 4.5 or 5.

Excellent writing by the author as usual.

Very insightful and intelligent. (Gotta keep a copy!)

Some poor editing was distracting.

[Liz Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

so helpful! very clarifying and informative without using too much clunky and confusing language.

only thing I'd want to change is to make it longer and discuss more topics xD

[Alex Burlingame · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book 4 stars if it were titled, “An Intro to Anglicanism.”

The expansive scope of the book left me wanting more on each topic.

[Andrew Talbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly good as a deeper introduction to Anglicanism. A few chapters toward the end could use strengthening and clarification, especially those on ministry, salvation, and marriage.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding apologetic for Anglicanism.

[Griffin Tschacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent summary of Anglicanism, pretty understandable as well