Our Anglican Heritage

by John W. Howe

From its founding in the first centuries A.D., through the Great Reformation of the sixteenth century to the Grassroots Renewal of the late twentieth, the Anglican Church has created a unique niche in the worldwide body of Christ. Often misunderstood (perhaps most often by its own members), the Anglican Church's rich history is a testimony to the grace and power of God to work in, through, and in spite of his people to accomplish his work in his world. First published in 1977, Our Anglican Heritage provides an incomparable, concise overview of the colorful history and traditions of the Anglican Church. John Howe's considerable teaching gifts are clearly evident in this highly profitable, highly readable little volume.

About the Author:
The Right Reverend John W. Howe is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida

Genres: Theology, History, Christian

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Miller Wortham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am struck yet again by the gracious humility and warmth of conviction that seem to be the legacy of the Anglican conviction. Anglicans can laugh at their idiosyncrasies, boldly and honestly confess the failings and sins in their history, and discern what is essential (to which they cling for dear life) and what is secondary (where they welcome discussion and fellowship across different opinions). I still have questions and would like to purchase a copy of this book to have as a reference (thanks, Peet, for the nine month loan!), but I feel oriented to the history and essentials of the Anglican Church (which this Presbyterian girl has found a very perplexing entity), and, yet again, charmed by the culture and flavor of the tradition.

[Harman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed every aspect of this book. Having grown up in a strictly nondenominational context, I had no idea what distinguished any denomination from another, and I actually was fairly harshly judgmental of "liturgical churches", claiming that any liturgy, being a ritual, must therefore be dead and derogatory of the free nature of the Spirit, but after having both experienced an Anglican worship service and read this book, I have tasted and seen that the Spirit worked beautifully in and through liturgical churches, and even, as this book posits, these churches may be the tool by which God could bring reconciliation and healing of the Church catholic that the anabaptist and "low churches" may be lacking.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because there were several passages that could have been written better, and I caught a handful of spelling and grammatical errors. Content-wise, this book was spectacular, educational and exciting to read. I recommend this to any and all who have questions about Anglicanism.

[Wbb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduction to Anglicanism. Pretty basic, pretty broad.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super easy-to-read, pretty comprehensive overview of Anglican history and theology. The authors cover the deep historical roots of Anglicanism (beyond just Henry VIII, but yes, there's also a section on him!) as well as the development of Anglican liturgy and polity. There are also helpful chapters on some of the divisive theological issues at play in the Anglican Communion, including women's ordination and the same-sex marriage conversation. Readers should know that it's coming from a slightly more conservative-leaning perspective, but it's still a very readable, engaging and even-handed discussion. In particular, the historical overviews are fascinating, compelling, and extremely insightful.

This isn't only for Anglicans! I think it's a valuable book for anyone who is interested in this serious branch of Protestantism, especially American Christians who mistakenly only associate it with the Episcopal church here in the US.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful overview of the history of Anglicanism in the United States and the issues the ACNA faced in the early 2010s (some of which are still issues a decade later). Some minor typos detracted slightly which closer editing might have caught, but still a worthwhile read for any Anglican wishing to understand why the province is where it is today.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Anglican history and tradition, though sometimes important topics feel like they are passed over a little too quickly or not given adequate treatment. But overall, well done.

[Jeanne Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This updated version is well done. It starts with very Celtic England and moves to contemporary Anglicanism. It is well-researched and informative without being too academic.

[Terri Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It contains so much information for us as my husband and I begin to learn a new expression of worship.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of the history and distinctives of the Anglican church.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Anglican Reading

I give this book 5 stars because it does what it's title says: gives a thorough review of Our Anglican Heritage.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, but an excellent overview of Anglican beliefs from an evangelical perspective.

[Kyle McFerren · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are tons of primers out there on Anglicanism and liturgical Christianity in general. This one was pretty good, but not quite my favorite. The authors begin with a fairly thorough history of the roots of Anglicanism, its transformation through the Reformation, and its attempts to balance both catholic and reformed elements. The rest of the book gets into various aspects of the tradition: the Sacraments, the Articles of Religion, global missions, leadership structures, the Anglican Communion, and recent divides within the tradition. Overall, Our Anglican Heritage is a thorough but not too thorough exploration of the Anglican tradition. I still think Thomas McKenzie's "The Anglican Way" is the best starting point for those interested in Anglicanism, but this is a great follow up for those who may want to go a little more in depth on the topic.

[Connor (Charbel) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bishop Howe paints a historically honest, biblically shaped portrait of the rise of the Anglican communion, giving particular attention to North American Anglicanism and presenting a compelling vision for a renewal of Reformational Anglicanism in the the EPUSA. Recommended for folks outside the communion wondering what exactly "Anglicanism" is, or current members looking to gain fresh perspective/deepen their current knowledge of their own tradition. Though Howe is a conservative Bishop in the Episcopal Church, it would be beneficial for members of the ACNA to be familiar with his survey of classic Anglican history and theology as we struggle to lay hold of an Anglican identity in the midst of turbulent circumstances.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by two moderate Anglican priests, one Episcopal the other having since left the Episcopal church, Our Anglican Heritage offers a great balance to the stereotypical liberal Episcopal perspective on the Church’s current situation. A fantastic book, written very well, balancing readability with excellent scholarship. Howe and Pascoe emphasize the reformed nature of the Anglican Communion while showing its connection to the catholic church. While not agreeing with everything, this book emphasizes the Anglican Communion as a large body, the ECUSA being only one part, reminding Episcopalians of their broader heritage.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, conscise, absorbing. Really enjoyed it.

[Bob Ayres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of good information and very readable.