Simply Anglican: An Ancient Faith for Today's World

by Winfield Bevins

If you're interested in learning more about the Anglican tradition, Simply Anglican is the clear and charitable guide you've been waiting for. Winfield Bevins provides an accessible overview of Anglican history, theology, and worship. With discussion questions and recommended reading at the end of each chapter, plus a glossary of terms in the back, this book is the ideal introduction to Anglicanism!

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality

168 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2020

About the author

Dr. Winfield Bevins is an internationally recognized author, artist, and the founding director of Creo Arts, which is a non-profit that exists to bring beauty, goodness, and truth to the world through the arts. Winfield is also artist-in-residence at Asbury Theological Seminary where he champions the integration of art, theology, and mission. Over the past decade, he has helped start numerous initiatives and academic programs that have trained leaders from around the world. He frequently speaks at conferences, seminaries, and universities on a variety of topics and is an affiliate professor at several academic institutions.

He is the author of several books, including Liturgical Mission: The Work of the People for the Sake of the World, which was nominated for a Reader’s Choice Award (InterVarsity Press, 2022); Ever Ancient Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation (Zondervan, 2019); and Marks of a Movement (2019), which has been translated into Korean and Spanish. Winfield’s work has been featured in various outlets such as Christianity Today, Publishers Weekly, Outreach Magazine, and Religious News Service.

As an artist, he describes his artwork as “modern inconography” because it explores the intersection where the past and the present meet through sacred art. He believes that we need new forms and expressions of ancient truths to speak to a new generation, that are connected to those who have gone before us, drawing fresh inspiration from the past for our faith for today through art. As an artist, he hopes that his art will invite viewers to slow down and pray to God who is “ever ancient, ever new.” He and his wife have three daughters and live in Kentucky where he has a working studio and runs the Creo Arts Gallery.

Reviews

[Derek DeMars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be the book I recommend to anyone needing a quick primer on Anglicanism. It's brief, accessible, and winsome in its presentation of the Anglican way of Christianity as a balanced and charitable "middle way" between many different Christian streams. I'm happy to have found a resource that neatly sums up many of the reasons why I've been drawn into this tradition.

Bevins hits all the important points (history, liturgy, prayer book, sacraments, hierarchy, mission, and culture) without getting too lost in the weeds. On some points he could have gone into much greater detail, but this is meant as a very basic, introductory work, so he can't be faulted much there. He also helpfully provides study questions and recommended reading at the end of each chapter, making it perfect for group study or as a launching-point for further learning.

All in all, a fantastic one-stop shop for learning about Anglicanism if you're new to it.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short introduction to Anglicanism, with a bit too much focus on the Diocese for the Sake of Others.

It was interesting reading about Bp. Wood, who is now the Archbishop of ACNA.

The chapter at the end about the via media was very useful - I would have put that one first.

[Josh Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, as the book's primary editor, I'm a bit biased. That being said, this is one of the best introductions to Anglicanism that I've ever read, which is why we agreed to publish this at Anglican Compass.

Winfield Bevins covers the basics of Anglican history, theology, liturgy, and worship in about 150 pages. Written with the "Angli-curious" beginner in mind, this book nevertheless contains enough additional information (through recommended reading lists at the end of each chapter, as well as a glossary and numerous endnotes) to guide one's future study. It also has discussion questions for each chapter, in case you want to go through this book with family, friends, church group, etc.

[Grace Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! It is a brief introduction to the Anglican tradition, providing a clear and comprehensive introduction to Anglican history, theology, organization, and liturgy. This is meant for those who are completely new to the tradition, so it does not engage super deeply with the specifics, but that is one of its biggest strengths. It explains things clearly and concisely, making it accessible to anyone who picks up this book, regardless of theological background. It also gives book suggestions if you would like to learn more. I loved this book and I think it is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking to learn about the Anglican Tradition.

[Ruth VandenBerg · Rating 4 out of 5]

have loved going through this book with our book group at st patrick’s! it’s such an easy read and i’ve learned a lot about the anglican tradition. this has been a sweet season of new and refreshing spiritual rhythms.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but helpful overview of Anglicanism, especially as my wife and I get ready for confirmation into the ACNA. The best part is the further reading lists.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, thoughtful and comprehensive. The Anglican tradition has become a wonderful home for our family and I believe it could be for yours. Winfield does a great job creating a primer for understanding the history and doctrine of the Anglican tradition of Christianity.

Give it a read, if for no other reason, so I can hear your thoughts!

[Huw Fulcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative but doesn't address the departure of Anglicanism in the UK from its Reformed and Biblical roots

[Rusty Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction into the Anglican world

This is a timely read for the curious, cautious, or those caring to further explore what it means to be an Anglican.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s really 3.5 stars out of 5. The introductory chapters basically captured my entire journey. Some of the more complex topics, such as baptism and holy orders, left much to be desired. All in all, an easy-to-read intro that I will most likely pass onto friends who are seeking. I really wish other clergy besides C4SO would have been asked to contribute.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read and introduction to Anglicanism! I am already somewhat familiar with the Book of Common Prayer and the Anglican liturgy, but this book also introduced historic details and people that I did not already know. If you want an easy-to-read introduction to Anglicanism, I would recommend. :)

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Approachable modern primer to Anglicanism. Gives all the language to have discussions about what goes on during Sunday corporate worship services. A wee bit biased with the heavy usage of quotes from various Anglicans who exalt the liturgy and beauty of worship, but helpful nonetheless. This could easily be used to facilitate a book study in a parish or small group.

[Keith Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple introduction to Anglicanism. It does what it says it would do.

[Sarah Sailer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid! Would have liked some more elucidation on later topics, but I get that it is intended to be an introduction. Would recommend!

[Chris Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guide for those like me who are new to Anglicanism.

[Jessica Telian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and concise primer on Anglicanism. I finished it with many great quotes underlined as the author summarizes ideas very well.

[Aliyah Rattray · Rating 4 out of 5]

an easy-to-read, introductory guide to anglicanism that covers most everything one would need to or want to know if they are interested in the anglican tradition

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this concise and engaging introduction to the Anglican tradition, Winfield Bevins writes with newcomers to Anglicanism in mind. But even for those of us who have been Anglican for a while, there is much to commend here. Bevins' vision for a winsome, generous Anglicanism rooted in scripture and tradition – while fully relevant for our contemporary world – is refreshing. If you're curious about Anglicanism, you're going to want to pick up a copy of Simply Anglican.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful introduction, but pretty light on a lot of the controversy and left much to be desired on how the structures of authority work in practice. Nevertheless, it was clear and at least mostly compelling. There’s a lot to love in Anglicanism and 1.5 years after beginning to attend an Anglican Church, I’m mostly convinced.

[Jacob Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winfield Bevins gives an exceptional, highly readable birds-eye-view of the Anglican tradition, covering its history, beliefs, and practices. He does this in a remarkably concise format and with very accessible language, making this the perfect introductory text for those exploring Anglicanism for the first time. While there is much more to learn about the Anglican tradition, Bevins provides an essential, orienting framework from which to work outward, as well as perfect suggestions for further reading. I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

[Lindsay Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a sufficient introduction to the roots and modern expression of being Anglican. I was grateful for the author’s careful definition of terms, as well as a helpful glossary.
This book provides an immersion into the topic at a level I would classify as ‘Anglican-lite’ and plenty of titles are provided for recommendations of further reading.
A couple of typos and grammatical errors should be corrected for future editions, but they will not detract from understanding of the text.

[Trey Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the Anglican way of faith without being too overwhelming in historical/theological details. Winfield is very diverse and gracious in his writings, covering all aspects and of Anglicanism, from high church to low church.

Solid footnotes and other reading recommendations. Being new to the Anglican faith, this is a definitely a “mandatory” read for those new or expressing interest.

[Marilyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bum fodder, the author is mentally deluded. The anglican sect doesn’t have an ancient faith only a man made non scripture based and non God centered creed made by an enemy of God who was a mass murdering , sexual deviant terrorist in the 16th century! Through anglicanism much international murder, much oppression , many wars and many crimes against humanity

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Well written, introductory explained of Anglicanism. It's not a full historical treatise or full doctrinal or theological explanation. But it gives a good overview of the important aspects and general character of Anglicanism. Definitely recommend to those wanting to learn more or dip their toes into this Christian tradition.

[Olivia Jones-Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! It’s a digestible, open, and beautiful description and introduction to the Anglican tradition. It’s a comprehensive look into the past, present, and future of the Anglican Communion and the details that can feel intimidating or foreign to others. I’ll absolutely be recommending this to friends & family!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive, approachable, and hospitable introduction to the Anglican Communion. It covered basically all of my questions about Anglicanism without being too verbose or heady. While the whole book was helpful, I especially appreciated Bevins’s insightful and clear explanation of infant baptism.

[Brandon Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan on Winfield Blevins and his works. This book was a great introduction into Anglicanism. I really appreciated the simplicity of the book and the descriptions. I learned a ton from this book and recommend it to those who would like to learn more about the Anglican denomination!

[Paul Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic guide

This book is inspiring and thoughtful as a guide to understanding the Anglican Church. As a seeker interested in Anglicanism it has been most helpful to quench my curiosity.

[Ricky Balas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Anglicanism. I will say that I enjoyed his 'Ever Ancient, Ever New' and Thomas McKenzie's 'The Anglican Way' slightly better, but this is still a solid 5 stars. His last chapter on the via media is what, for me, bumped it from a 4.5 to the 5.

[Caitlin Grammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of Anglicanism to begin with. My brother-in-law gifted us this book to help us understand Anglicanism a little better as we have just started joining an Anglican Congregation. It was helpful for understanding the structure of the church and some some of the terminology used.