Jesus Was An Episcopalian (And You Can Be One Too!): A Newcomer's Guide to the Episcopal Church

by Chris Yaw

This light-hearted, interesting and thoroughly engaging book invites newcomers and those looking for a refresher course to take a new look at the Episcopal Church. "It's an amazing time to be an Episcopalian. Our church has a renewed sense of vision and leadership that's all about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. We're all about standing up for equal rights and the environment. We're all about welcoming everybody to the table, preaching repentance and accepting forgiveness. We hold together modern thought and an ancient faith firmly rooted in Jesus Christ. We offer vital communities that help families, singles - countless people make sense of their lives and their places in the world. Jesus Was an Episcopalian (And You Can Be One Too!) is all about letting the world know who we are and who the Lord is calling us to be. Let's face it, few people today know what an Episcopalian is (be honest - how many people have asked you how to spell it?), yet many of us who have found Christ through this wonderful tradition believe we have an incredible gift to share. That's what this book is about. It's an uplifting, breezy, down-to-earth apologia for a new generation. It's for the church. It's for the world. It's one way for the church to love the world." (Chris Yaw)

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Faith, Spirituality

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2008

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite it's cutesy title, the book is really a clear and simple guide, as implied in the subtitle. A keeper, for when this Episcopalian needs an answer.

[Gregory Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the Progressive, Liberal wing (there is another) of the Episcopal Church at the start of the 21st Century.

The book does a good job of touching all bases -- beliefs; practice; this short book is especially good at presenting vital church history concisely.

It is very much a “works”- centered book that advocates that Episcopalians become more active in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. Seems hard to argue with that.

While I don’t remember seeing the phrase “Liberation Theology” this guide is strongly influenced by it, and by what The Roman Catholic Church termed “the preferential option for the poor.”

All in all, an excellent, inspiring, and welcoming Newcomer’s Guide -- as well as a great “refresher” for long-time church members.

[Tom Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our daughter Cori gave me this book to help me understand more about the Episcopalian faith.

I have been attending our local Episcopal church lately as I want to make sure I understand where she is headed after she completes her masters of divinity degree.

So far…I like what I see.

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's an introduction to the Episcopal Church and covers everything from church history to the Book of Common Prayer to what to expect when you walk into an Episcopal Church. Additionally, there are some thought provoking chapters that would be good for any spiritual person to read, regardless of religious preference. It's a quick read, easy to follow, and it is LOADED with extra resources such as photographs and websites to visit for additional information.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a newcomer to the Episcopal Church; I picked up this book because I loved the title. What a pleasure to find such a conversational, friendly introduction to our faith. It was a quick read, and thoroughly enjoyable. I'm going to recommend it to my priest to use in our newcomer's class at church!

[Joey Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the essentials of the Episcopal Church. The videos on the companion site are great supplements as well. While it is an introduction, there's plenty of points to engage the text at a deeper level. Perfect for newcomers/inquirers.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous, informative, and easy-reading--this book is a good introduction and explanation of the Episcopal Church. Wondering why those Episcopals are so happy and full of life? This book gives a view into this unique Church.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly anachronistic, but I appreciated the light-hearted humor. I was given this book by one of God's oldest friends who'd been an Episopcopalian for 90 years, so it seemed worth reading. Along the lines of Always Open, with regards to thoughtfulness and breadth.

[Wendy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for confirmation - enjoying a lot!

[Tanya Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective on the Episcopal church and faith. As a life-long Episcopalian, I really loved this book.

[Nick Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great down and dirty introduction to the Episcopalian Church. It covers history, tradition, logistics, etc. It seems to me that Fr. Chris really loves his church. And I find that spirit of love to be contagious. So glad I ran across this!

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and informative read about the Episcopal church - its history, its beliefs, its liturgy. A great introduction and invitation for a newcomer and full of fun info for those already involved in the church.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for teens to read/ listen to when they start questioning. There is also a free online video guide

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joyful and uplifting look at the Episcopal Church of today.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intro to the Episcopal religion, it was written at the most basic level but felt rich with content, enlightening and encouraging. Definitely great for me as I dip my feet into the religion as well as theology in general. Perfect first exploration. Super readable and has a lovely first person voice.

[Ruhegeist · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely light hearted, great into. kiddy pool prep for getting into the deeper end of the pool.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Yaw was the associate rector at the church I attended in High School. This book reads like his sermons and I loved every page.

[Hannah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty tongue-in-cheek (and could use some re-formatting) but is a great introduction to all the things I love about being Episcopalian.

[Conor Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a terrible title and blah formatting. It isn't very challenging and there are other intro books that I like better but this one has a broad appeal, I think.

[Jonathan Frazier]

283 (2 copies)