The Thirty-Nine Articles: Their Place and Use Today

by James I. Packer, Roger T. Beckwith

What defines the Church of England? Are the Thirty-nine Articles of any relevance today? Anglicanism, according to Jim Packer, possesses "the truest, wisest and potentially richest heritage in all Christendom" with the Thirty-nine Articles at its heart. They catch the substance and spirit of biblical Christianity superbly well, and also provide and excellent model of how to confess the faith in a divided Christendom. In this Latimer Study, Packer aims to show how the sixteenth-century Articles should be viewed in the twenty-first century, and how they can enrich the faith of Anglicans in general and of Anglican evangelicals in particular. He demonstrates why the Articles must once again be given a voice within the church, not merely as an historical curiosity but an authoritative doctrinal statement. A thought-provoking appendix by Roger Beckwith offers seventeen Supplementary Articles, addressing theological issues which have come into prominence since the original Articles were composed. This booklet, first published more than thirty years ago, remains much in demand and as timely as ever. It has proved on of the most popular and enduring Latimer Studies, and is now issued in a second edition. Jim Packer taught theology at Regent College, Vancouver. Amongst his many best-selling books are 'Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God' (1961), 'Knowing God' (1973), 'Keep in Step with the Spirit' (1984), and 'Among God's Giants' (1991). Roger Beckwith was librarian and warden of Latimer House, Oxford, for more than thirty years. His books include 'Elders in Every City' (2003) and 'Calendar, Chronology and Worship' (2005).

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2022

Reviews

[Oliver Preston]

Packer's chapters in this book are sublime, his high view of the articles is well argued, and his conclusions, unavoidable. The great need to Anglicanism today is to recover the articles and their pointed articulation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, built upon the firm foundation of Holy Scripture.

[Mark Einselen]

I'm not one to argue with J I Packer. There's more that can be unpacked from the 39 Articles. I find myself referencing it in bible studies, catechism class, ecclesial polity lectures, and in sermons. Obviously every Anglican should read the articles, and I would think most protestants would do well to consider them, too. Great guardrails.