Study of Anglicanism

by Stephen Sykes, John E. Booty (Editor), Jonathan Knight

In this authoritative volume, thirty-one of the world's leading Anglican scholars present the first sustained and thorough account of the history and ethos of the Churches of the Anglican Communion from the Anglican reform of the sixteenth century to its global witness today. Thoroughly revised, augmented, and updated, this new edition of The Study of Anglicanism offers a comprehensive interpretation of the character of Anglicanismincluding its history, theology, worship, standards and practices, and its future prospects worldwide. A fascinating and unique work, it remains the one indispensable key to this rich and pluriform heritage for both the general reader and the student.

Genres: Theology, Religion, History, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church History, Christian

517 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1988

About the author

Stephen Whitefield Sykes was a distinguished theologian, academic, and bishop within the Church of England. Educated at Monkton Combe School and St John's College, Cambridge, he graduated with first-class honours in theology and trained for ministry at Ripon Hall, Oxford. He began his career as dean of chapel at St John's College, later holding key academic positions including Van Mildert Professor of Divinity at Durham University and Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge. From 1990 to 1999, he served as Bishop of Ely, also sitting as a Lord Spiritual in the House of Lords. He later became Principal of St John's College, Durham, where he continued to shape theological education until his retirement in 2006. Deeply engaged in the doctrinal life of the Church, he chaired the Doctrine Commission of the Church of England from 1996 to 2002. Known for his intellectual rigor and commitment to ecclesial unity, Sykes also served as an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Durham. He faced his later years with resilience despite a debilitating illness, passing away in 2014. He was married to Marianne “Joy” Hinton, with whom he had three children. Sykes left a lasting legacy as both scholar and church leader.

Reviews

[Rob Steinbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 500 page history of the Anglican Church. It’s a series of academic essay’s that covers quite a bit of historic detail. I gave it 3 stars, not because I didn’t enjoy it or find it interesting… but more because it was tough to get through at times. I definitely learned a lot and am glad to have read it and hold it for future reference.

[David Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 stars because it is a standard text for the study of Anglicanism (if the title didn’t give that away), ad brings together a diversity of voices from across Anglicanism to contribute on many issues. While I personally disagreed with several of the essays in their description of Anglicanism, all the essays are well written and seek to make their point well. In fact, many of the essays presented multiple ways of understanding the topic within Anglicanism. A couple time, only one view was given as if it were the one view. The reader should just be aware that each writer is writing from a slice of Anglicanism and may not represent the breadth of the tradition.

[Nigel Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive overview of the Anglican faith with particular emphasis on the Church of England. Does not provide significant essays concerning the ongoing development and distinctiveness of the various churches outside of England that are members of the Anglican communion but considering that the book is already almost 500 pages long that limitation is very understandable. As is frequently the case with a collection of essays the literary style and ease of reading of the essays is quite varied. Each essay is essentially an introduction to an area of study and sometimes the essays are limited in the breadth of opinion that they present. Handily organized by subject areas to facilitate inquiry into any particular aspect of Anglicanism.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent presentation of articles on the myriad aspects of Anglicanism that are well organized and judiciously chosen. It hits the target of its chosen audience well not being overly technical or underly simplistic but adequately substantive.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essays on the history and character of Anglicanism were excellent.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays and articles on different elements of Anglican faith, history, and tradition. Some of the authors are easier to read than others - but all are worthwhile reading. The font is tiny in the published edition, while the Amazon print-on-demand version has quite large print and is 8.5 x 11 in size. This explains why the Amazon version is $10 and everyone else charges over $40. Amazon doesn't happen to mention that this is a print-on-demand edition. It isn't portable, and I doubt the binding will last one reading but time will tell/

[Frostik Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

although the pretty cover in the picture is the 1996 edition, mine is a battered copy of the 1988. Got it for one of Louis Weil's classes at CDSP, and it is filled with notes and markings. i recall Jim Griffiss once saying that Sykes & Booty's book was much influenced by the Johns Hopkins University "history of ideas" approach. regardless, i've given away copies of this to every seminarian i've known.

[Kira Austin-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful collection of essays on a variety of topics that encompass Anglicanism from history to liturgy.