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Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer
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In this simple, beautifully written book Rowan Williams explores four essential components of the Christian life: baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and prayer. Despite huge differences in Christian thinking and practice both today and in past centuries, he says, these four basic elements have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians.In accessible, pastoral terms Williams discusses the meaning and practice of baptism, the Bible, the Eucharist, and prayer, inviting readers to really think through the Christian faith and how to live it out. Questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter help readers to dig deeper and apply Williams's insights to their own lives.

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Eerdmans; F First Edition edition (July 23, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802871976

ISBN-13: 978-0802871978

Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.3 x 8 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #43,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #7 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Sacraments #938 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Spiritual Growth #10294 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

I wish this book was longer! Other than that I don't have any negative comments about this book. I particularly liked the section on prayer however. In particular, his discussion of Origen, Gregory of Nyssa and John Cassian's thoughts on prayer. If nothing else, I'm taking away on prayer the two tips: 1) Pray frequently and briefly. 2) When I get distracted, say "O God, make speed to save me."

Being Christian is a new book from Rowan Williams, who recently served as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury (2002--2012) but now is Master of Magdelene College, University of Cambridge in the U.K. The subtitle is Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer and these are key words, important concepts, and what Williams calls activities, or, "the essence of Christian life." Only about 92 pages, you might call it a "quick read," but not if you want to stop and think about what Williams is saying and explaining. He tells us that these four chapters are based on talks he gave during Holy Week in Canterbury Cathedral. I admit I regret that I was not there to see and hear. It's lovely to be at Canterbury, making memories, at any time, but it is also nice to hold his texts in my hands, read, and think about them. Williams' four important activities each has a chapter filled with biblical and cultural history and how they go together, and Old and New Testament stories, especially stories of Jesus. All of this reminds us of who we are, where we came from, how we fit into history and into God's plans, and the many gifts and responsibilities God has given believers down through the years. It's all bound up in these special activities that Williams explains so eloquently. ---Lois Sibley, ireviewreligiousbks.blogspot.com

I have read this small book that inspires one's soul to reflect on Baptism, Bible, Eucharist and Prayer. While "Being Christian" will have a special appeal to Anglicans and Episcopalians, it has a way of drawing others in. Written by the former Arch Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Rowan Williams writes with a clear, concise way that is understandable to the common Christian. If one wants to grow in gratitude, I highly suggest this book, "Being Christian". I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

The best short book on what it means to be an Anglican Christian. I don't know how it works for other denominations but if you are from a similar church, I hope this works for you.Episcopalians who like to read should get this book.

Williams is an excellent writer of high intelligence and very broad experience. It is no surprise that he is a former Archbishop of Canterbury. This book, which is very simple in construction with an Introduction and 4 parts on 4 Christian essentials (Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and Prayer), is something like an elevated primer of those essentials. Williams is brilliant in his narrative and explanations, and most importantly, he has an understanding of the Christian faith that is a perfect blend of the historical and modern, a liturgical and spiritual formation understanding, but an understanding that stretches smoothly to broader consideration of how that faith works best, how it is at its most relevant today. It is both simple and deep. Excellent read!

Rowan Williams is not only one of the leading figures of Christianity in our age, but he is a truly remarkable writer. His simple, elegant, and pithy prose powerfully conveys his meditations on four (arguably the chief four) staples of Christian spirituality. An engaging, intelligent, and challenging read, I found myself compelled by Williams's views even in the few areas where I didn't fully agree with him. I would recommend this book for any Christian wishing to deepen his or her spiritual journey.

Being Christian by Rowan Williams is a very succinct, clear, and beautifully written theological book about basics of Christian praxis - namely, baptism, reading scripture, Eucharist, and prayer. (I wonder why he omitted worship though). This would be an A++ credo paper if it were submitted in a Systematic class at the seminary, or a powerful resource in the confirmation class. Although the book presents with brilliant insights that would certainly embellish my understanding on each praxis, I, however, closed the book without much satisfaction. I actually bought and read this book with an expectation to find wisdom as to how powerfully I could appeal, "Christianity matters!", to those who - especially, high school graduates - have left Christianity. But this book apparently had no purpose on this matter - or, maybe it did but not seriously. Anyhow, this book will be a much help and gaining to those who are already in the circle of Christianity or those who are expecting to join it, but not to the ones who are jumping out of it.

This is one of the most accessible, yet profound little texts one could ask for on basic Christian doctrine. Far from providing a pedantic regurgitation of well-trodden teaching, Dr. Williams illuminates ancient ideas with fresh insight and perspective. Highly recommended!!

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