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heidihaverkamp's review against another edition
4.0
Williams has written a short and wonderful exploration of four "pillars" of Christian faith. I read it with my Lenten Inquirers' class this year: five folks from a variety of backgrounds and reading levels, and also 1 teenager. It was somewhat tough reading for all of them, although they also pulled some really good stuff from the book and got really excited about some of Williams' explanations and insights. Personally, I really got a lot out of it, too! The Bible chapter was especially good and was the favorite of the class (which included two people with almost no church background at all). I haven't decided if I'll use it next year or not - probably depends on how "bookish" the folks are. They didn't like the Eucharist chapter much, and they weren't quite able to say why. Anyway, this is a good book and worth taking a look at, even if it's not for everyone.
adamrshields's review
4.0
Short Review: This is a series of four holy week lectures that were turned into a book. It is short and I listened to an audiobook (but not the actual recording of the lectures.) Williams does a good job of addressing these four practices at the heart of Christianity without being too cliche or without completely reinterpreting the practices into something they are not. Bible is really about how we hear from God, but it should be read corporately. Baptisms is about how we enter into fellowship with the church and become a part of the body. Eucharist is about how we participate in the ongoing life of the body. And Prayer is about how we come into relationship with God. Nothing earth shatteringly different, but well presented in a short format. Might make a good discussion book. Lots of little nugget of wisdom so I might pick it up and read again in print.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/being-christian/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/being-christian/
neilrcoulter's review against another edition
5.0
Being Christian is an excellent introduction to what the Christian life is meant to be like. I am amazed at the depth that Rowan Williams reaches in less than 100 pages. I appreciate how he is able to hold up the ideal of Christian living, and then point out some of the ways that Christians fall short of that, but always in a loving, caring way. His aim is not mockery or detached irony; he is committed to the idea that it is always possible to grow. Following Jesus is a journey--as Williams puts it, being Christian means moving closer to Jesus, and also closer to the world in need. There is always more to learn and new ways to grow.
This book assumes some knowledge about the Bible and Christianity already; it doesn't start at the very beginning. But most people who have had some experience in church will have no problem following along. I would enjoy using this as a discussion-starter, to find out what people's real questions about Christianity are: is it about the faith itself, or is it more to do with a disappointing or frustrating Christian subculture that they experienced? This book helps to sort out the differences between those two areas. I found it very encouraging and helpful.
This book assumes some knowledge about the Bible and Christianity already; it doesn't start at the very beginning. But most people who have had some experience in church will have no problem following along. I would enjoy using this as a discussion-starter, to find out what people's real questions about Christianity are: is it about the faith itself, or is it more to do with a disappointing or frustrating Christian subculture that they experienced? This book helps to sort out the differences between those two areas. I found it very encouraging and helpful.
dormilonaluna's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful
I read this for my Confirmation class to the Episcopal Church in October 2019, and reread it again now. It’s a beautiful, in-depth look at the theology and ritual of being Christian.
I read this for my Confirmation class to the Episcopal Church in October 2019, and reread it again now. It’s a beautiful, in-depth look at the theology and ritual of being Christian.
drbobcornwall's review against another edition
4.0
What does it mean to be a Christian? Rowan Williams, the former Arch-bishop of Canterbury, seeks to answer that question with this brief book -- only 84 pages long -- by focusing our attention on Baptism, the Bible, the Eucharist, and Prayer. These are the essential elements -- the aspects of the Christian faith that mark one as a Christian. One begins the journey in baptism (as an Anglican infant baptism figures here, but whenever the sacrament takes places, the reflections are pertinent). There is also the Eucharist, which is the meal Jesus instituted to nourish the journey. There is the Bible, the Word through which God speaks to us. And there is prayer -- including the Lord's Prayer, by which we engage in a conversation with God.
It is brief. it doesn't cover everything. It is not focused on doctrines, but on practices. But there is clearly theology involved. As a pastor who seeks to share the gospel with the people with whom I minister, I found this little book to be an excellent introduction. The reflection/discussion questions at the end of the chapter make this even more useful.
Take and read.
It is brief. it doesn't cover everything. It is not focused on doctrines, but on practices. But there is clearly theology involved. As a pastor who seeks to share the gospel with the people with whom I minister, I found this little book to be an excellent introduction. The reflection/discussion questions at the end of the chapter make this even more useful.
Take and read.
storymi's review against another edition
5.0
Ik vond dit echt een heel tof boekje. Fijne schrijfstijl. Het is kort (maar krachtig), Down-to-earth, af en toe lekker droog, diepzinnig en mooi tegelijkertijd. Goede doordenk-vragen ook aan het einde van de hoofdstukken. Kortom: mag hier een vertaling van komen in het Nederlands? Zou een goed cadeautje zijn bij bijv. een belijdenisdienst. Aanrader.
kristidurbs's review against another edition
5.0
Profound and concise. Williams shares his insights into four key aspects of the Christian life: baptism, the Bible, the Eucharist, and prayer. I wanted to mark this one up, mull over sentences, and reflect on the text further; this is definitely a book that is worth being read twice.
scrow1022's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful short book looking at four core Christian practices and how they, when taken seriously, faithfully, can open us up to Christ, community, and the world.
john_hewitt's review against another edition
5.0
A lot of depth is offered in this concise primer on 'Being Christian'. Great for small groups or those entering into a structured spiritual formation practice.