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caleb_karnosh22's review against another edition
3.0
In the Introduction, Williams writes, "There is a huge and bewildering variety in Christian thinking and practice about all kinds of things, but these four basic activities [Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer] have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians." This initial insight originally drew me to this book. I thought it was really incredible that despite the many differences, all major Christian traditions embrace and practice these four things--a small sense of unity despite all the variety.
Overall, I thought this was a solid little book. I think his reflections on Eucharist and Prayer were my favorite of the four chapters.
Overall, I thought this was a solid little book. I think his reflections on Eucharist and Prayer were my favorite of the four chapters.
richardbruce's review against another edition
3.0
This book was interesting. The author writes very well and you can almost hear his calming voice resonating from the pages. It explained the titled four areas of Christianity very well and posed some interesting ideas and concepts. However throughout the book I just had a feeling it was like the author was trying to make excuses up for outdated beliefs. Let me first say I was christened a Christian, I believe Jesus existed in some way and i believe in God. However I am not a practicing Christian because my god is different to the idea of a living being in the sky. I am more new age spiritual. To me god is an infinite consciousness in everything and connecting everything (to scratch the surface). So back to it...It seamed to me like the author was flipping some of the outdated belifes of the bible and saying, look at it differently and it actually means this. As if to justify beliefs and entry's of the bible that go against today's standards and what we now know as wrong. I am not saying this is the case but it was all very convienient. I probably need to read it again and do a bit more research. I may be wrong but thats the thing with religion and belief, nobody actually knows. Its all open for each individuals interpritation. That being said I liked Rowan Williams's view point on the matters.
jennawatson's review against another edition
Simple and brilliant. Highly recommend!
tomofthegwn's review against another edition
5.0
A very approachable explanation of Baptism, the Bible, Eucharist, and Prayer.
silverthane's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this helpful little book by the former Archbishop of Canterbury.
Written in plain English this short book (84 pages) explores four important themes in Christianity; Baptism, Bible, Eucharist and prayer.
I enjoyed the whole book but found the chapters on Baptism and Prayer particularly helpful and interesting. Rowan Williams writes about serious topics in a very friendly, engaging style.
I wouldn't recommend it for people who are very new to Christianity (or not Christian at all) but if you are a church going Christian and feel you understand the basics well enough you could really benefit from reading this.
Written in plain English this short book (84 pages) explores four important themes in Christianity; Baptism, Bible, Eucharist and prayer.
I enjoyed the whole book but found the chapters on Baptism and Prayer particularly helpful and interesting. Rowan Williams writes about serious topics in a very friendly, engaging style.
I wouldn't recommend it for people who are very new to Christianity (or not Christian at all) but if you are a church going Christian and feel you understand the basics well enough you could really benefit from reading this.
elizastudying's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this. It is short and simple, but at the same time very profound. It contains so many different an new ideas and approaches to these four pillars of Christian life: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and Prayer. There were many points I had not heard or thought of myself before this and that I definitely feel ring true to some degree at least. In short: lots of food for thought and reflection. I will be reading more of Rowan Williams!
mattgroot1980's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the best simple introductions to Christian life I have encountered. I could not recommend it more highly for individual or small group study. It should be noted that the chapters: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist and Prayer are not about *what* these are but rather what they *mean*, so they are about what it means to live baptismally, biblically, Eucharistically and prayerfully. Some may find this frustrating, as though he's skirting important questions, but I believe it was a masterful stroke to avoid the details and dogmatic wrangling and focus entirely on the impact and consequences these gifts of God have on the lives of Christians.
kmartinix's review against another edition
5.0
Williams takes 4 main concepts of Christianity(Baptism, the Bible, the Eucharist, and Prayer) and breaks them down as to why they are the core of our belief.
pettydus's review against another edition
5.0
A slim read for a book group at church. Accessible and powerful, answering questions that I’ve long struggled with, particularly the sections on the Bible and prayer. Recommend for any folks with questions about their faith. (However, the baptism section did confuse me a bit so i might have to reread it.)
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