The best Episcopalian Christianity books: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

In Beyond a Binary God, Tara Soughers argues that the creation story shows God creating things on opposite ends of the spectrum and that we're meant to understand that he also created the things that fall at other points along that spectrum. Genesis states that God made day and night--and we understand that he also created dawn and dusk. He made the sea and dry ground--no one interprets that to mean that he didn't also make swamps and marshes. In the same way, when it says that he created male and female, it means that he created cis men and cis women and everyone else who falls at another point on the gender spectrum.

You can also look at the BCP online to get a feel for the service if you’re nervous about heading to a new church (I get nervous and like to scope out the BCP and also their website).

If you want to read more about the Episcopal Church, I would recommend Walk in Love

Parent will assume it's a phase... just be consistent and try to avoid conflict about it (like being angsty) with people who are open like your mom. Also consider whether she's going to help you with anything or not... try to be practical and pick battles that give you benefit beyond getting something out of your chest. Keep also in mind that your mom's support may be limited, depending on how much of a fight she wants with your dad--though she may also be willing to pick up the fight if you are consistent. That's the type of thing you want to figure out. Your brother may help you negotiate with these type of things.

When you're ready to come to out to your dad in four years or whenever, send him something like this

This was a very helpful book for me when I went through my adult confirmation class. It’s easy to read and explains a LOT about the Episcopal church. 💖

https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Love-Episcopal-Beliefs-Practices/dp/0880284552

Don't say anything until you are safe and independent. Safety first. When you do tell them, maybe send them something like this or this

A good crash course in basic beliefs is Walk In Love by Shobe & Gunn. I haven’t finished it yet and I’m also new (3 months) to being Episcopalian. But I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far.

I'm a convert (complicated religious background with some trauma).

Our priest used this book for this year's Episcopal 101 class and it is very clear and easy to understand: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Love-Episcopal-Beliefs-Practices/dp/0880284552

I hope you are able to connect with a church in your area. If you aren't able to attend in person, the priest generally will be able to visit you in home to administer the Eucharist. I'm not sure what could be arranged to baptize you, but I'm sure first the priest will want to meet, answer your questions.

These are both imperfect, but these books are really helpful for a newcomer on liturgy, polity, history, and theology.

Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices https://www.amazon.com/dp/0880284552/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2GTZF0X1V1R4S1MCJHY0

The Ultimate Quest: A Geek’s Guide to (The Episcopal) Church https://www.amazon.com/dp/0819233250/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4N7N0G8CHGVD6FT55QXR

My congratulations/condolences.

To echo another post, lots of love and patience, along with leadership skills.

You might try this:

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https://www.amazon.com/Vestry-Handbook-Third-Revised/dp/0819224391

I like this one. https://www.amazon.com/1979-Book-Common-Prayer-Economy/dp/0898694396/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=LVEUNF3ERFBF&keywords=book+of+common+prayer&qid=1643499794&sprefix=book+of+comm%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-5

The 1979 edition is what is currently authorized. Here is an inexpensive edition. 1979 Book of Common Prayer Economy Edition: Black Imitation Leather https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0898694396/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D6TZ3H7BST96SCNQC6D5

As long as it says 1979 Book of Common Prayer, then it is the right one. The various options you are seeing are likely about the binding and the size. You've got pew editions, which are generally hardcover. You've got the small personal size which have a faux leather sort of cover and are smaller, then you've got the ones that are a little bit larger with something more like real leather. And then there are ones that have red covers or black covers, but the content is exactly the same. Some will have a Bible or a hymnal also as a part of it. There are lots of different options out there, but what is on the inside should be the same as long as it says 1979.

If you just want a basic one for personal use, get this one- https://smile.amazon.com/1979-Book-Common-Prayer-Economy/dp/0898694396/

Hi! Thanks for this detailed answer! I agree with you on the importance of worshipping by doing. I love the two great commandments given by Christ.

You put me on the hunt about other things... I downloaded the Forward Day by Day app to try to get a sense about what you're describing. So essentially it seems to boil down to, you're given particular prayers and scripture to study both day and night. This doesn't limit you to studying or praying about other things as well, but it provides almost like a guidance to your days. This sounds like it may be a good thing- rather than saying I'll study my Bible and then forgetting to do so, you get into the habit of doing that. Does this sound right?

I do have some follow up questions, if that's alright:

1. You mentioned the Prayer Book Offices. I'm guessing you mean this here Do you prefer this book to the app? Why or why not? (I can understand having a book to hold though).
2. Are there episcopal books or authors or studies you also like to read?
3. Will the calendar ever explain what is a feast vs a fast with the saints? Or it's usually a day you learn more about that person?
4. So you have a full worship service on Wednesdays as well? Are there Bible discussion classes too?

I probably have more but my phone is dying from research today. 😅 Thank you so much!!

I'd read a book, some years ago, called "why Christianity must change or die". (Written in 1999!)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060675365/

It's author, and its content, would - even today - be considered "radical" or "fringe" or "liberal". But, I actually think his critiques have come true and become more prescient as time passes.

He basically says you shouldn't need to be a theist to be a Christian.

It should be OK to talk about the Bible, and the Christ narrative as story and metaphor, rather than inerrant or factual. (and, yea, that includes the resurrection)

I think - for me - most importantly, the moral philosophy of Christ and the actions of Christians should be perceived as "inclusive" rather than "exclusive". Christians should race to include junkies, drunks, dopers, sex-fiends, queers, trannies, gamblers, shopaholics, and whatever other other marginalized faction we can find, at the table. And, the public image of Christianity - in America, at least - is that we push them away, or, worse, invite them in and judge them, tell them they need to change.

I, for one, think sex-positivity has to find some way into Christianity. The legacy of the Christian culture is sex-shame, and it is pretty poisonous. There needs to be a positive story line on sexuality. That doesn't mean there isn't such thing as sexual morality. But, to stand up and insist that a 16-year old can't masturbate is just not gonna work in this era or the next.

If your family is religious, this could be a good book to send them. Or maybe this [youtube channel])(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwWfCs7vnwdC1wbIAmH3_kIm0fE7oN9tE) if your sister is not into reading. I think you can read up a little about trans theology and push that angle. You are coming from courage and hoping she will respond with charity and kindness. If she's conservative you can also go with freedom, and how in the US you have a right to be who you are. In situations like this, I think it's better to meet the other person half way by taking up their language and beliefs, so you can show that you have a place in their worldview, even if they had not thought about it like that before. You are also giving them talking points in case conflict arises between them and their friends.

In terms of announcing, I'd go straight up but would not use the word "trans": "I have the body of A, but inside I'm B. It's a mind/body situation: my body is once thing, my mind other." Prob others will disagree, but in my experience semantics can get in the way and here what matters is your relationship with your family, not taking a political standpoint.

I'd say to set up your boundaries ahead of time. For example, are you OK pretending not to be trans in order to see the kids? Are you Ok if your sister does not tell them you are trans? Are you Ok if your sister says 'sure, but don't mention it up again'? If you go see them, are you Ok using your deadname? What would be your clothes limit to accommodate her? Set your lines before you tell her and remain firm not matter what, that's my advice.

There’s a Liturgical Index of Hymns on amazon that I use. Ittells you hymn suggestions related to the reading for each day in the daily office lectionary. It’s tied to the 1982 hymnal.

I almost included Those Episkopals in my list. That was one of the texts we used in my confirmation class a few years ago.

Those Episkopols
by Dennis Roy Maynard
https://www.amazon.com/Those-Episkopols-Dennis-Roy-Maynard/dp/1885985029/

That would depend entirely on which Christian denomination you’re asking about. Although they’re all based on the teachings of Christ, they vary greatly.

This is a book that’s recommended for newcomers to my church:

https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Love-Episcopal-Beliefs-Practices/dp/0880284552/

https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christianity-Must-Change-Die/dp/0060675365

Many Christians have the same doubts as you but are forced to hide their inner beliefs and doubts out of fear of condemnation from fellow believers. I have experienced the prejudice of believers first hand. It's like the old military mantra of "Don't ask, don't tell" except it applies to Christians this time and not homosexuals.

I went through a similar phase as you. Is there a God? How do I know Christianity is right...why not Islam or Buddhism? All claim to be the truth. With heaven and hell at stake, why is God going to penalize a mere human for chosing or being born into the wrong religion?

If I were raised Muslim I'd believe that Jesus was just a prophet and that the Trinity is idolatry whereas a Christian has no problem with the Trinity or believing that Jesus was way more than just a prophet. None of us were there when these two religions were born but we will be eternally accountable for the wrong choice?

What I realized was that scripture is abused when only taken literal and that literalism kills the truth being conveyed. That is why I had the above questions and thoughts. The mind games I had to jump through were just too much. Adam and Eve had to be real right? But what if they were archetypes that reflected truth? A talking snake or was the snake just a symbol not meant to be taken literally?

Look into other views of Christianity and see where you fit in.

Like this (cheaper) or this (seems much better and beautiful, but expensive)?

I recommend the Episcopal hymnal! It's what I used to up my sight reading abilities, which has done wonders for me. There are plenty of well-known tunes and some excellent melodies/harmonies.

Red book contains accompaniment for pieces that have it. Blue book is just SATB parts or melody lines.