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Rating: 
Summary: A fascinating bio and church historical perspective
Review: "Noble Powell and the Episcopal Establishment in the 20th Century" is much more that a beautifully written chronicle of the life of Noble Powell (1891- 1993), bishop from 1941-1963 in the diocese of Maryland. The author, David Hein, captures a pivotal time in American history. He portrays Noble Powell's life in detailed context to critical events, institutions, and cultural influences and in doing this - casts a wide net to capture a range of interests. It is clear that this book is intended for those interested in the Church's history during an era of revolutionary cultural changes. I particularly enjoyed reading about Powell's last year as Bishop. In 1963 Maryland Episcopalians were marching for civil rights. Powell's attitude during this time represented the attitude of many of his generation, while deeply opposed to discrimination, he felt the need to go slow and start with what was in people's hearts and minds rather than legal action. Ultimately, Powell felt misunderstood. As "the last bishop of the old church" the author portrays Bishop Powell as "not quite ready for the confrontational style of the 60s". His style was very much based upon individual deeds and a very personal style for "tending to his flock". An earlier chapter detailing Powell's years as Parson at the University of Virginia (1920-31) was also quite good. The author describes several humorous and interesting stories of Powell's term as an immensely popular and influential parson at UVA. In short -- this book is a must read! Eloquent prose, a nice pace, and fascinating footnotes (for extra historical tidbits) only add to the appeal.
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring biography for any Christian
Review: I loved this book!! To me, someone not raised in the Episcopal church, this book told me so much not only about the twentieth-century history of this important mainline denomination but also about its ethos -- its distinctive approach to spirituality, which combines the mind and the conscience, not just the feelings. Episcopalianism focuses not simply on an emotional conversion experience but, as we see in Powell's life, a rhythm of prayer and praise, repentance and amendment of life, through the liturgical year and the sacraments. This biography is informative on such matters, and yet, what made it a delight to read was feeling the personality of Noble Powell as a constant, comforting presence on every page. The story is beautifully written and told by David Hein, and his choice of material for this book reflects an exquisite sensitivity to the important dimensions of a life lived "in Christ." I felt such admiration when I considered the extraordinary research effort that went into understanding Powell's life and the result produced in this wonderful biography. I hope the author will write more on the history of the Episcopal church.
Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Journey in the life of Bishop Noble Powell
Review: This book was a very satisfying and rewarding experience for me. I would put this on my "must read" list if you have not done so. This book is an incredible journey about the Episcopal Church and the history of our country through the eyes of a truly great disciple, Bishop Noble Powell. Hein portrays the life of this Bishop in a wonderfully depicted, and accurate manner. He also reveals the discipleship of Powell and the incredible journeys it takes him on. This book is about "love in action". Bishop Powell takes on the "Great Commission" with great pride and passion his entire life. I loved this book and hope you are fortunate to glimpse into the life of Noble Powell, by David Hein.
Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Journey in the life of Bishop Noble Powell
Review: This book was a very satisfying and rewarding experience for me. I would put this on my "must read" list if you have not done so. This book is an incredible journey about the Episcopal Church and the history of our country through the eyes of a truly great disciple, Bishop Noble Powell. Hein portrays the life of this Bishop in a wonderfully depicted, and accurate manner. He also reveals the discipleship of Powell and the incredible journeys it takes him on. This book is about "love in action". Bishop Powell takes on the "Great Commission" with great pride and passion his entire life. I loved this book and hope you are fortunate to glimpse into the life of Noble Powell, by David Hein.
Rating:
Summary: A first-rate biography
Review: This is an absolutely top-notch biography of an important (if heretofore little known) American Protestant leader. As Hein convincingly argues, Noble Powell was a representative figure who embodied the essential values of the religious "establishment" in the United States in the mid-twentieth century. I strongly recommend this book both to scholars and to ordinary readers interested in the evolving relationship between mainline Protestantism and American culture from 1920 to 1960.
Rating:
Summary: More than meets the eye...
Review: This seemingly unassuming book is full of treasures to be discovered. David Hein's biography of Noble Cilley Powell, Episcopal Bishop of the diocese of Maryland from 1943 to 1963, presents so much more than an exact account of the life and works of a well-known and beloved Episcopal bishop. Hein's insightful and clear writing style is very effective at depicting the circumstances of the times in which Bishop Powell lived and how these shaped his character and his actions. The author also has been able to illustrate, through the testimonies of those who knew Bishop Powell at different stages of his life, how his noble and nurturing character influenced others inside and outside the church. But, for me the highest value of this biography is how Hein masterfully brought forth the connecting thread of Bishop Powell's life: a life signaled by love and friendship through Christ's love, or what Powell referred to as "love in action".
Rating:
Summary: More than meets the eye...
Review: This seemingly unassuming book is full of treasures to be discovered. David Hein's biography of Noble Cilley Powell, Episcopal Bishop of the diocese of Maryland from 1943 to 1963, presents so much more than an exact account of the life and works of a well-known and beloved Episcopal bishop. Hein's insightful and clear writing style is very effective at depicting the circumstances of the times in which Bishop Powell lived and how these shaped his character and his actions. The author also has been able to illustrate, through the testimonies of those who knew Bishop Powell at different stages of his life, how his noble and nurturing character influenced others inside and outside the church. But, for me the highest value of this biography is how Hein masterfully brought forth the connecting thread of Bishop Powell's life: a life signaled by love and friendship through Christ's love, or what Powell referred to as "love in action".
Rating:
Summary: The Last of the Old-style Bishops
Review: Who needs to read about an Episcopal bishop who has been dead for 33
years? David Hein of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland persuades
us that anyone interested in the state of Christianity in America
today should know about Noble Cilley Powell, for two reasons: he was a
winsome, self-confident, compassionate leader who presided over a
church which attracted the faith of a generation emerging from the
Depression and World War II; and second, he represented a
turning-point in the role of mainline Protestantism. What Hein calls
"the Episcopal Establishment" had, at its best, a political
and social influence far beyond its numbers. Since his retirement on
Nov. 22, 1963-- the very day Kennedy was shot--the world changed and
so did the churches. In some ways this was a loss, in many ways a
gain, but it must be understood as a major shift. This
well-documented and clearly written biography shows that Noble Powell
represents the best of the old "establishment" and is a
gauge by which to measure what has changed.
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