Praying Shapes Believing: A Theological Commentary on the Book of Common Prayer

Rating:
Summary: What do Episcopalians believe?
Review: As a relatively new Episcopalian, I have found this book to be the best, most comprehensive statement of what Episcopalians believe. Leonel L. Mitchell examines every section of the BCP 1979 and discusses the theology of each of those sections. He tells us what praying these words means to us in our life in Christ and that participating in our liturgies becomes a spiritual participation in the life of Christ. In addition, Mitchell makes us aware of how this faithfully relates to the tradition of the Church. And since this is what I expect from such a commentary, I cannot recommend this book any more highly.

Rating:
Summary: Dry but worth the effort
Review: My guess is that most people who have stood for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church since this book was published have been required to read it as part of their training. In just a bit over a decade, it's become THE book on the Book of Common Prayer.

Mitchell's basic assumption is the old "lex orandi lex credendi" proviso: how we pray influences what we believe. Since the Book of Common Prayer is the center of how Episcopalians corporately pray, it follows that an examination of it can reveal the theology to which it gives rise. Looking at every aspect of the Book of Common Prayer, Mitchell examines the connection between liturgy, scripture, prayer, and theology. The examination is thorough, running through the liturgical calendar, the Great Vigil, baptism, Holy Eucharist, pastoral offices, and ordinations.

In all fairness, two points need to be made. The first is that Mitchell is one of the most uninspiring authors you'll every run across. The topic about which he's writing is interesting, but be prepared to slog through prose whose academic dryness will challenge your determination. Second, Mitchell's examination is broad but not terribly deep. Historical roots of many aspects of the Book of Common Prayer's liturgy are barely tapped. Dom Gregory Dix's wonderful book on liturgy is a good supplement here.