The Episcopal Church

A Faith for Thinking People

Paul B. Roberts

Are you an active Christian? Are you happy in your faith? If your answer is "Yes," then don't read this. If your answer is "No," read on.

Are you burned out on religion? Do you reject the over-emotionalism characteristic of some churches? Do you seek a balanced view of God and of our place in God's world? Do you long to serve God and God's people in a realistic, meaningful way? 'Ihe Episcopal Church may be the place for you. Not only does the Episcopal Church offer a thoughtful approach to religion, but it does so while maintaining a rich catholic and protestant heritage which has evolved in an unbroken line from the ancient church.

Episcopalians celebrate the sovereignty of God and the reality of Christ who is revealed in love. Christ is not simpIy a man who Iived long ago but a living presence among those who seek to serve, forgive, heal, and reconcile. We read of Jesus in scripture; we learn of him through study and prayer; we respond to the proclamation of his word and sing his praise. But, es- pecially we know him through the breaking of bread in the eucharist and in sharing Holy Communion.

Episcopalians hold views that differ from those of some other Christian churches. Among our distinctive emphases are these:

1. 'Ihe Bible. The Bible contains the core of Christian teaching-"all things necessary to salva- tion," as one of our historic documents says. 'Ihis

does not mean, however, that our understanding of the Bible is fixed. As God leads us to new discover- ies through science, historical research, and the use of our reason, we find meaning in the Bible which previous generations did not see. Future generations will surely do the same and move beyond where we are today. As revelation continues, the church's horizons are enlarged and our understanding of the God disclosed in scripture continues to grow.

2. Baptize people everywhere. Episcopalians be- lieve God's love and grace are the rightful possession of all people and that love and grace are expressed through Christ's body, the church. Young children are included in this larger family and presented with the free gift of baptism which God gives to all. Later, when children come of age, they affirm their commitment to follow Christ in the rite of confirmation, assuming full adult responsibilities of Christian service.

3. The people of God. St. Paul calls all Christians "saints," which points to Christians' special identity and commission on earth. In 2,000 years many saints have been acclaimed as exemplary Christian witnesses. Just as the nation pauses to remember such heroes as Washington and Lincoln, so the church remembers the heroes of its past. These great saints are not worshiped or prayed to, however, since all prayer is to be in the name of Christ Jesus. However, just as we may ask for the prayers of fellow Christians on earth, so may we ask for those of fellow Christians in heaven.

4. He who would be greatest. The Roman pontiff and Greek patriarch are successors to the apostles in the same way Episcopal bishops are, but Episcopalians do not regard either as infallible or higher in rank than other bishops. All bishops are equal in the Episcopal Church. The church in the U.S. is part of the Anglican Communion-a fellowship of national churches with 77 million members throughout the world. Matters of faith and belief are rooted in the apostolic proclama- tion of scripture, tradition, and reason. In temporal matters the Episcopal Church functions democrati- cally, with clergy and lay deputies filling a vital role, along with bishops, in governing the life of the church. Debate at church gatherings is usually honest and re- spectful. We believe this makes the church stronger. No matter the topic, all debate is grounded in faith in Jesus Christ and in love of one another.

5. Of sheep and goats. Abundant life in this world and the next is the everlasting purpose of God. For one person or group to claim that abundant life is exclu- sively theirs is a denial of the universal nature of God's love and of the reality of free will. Behavior in this life should not be dictated by a sense of anticipated rewards or punishments, but by a free and joyful commitment of our will to follow and obey our Lord.

6. The world, the flesh, and the devil. Absolute injunctions against drinking, smoking, card play- ing and dancing were products of the frontier church and have no basis in scripture. Episcopalians believe that all things come from God and are therefore good.

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But everything is to be used moderately and respon- sibly-to no greater or lesser extent than is consistent with the good of self and neighbor. There is no virtue which, when abused, cannot become a vice. We are to be guided in all our dealings by the commandment of love.

7. Lift up your hearts. Worship in the Episcopal Church is usually reverent and dignified. ?he Book of Common Prayer is the norm for public worship. The vestments worn by the clergy date to the second centu- ry A.D. and are the historic "uniforms" of Christ's min- isters. While our worship can vary from place to place, it is similar in most Episcopal churches, testifying to the universal nature of the church. It also incorpo- rates prayers and other elements many centuries old, uniting us with past, present, and future generations of Christians. Worship is offered to the glory of God, not done for entertainment; thus Episcopalians are not spectators but participants in worship. Not only do we express ourselves in word but also in gesture. We stand or kneel to pray, stand to praise, and sit to be instruct- ed. All devotional gestures are optional and purely personal. Worship is very important to Episcopalians.

8. All that we have. Episcopalians believe that all we are and all we possess is a gift from God. We give to the church out of thanksgiving for all that God has entrusted to us. The biblical tithe is a stan- dard, but what people give must be determined by their own consciences. No one can do more than love requires in this or any area of the Christian life.

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9. Go forth therefore. ?he mission of a Christian is not simply to save souls. Neither is it simply to feed the hungry. Episcopalians see Christian mission as involving both the spiritual and the physical welfare of humanity, for Christ's love extends to all of life.

In some of these things, the Episcopal Church dif- fers from other churches. We are a church which asks not for blind faith and unthinking obedience, but for thoughtful, responsible commitment. We may be the church for you. Come and see for yourself. Any Episcopal parish will be delighted to have you share in its fellowship and worship at any time. Why not try the nearest one next Sunday?

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have lovefor one another. -John 1335

Nineteenth Printing-Revised 2007

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