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The Kenotic Theory by Francis J. Hall

The full title os this book written by Francis J. Hall published in 1898 is The Kenotic Theory: Considered with Particular Reference to its Anglican Form and Arguments. Hall was a very prolific Anglican systematic theologian whose books have been studied in Seminaries for years, though many find his writing style a bit ponderous, he is nevertheless very thorough in presenting his facts and arguments. This book is essentially a polemic against the Kenoticists and their theories that arose in the century or two prior to his writing this book, and he targets, for the most part, Anglican Kenoticists (especially his contemporary Bishop Charles Gore), while touching on Lutheran and Roman Catholic writers as well. Because kenoticism has to do with the two natures of Christ in the one person, it is necessarily Christilogical in nature. Hall first appeals to the Church Fathers for their view, and finds that there appears to be no Patristic evidence for holding to a theory of Jesus somehow emptying or putting aside of His Divine Nature. He then goes on to very clearly list the arguments for such a theory followed by his rebuttal. He finishes the book by summing up the issues involved in the Kenotic theory as they affect the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. While many may find that a book of nearly 250 pages devoted to the seemingly theological minutia of little value, for those like myself who take delight in treatises of this nature, it is a most informative and enjoyable read. While it is nearly impossible to find an original copy, the book is available in a paperback reprint from Kessinger that is available at most online bookstores such as those listed on this blogsite. Enjoy!

Christian Proficiency by Martin Thornton

First published in 1959, Christian Proficiency by Martin Thornton, an Anglican priest and ascetic theologian of the last century, has helped form the spiritual lives of countless Anglicans. This, indeed, has been the case in my own life. Thornton bases the Rule he espouses on Benedictine Spirituality, which he has modified for use by the average lay person, as well as the busy parish priest. Thornton discusses the progression that monastic prayer has followed and strived for as found in the three classic ways of purgative, illuminative, and unitive, which he then transforms into three corresponding personal ways, or states, that he calls beginner, proficient, and expert. All Christians, says Thornton, should strive to be, at the very least, proficient, that is, to go beyond the state of beginner. This, says Thornton, is where the majority of Christians should strive to be. This is accomplished, according to Fr Thornton, through a three fold discipline, or Rule, of Prayer that is comprised of 1) reciting the daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer as found in the Book of Common Prayer, 2) by weekly partaking of Holy Communion, and 3) by private prayer. He goes on to describe each of these disciplines that make up this rule, discussing techniques, benefits, and difficulties. It is a book that bears revisiting and re-reading, as with every return to its pages there are gleaned additional valuable insights. Although this book has been out of print for some time, copies may still be found by searching the various bookseller sites on the internet such as the ones that I have listed in this blog.

Roman Catholic Claims by Charles Gore

Bishop Gore wrote Roman Catholic Claims in 1888. In the introductory matter he says "Roman Catholic claims may be dealt with by those who cannot accept them, in one of two ways. They may be examined and shown to be in them- selves in conflict with history, and untenable. This has been often done...But there is another method of dealing with the Roman claim. It is by strengthening the fabric of a positive Catholicity, which is not Roman. Such a defensive method it has been my aim to follow in this book. So far as attack is a necessary part of defence, it has not been possible to avoid it. But my purpose is positive, not negative-to build, not to destroy." He goes on to describe the contents: "I t was then in the belief that no labour is lost which goes to strengthen the fabric of the English Church, and enable her to realize with security her catholic polity and life, that this book was written (in 1888), and has been several times corrected and amplified...Thus Chapter I. is a general explanation of the Anglican position as the" via media," and a general statement of our attitude towards the Roman Church. After that follows an answer in detail to each article of the Roman assault. Thus Chapter II. vindicates the Anglican or Catholic con. ception of Church unity as against the Roman modification of it. Chapter III. endeavours to explain the true or priulitive conception of Church authority, and Chapter IV. the true relation of the Church to the Bible. Chapter V. examines the Roman interpretation of our Lord's promise to St. Peter. Chapters VI. and VII. bring to the test of history the modern claiIDs of the Roman see. Chapter VIII. expounds the meaning of schism, and clears the English Church from the charge of it. Chapter IX. is occupied in vindicating the validity and jurisdiction of the Anglican episcopate; and Chapter x. in defending the Anglican Church on the charge of heresy. Chapter XI. deals with some more recent topics; and among the appended notes is a paper dealing at some length with the ROInan theory of development."

This is an excellent treatment of Anglicanism and Anglican Orders as they relate to the Roman Catholic Church. It is a thoroughly instructive book that I highly recommend. It can still be found through many of the online book dealers (see my recommended sites elswher in this blog. However, you can find a digitized version at: http://www.archive.org/details/a583508500goreuoft

The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts by Fr. Jonathan Morris

If you watch Fox News there is a good chance that you have seen Fr. Jonathan Morris, a Roman Catholic priest, in his role as religion commentator. His 2008 book, The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts, addresses the question of human suffering, God's allowing of evil and suffering, and the Christian's approach to that suffering. The book is written with lay people in mind, but clergy should find it very useful as well. Fr. Morris combines theological study with pastoral experience and actual stories to give us a very easy to read, yet very informative book. It is laity friendly, and completely non-technical, in fact, he relegates his more theological treatment to the appendix, but it is delivered via a conversation between a priest and a somewhat agnostic person, and is really a very good treatment of the subject. The book is written in two parts: Part One is titled God on Trial, which looks at the common views of God and suffering, and Part Two Emotional and Spiritual Healing, which tries to apply what was learned in the first part to bring understanding and healing to the suffering. I have read several books on suffering recently, and have found them all lacking, with only one or two worthwhile sections in each - it seems to go with the subject. I found that The Promise was overall more helpful and satisfying than the others. This book can still be found in most bookstores, and it is readily available from any online bookseller. I highly recommend this book, for you and your parishioners, as the question of suffering will inevitably come up sooner or later.

The Heart of the Parish by Martin Thornton

While the title of the book, published in 1989, is The Heart of the Parish, the subtitle, A Theology of the Remnant provides a clue to the subject of this book by Martin Thornton, an Anglican ascetic theologian. Previously published under the title Pastoral Theology: A Reorientation, the book explains that the Church parish is made up of three different levels of members. The smallest of these groups, says Thornton, is what he refers to as the Remnant, likening it to the remnant of Israel of the Old Testament. These are the folks that the parish priest must identify and nurture and nourish through individual spiritual direction. This remnant are the members that can be counted on to be the praying force of the spirit. He explains how to identify them, and offers tips for spiritual direction. While he can occasionally get somewhat technical, and some sections need to be reread in order to grasp what he's getting at (at least I have to!), it is nevertheless a very good and useful book. It is out of print, however, without too much effort copies can still be found (check the links in the Great places to buy books section. A very worthwhile read for the parish priest.

The Mysteries of Grace by T. A. Lacey

The Mysteries of Grace by Rev. T.A. Lacey, an Anglican priest, was first printed in 1908. This book has been reprinted in paperback recently by Kessinger Publishing (ISBN 1428617116), and is available through many online sellers starting at around $15 (see my post on sites I have used.) It is a short study of only 129 pages, but is very well written and definitely worth reading. In the 12 chapters, Lacey explores the gift of grace and its need. He discusses sacramental grace and the sacraments that are the conduit of God's grace, and then goes on to discuss Grace in the Church, the Christian life and in prayer. This book is written with the laity in mind, and is written in a non-technical manner. An easy but helpful read for clergy and laity alike, which most will be able to read quite quickly. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. An incomplete preview of this book may be found at the following link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=i9CNPAfcCFMC&dq=the+mysteries+of+Grace+By+T.+A.+Lacey&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=_P4ZIAUgTQ&sig=LMdYWh5L7pmDQtWR57RC1SNU01w&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result