Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer

Williams is an excellent writer of high intelligence and very broad experience. It is no surprise that he is a former Archbishop of Canterbury. This book, which is very simple in construction with an Introduction and 4 parts on 4 Christian essentials (Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and Prayer), is something like an elevated primer of those essentials. Williams is brilliant in his narrative and explanations, and most importantly, he has an understanding of the Christian faith that is a perfect blend of the historical and modern, a liturgical and spiritual formation understanding, but an understanding that stretches smoothly to broader consideration of how that faith works best, how it is at its most relevant today. It is both simple and deep. Excellent read!

Rowan Williams gives an easy-to-read explanation without dumbing things down for the adult reader on the Bible, Eucharist, Baptism, and Prayer. Perfect for a 4-week adult study or book group.

Being Christian by Rowan Williams is a concise, clear, and beautifully written theological book about the basics of Christian praxis - baptism, reading scripture, Eucharist, and prayer. (I wonder why he omitted worship, though). This would be an A++ credo paper if submitted in a Systematic class at the seminary or a powerful resource in the confirmation class. Although the book presents brilliant insights that would embellish my understanding of each Christian praxis, I closed the book with little satisfaction. I bought and read this book to find wisdom on how effectively I could appeal that "Christian faith matters!" - high school graduates left Christianity, in particular. But this book had no purpose on this matter, at least to my understanding. Or, perhaps, it did, but not on a serious level. Anyhow, this book will be much help and gaining to those who are already in the circle of Christianity or those who are expecting to join it but not to the ones who jumped out of it.

This is a great intro for new Christians and a deep read for existing ones. One of the most broadly accessible b books on faith I have found.

Rowan Williams has become one of my favorite writers. I would include him in what I jokingly refer to as the English Invasion. He, NT Wright, Michael Breen and a number of other current English religious writers are rightly impacting American poat-christian world.This work is a good combination of easily accessible deep thinking and practical application. He addresses each of the four main topics, baptism, Scripture reading, communion and prayer in what seem lime new ways that are actually based in early christian writings. I strongly recommend all of his writings.

A short and easy read about some of what Rowan Williams thinks is fundamental to being a Christian. I appreciated some of the stories and metaphors as a lifelong Christian. Sometimes going back to the basics and hearing a fresh perspective can open one's eyes to the wonder of it all again. I only wish the book were longer, but it seems to be written for a lay audience, in easy to understand language. I will probably get one of his other books as I really enjoyed this one.

I am new to the Christian faith. This book is a wonderful place for me to learn and examine the depth of understanding this author has given me. Thank you so much.

Not up to my expectations at all. Gave the books to our public library rather than use them for a study at our church. Okay, but not exceptional in any way.

An exceptional introduction to the Christian faith and its core practices. Williams does a masterful job of explaining basic concepts in a way that is not superficial and does not mask the depth of the tradition, but at the same time makes it accessible and readily grasped by even those with minimal context. For those looking for a deep treatment of these topics the book may feel lacking, but deep exploration was not Williams's goal. This book is an opening of doors into Christian practices and traditions, rather than a complete tour of the house.While "Being Christian" is intended as an introductory exploration of baptism, bible, eucharist, and prayer as concepts which Christian traditions share, by addressing these practices simply, Williams prompts much reflection of use to the experienced and widely-read.This would make an exceptional book study for a parish, book club, or an oecumenical discussion group.

We are reading this in our church home group and are enjoying it very much. Some reviewers on the Web have criticised that Rowan Williams does not fully explore the depths of (Protestant) theology, but I understand that he wishes to highlight transconfessional features of the Christian faith. It is a good read for ecumenical groups. And the questions at the end of each chapter are a great start for discussions. A book to be talked about rather than just read.

I used this in a small group of differing Christian and faith background and it was thoroughly appreciated by all who attended. In fact it led to one group member requesting baptism.

I found this book to be very readable and very helpful. It lends itself to being read in "chewable chunks". I purchased the Kindle version which was even more affordable and user-friendly.

An interesting collection of foundational topics of the Christian Faith by an erudite leader in the Anglican Tradition. The language may not be accessible for all readers, but it stirs thoughts as to what might be taught to teens, albeit in other words. The section on the Bible many not be affirmed by all teachers of the Anglican way of teaching about the Holy Scriptures.