Paul Avis

Avis, Professor of Theology at the University of Exeter and General Secretary of the Church of England’s Council for Christian Unity, presents a select overview of Anglican theology from the Reformation to the present day. Avis is a top drawer scholar and very careful when making distinctions, forming arguments, and drawing conclusions. This makes his survey of Anglicanism both forceful and thoughtful, placing men and movements in their historical context. Despite some difficulties with his advocacy of the "baptismal covenant" common in the post-Liturgical Movement churches in the West, I found the book valuable. Avis answers the question, "Is there a distinct Anglican version of Christianity?" in the affirmative. It is this affirmation of Anglican definition found in the Formularies that makes the book concise and informative. Avis generally clarifies rather than obscures the subject matter. Four stars.… (meer)