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Bishop's Reading List for 2011
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Recommended books for members of the Diocese
 Each year Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick recommends books for members of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i to focus on during the year. For 2011, Bishop Fitzpatrick has recommended books in the area of biblical authority, the Creeds, Paul's Letter to the Romans, and congregational life.
Below are his recommendations, with his comments. In each category, his first recommendation is listed. For a complete list, go to the "Bishop's Reading List for 2011" on the Bishop's Corner of the diocesan web site.
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One book recommended for all
 There is one book that I would like all members of the Diocesan Council, the Standing Committee, Vestries and Bishop's Committees to study together: Beyond the Baptismal Covenant: Transformational Lay Leadership for the Episcopal Church in the 21st Century, by Donald V. Romanik (New York, NY: Episcopal Church Foundation, 2010). It can be ordered from Forward Movement Publications (online by phone at 1-800-543-1813). I encourage all members of the Diocese read this book as well. A brief 78 pages, it offers helpful insights into the ministry of the baptized and leadership in the local congregation.
The following are suggestions for personal study or small groups. In each category, I have made three suggestions. The first suggestion (a) is easily adaptable for individual or group study with little formal background needed. Additional suggestions (b and c) are for added or more in-depth study and reflection [and are listed in the full article].
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Biblical Authority
 As Christians, we take the Bible very seriously. As part of the Episcopal tradition, we are not biblical literalists or fundamentalists, and we take historical, literary and contextual criticism into consideration when engaging the Scripture. Whenever someone is ordained a deacon, priest or bishop, that person is required to publicly affirm and attest in writing that: "I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church." The Catechism of the Church makes two important statements about the Holy Scripture (see pages 853-854 of the Book of Common Prayer): "We call them the Word of God because God inspired their human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible" and "We understand the meaning of the Bible by the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures." What is "Biblical" authority?
a) And God Spoke: The Authority of the Bible and the Church Today, by Christopher Bryan (Cambridge, MA: Cowley, 2002). The Reverend Christopher Bryan is the C. K. Benedict Professor of New Testament at the School of Theology at the University of the South. This is a short introduction to what the Bible is (Part 1: "What Do We Believe?") and how we can best utilize it (Part 2: "What Should We Do?").
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The Creeds
 Liturgically, The Episcopal Church affirms the faith as articulated in two Creeds. The Catechism of the Church makes four statements about the Creeds (see pages 853-854 of the Book of Common Prayer): "The creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God," "This Church uses two creeds: The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed," "The Apostles' Creed is the ancient creed of Baptism; it is used in the Church's daily worship to recall our Baptismal Covenant," and "The Nicene Creed is the creed of the universal Church and is used at the Eucharist." What do the Creeds' words from the fourth century mean for us today?
a) The Apostles' Creed for Today, by Justo L. González (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2007). The Reverend Justo L. González is ordained in the United Methodist Church, a retired professor of historical theology and the author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought. He attended United Seminary in Cuba and was the youngest person to be awarded a Ph.D. in historical theology at Yale University. This book reflects on both the meaning of the Apostles' Creed in its historic context and also its meaning for today. It is written in a conversational style with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. | |
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Paul's Letter to the Romans
 For me personally, the Letter of Paul to the Romans was my scriptural entry into the faith and the basis of my conversion. It is still often the section of the Bible that brings me comfort and that most often comes to mind when reciting Scripture by heart. It has been the source of Christian theology for many believers. Yet it has been problematic for many as well. It is worth serious study and prayer.
a) Romans (Daily Bible Commentary Series), by James D.G. Dunn (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007). Again, Dunn is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Durham. He is a leading Pauline scholar. His work includes authoring The Theology of Paul and a major two-volume commentary on the Letter to the Romans in the Word Biblical Commentary series, and editing The Cambridge Companion to St. Paul. This work is not so much commentary as a pastoral reflection and guide for reflection on a daily basis. It might also be used in small groups. | |
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Congregational Life
 The Church Publishing has published the "Transformations" series for "The Episcopal Church of the 21st Century." There are additional volumes, but I think these three provide a good basis for our common life as a Diocese. I particularly commend Canon Robertson's book to every Vestry and Bishop's Committee for reading early in 2011.
a) Transforming Stewardship, by C.K. Robertson (New York: Church Publishing, 2009). | |
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Other interesting books
 I am often asked about my personal reading. I commend the following, each of which has been a "good read" for me in recent months.
i) Up With Authority: Why We Need Authority to Flourish as Human Beings, by Victor Lee Austin (New York: T & T Clark, 2010). This is an interesting analysis of the human need for authority and order. It is clear and engaging. The author is Theologian-in-Residence at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, New York City.
Read more...
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Episcopal Diocese of Hawai`i
The Rev. Canon Liz Beasley
Canon for Ministry Development
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