The Bishops

The Bishops

by TrevorBeeson (Author)

Synopsis

Throughout English history bishops have had a prominent role in both Church and State. They have been involved in the making and unmaking of monarchs; have played a leading part in national and local government; have sought to uphold spiritual values (though often enough have fallen victim to pride, ambition and avarice); have rarely been universally admired; yet seem certain to remain a part of the English establishment. The last two centuries have nonetheless seen radical changes in the role of bishops, corresponding to equally radical changes in church and society. At the same time the Episcopal bench has been occupied by a colourful assembly of courtiers, aristocrats, scholars, headmasters, social reformers, controversialists, heretics and some godly pastors. In this lively and entertaining volume, Beeson describes many of the greatest and most engaging among them. With a wealth of amusing detail and anecdote, as well as the essential facts, he brings the bishops alive, and considers their significance in the social and ecclesiastical history of their times. Beeson ends by asking why such able and interesting bishops are now in short supply and wonders whether the hectically busy managerial role assumed by the bishops of the new millennium represents a betrayal of the Episcopal office and a consequent weakening of the Church's witness in an increasingly secularized society. Looking not far ahead, the likely impact of women bishops is also discussed.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Publisher: SCM Press
Published: 01 Apr 2002

ISBN 10: 0334028671
ISBN 13: 9780334028673

Media Reviews
This commentary augurs well for the series as a whole. (...) Pelikan makes judicious use of his perhaps unsurpassed knowledge of the Christian tradition as he draws on the work of other theologians as well as his own sound judgement to move from verses in Acts to discussions of a range of theological topics. (...) The SCM-Canturbury Press are to be thanked for making this handsome volume available at a very reasonable price. Andrew Gregory, Chaplain of University College, Oxford. The Church of England Newspaper, September 8, 2006. A most valuable book - a companion perhaps rather more than a commentary...A wonderful act of faithful elucidation and reflection - the work of a genuine theologian . New Directions, March 2007
Author Bio
Trevor Beeson was a Canon of Westminster Abbey for nearly eleven years and for five of these was also Rector of St Margaret's Westminster and Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. His many books include A Dean's Diary: Winchester 1987-1996, Rebels and Reformers, Window on Westminster and A Vision of Hope.