Product Description

This work on priestly identity embraces the many contemporary varieties of priestly ministry: male and female, paid and unpaid, parish and work based, catholic, evangelical or charismatic. The authors examine the root, shape and fruit of priestly identity, and should be useful for priests, priests in training and everyone considering the ministry. Part one roots a priest's human and church life in the theological convictions derived from the Christian understanding of God as being for and with others. Part two explores the shape of priestly life in relation to worship, word and prayer, each supported by the three key virtues of love, faith and hope. Part three examines the fruit of priestly life in a contemporary reworking of the ancient monastic vows: living faithfully, living honestly and living simply. The book is applicable to various denominations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #147148 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Christopher Cocksworth is Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and was formerly Director of the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme at Sarum College, Salisbury. He is also a member of the Liturgical Commission of the Church of England.

Rosalind Brown is a lecturer at Sarum College and a priest.

Customer Reviews

Inspirational - And Not Just for Priests!
An excellent and very readable book - this should be meditated upon by all Christians who aim to deepen and develop their spirituality. It is practical and at the same time, fires the imagination and challenges the reader. There is a strong emphasis on priestliness rather than the priesthood - which I believe can apply to anyone. Whilst the writers are from the Anglican tradition, what is written is applicable to any Christian denomination.I particularly liked the quotations from writers such as Herbert, Donne, Hopkins & RS Thomas, showing how priestliness has been expressed at different times: that the foundations remain unchanged, despite much needed changes in the 21st church. I shall be re-reading it!

Profound, aware, forward looking: inspiring, a book to read many times.
I approached this book with some reluctance, having been told to read it by my Vocations Director as I am considering ordination. I am approaching ordination with an eye to Fresh Expressions of church, pioneer ministry, emerging church, etc; so I was looking for answers to question such as: "Can I be Anglican? Can I cope with what priesthood is meant to be about? Can the principles in this book be applied in more radical forms of church?"

These questions were all answered positively in multiple ways. The writers have a grasp of the big picture; they get to the essence of "what ministry is all about" in ways that both challenged and resonated with my thinking.

I would agree strongly that this book is not just for priests. In fact - given that the whole essence of the ordained priesthood is to model, enable and release the essential calling of all believers to carry on the ministry of Jesus - even if I am not ordained I would want to revisit this book to understand the breadth of the normal Christian life.

The book is not necessarily an easy read for all. But dry and long-winded? If you prefer Dilbert comic books on your wish list, maybe... I fear for the upcoming college experience of that reviewer, I must admit.

A fact worthy of note: the book has two authors. Some of the chapters are written by Cocksworth, some by Brown, and a couple are joint efforts. The collaboration gives the book an extra dimension of flexibility. Because the two of them in discussion have realised the huge differences between them, I think this has led them to be less prescriptive ("this is how it should be") and more exploratory and positive ("this is how it CAN be").

Excellent. If you would argue for the priesthood of all believers, get this book. You'll find out what you signed up to!

worthy but dry and long-winded
I begin ordination training in September and so have had to read a number of books on the subject. This book is on a decent premise but is really slow and quite dull. I liked the idea of looking at the roots, shape and fruit of a "priestly life" but so much is included that you can't see the wood for the trees. There are much better books on the topic. Try "Ministry in 3 dimensions" by Steven Croft or "Called or Collared" by Frances Dewar.