Colin Buchanan (1)

Colin Buchanan is always worth reading, bringing his clear analysis and historical grasp to people in a most readable way. This booklet needs reading carefully, as the underlying topic is quite subtle and complex. But go slowly and he most helpfully examines different current and historic theories of what's happening in the 'consecration' of elements in Holy Communion. He gently demolishes the traditional catholic arguments for a physical change of the elements at consecration prior to show more distribution and reception. I'd read several books on eucharistic theology before, but in this short treatment he included significant arguments I'd not read before.

I wish I'd read this before having to write some of my essays this term! show less

Colin Buchanan has fun demolishing the arguments of Paul Avis and co who wrote "The Journey of Christian Initiation" under the aegis of the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England. There they tried to make the case for why confirmation, as practised by the Church of England is necessary for Christian Initiation, not just baptism. But Buchanan then shows why BACSI is much more clearly scriptural, and has better support from the church fathers too.

Buchanan booklet reads like a way to air his regrets at the changes made to the Common Worship Ordination services in its final passage through the House of Bishops, and for the suggestions that the prior Commission didn't agree with.

But for all that it's still an interesting read, particularly if you're one of that small group that is a Bishop or his assistant preparing to put on an ordination service, or will be being ordained in a small ceremony yourself.

This is an interesting short journey through the ways that Archbishop Cranmer iteratively created the first English Communion Rites during the period 1548-1552, and how they reflected Reformation thinking, and responded to comment and experience at the time. Not knowing anything about others who have written on this topic in the past, bits of the story didn't make much sense, and some parts (and most of the very extensive footnotes) will only be of interest to deep scholars. But overall I show more enjoyed this insight into the formation of this key Rite which remained almost unchanged in the 1662 BCP, which is of course still with us. show less