On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, and Stories

Having come from a non-Presbyterian background, this book was awesome. It does a fantastic job of explaining how the PCA differs from other denominations (and other reformed denominations as well).If there are things you need more explanation on, there are a lot of references to assist (it is usually with reformed doctrine that people have an issue... if you are familiar with that kind of doctrine, then this book will be a perfect assist to understand the intricacies that make the PCA unique. If you are not familiar, it gives a great basic explanation of ideas and why they are the building blocks for the faith.)It doesn't use too many anecdotes, which is great (I like to read, but get bored quickly with too many drawn-out examples). I felt for the size, it actually contained a LOT of actual, useful information.I will say, it almost convinced me on some points with which I am inclined not to practice (such as child baptism), and it does a great job with explaining where in Scripture they draw their information and why they choose to use it.It also has a "story" section where it shares who a lot of the reformers (and others) were and why they were important to our faith (because if you are a part of the PCA, you will hear their names frequently and it helps to know who they are lol).Anyone interested in the PCA should definitely get this book. I couldn't recommend a more concise, yet thorough, book!

Sean Lucas was a fundamentalist baptist who became an evangelical Presbyterian. This, as he admits, is a pretty common story for folks in the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America - both Lucas' and my denomination), especially in the south. This book is an attempt to make that transition a little easier. Lucas was a professor at Covenant Seminary and now is a pastor in Mississippi.Lucas does a good job of laying out what he calls "vanilla Presbyterianism" and does so by looking at basic Presbyterian theology, some practices (especially church practices) that differentiate evangelical Presbyterians from other evangelicals, and lastly some history - both of the reformation and reformed churches in America.I think Lucas believed he was writing a book for anyone coming to a Presbyterian church that doesn't come from a Presbyterian background. The book works very well for someone who may be moving from a fundamentalist background to the PCA (like Lucas did). But in my context, this is not the normal means by which someone comes into the PCA. Far more common in my city is someone coming to the PCA via the parachurch (choosing an evangelical church for the first time), or someone leaving a non-denominational or vineyard church longing for more historical emphases in the worship service, or exegetical teaching from the pulpit. Given those groups of people, I'm not sure this is the first book I would hand them. Rather than being rah-rah Presbyterian, I'm much more inclined to linger over the basics of the gospel, evangelical Christian orthodoxy, and finally Reformed theology in broad strokes. I could see using this book for officer training, or even more for candidates boning up for ordination exams, but not so much for people seeking membership in my church.I suppose there is room for a similar book with these other groups of people in mind. Maybe I'll get around to writing one someday.

I think the history section is worth the cost of the book alone. This is a great read for anyone that's new to the Presbyterian Church or just wants to learn about another denomination. The writer doesn’t pick and choose the parts of our history in order to make Presbyterianism look perfect. I believe it’s well known that the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) has a history of liberalism. Lucas does a great job to point out where the church went wrong and how the ship appears to be headed in the right direction with the emergence of more conservative branches, specifically the PCA.The sections of the book devoted to Presbyterian theology and worship aren’t new or enlightening, but that’s probably due to the fact that there are so many other books that dive a little deeper into Reformed Theology specifically. With that said, if you want it all in one book, then this is a great read. From our beliefs, to our worship practices to our history this is a very complete portrait of what it means to be a conservative Presbyterian.

This book is a MUST read for every Presbyterian in the US. It will broaden your understanding of the historic roots and biblical truths and Standards true confessional Presbyterians hold 'fast' to over the centuries with a great encouraging view for pressing on towards the 'Celestial City'.

If you are looking for a easy to read and comprehend book explaining the basics of Presbyterian (PCA) theology and the Presbyterian system of government then this book is for you. Thorough and enjoyable, I recommend this for anyone seeking to know more about what it is PCA and other conservative Presbyterians believe.

Good read. Explains why the Presbyterian church split in the 1980s between the liberals (PCUSA) and the conservatives (PCA). The early history was good.

This book is well written using theological terms but explaining them in layman's understanding. It is w ritten for the non-Presbyterian to see what they believe without getting to technical.

Sean's journey is much like my own. If you're a Baptist on the fence about joining the PCA, get this book.

Great Godly Guidance...