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Love The World

Nov 22, 2020 | 2019 - Spring, Book Reviews, Free Spring 2019

Love The World

Author David Adam​
Publisher SPCK  £7.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780281077762​

This is not a lengthy book, but it covers an immense amount of ground, from the beginning of our universe to the present day. The great mystery of creation is common to both science and religion but what is attractive in this book is that it uses straightforward language to point to the ways in which the one can learn from the other. It is packed with stimulating thoughts and information. ​ There are six main sections which deal with the Beginning, the Atmosphere, Water, Earth, Humankind and a Conclusion. Within each is a number of short commentaries, a poem, a personal exercise of a mental or physical nature, and a prayer. ​ However, in spite of the wonders of scientific discovery, the activities of humankind, if continued, could result in the demise of all living things. It is only by love of our world and love of each other which can save the human race from extinction. ​ This book should have great appeal for readers, clergy and everyone.

PAUL BREGAZZI​ ​

Creation, Ecology

 

A Pilgrimage Around Wales

Nov 22, 2020 | 2019 - Spring, Book Reviews, Free Spring 2019

A Pilgrimage
Around Wales

Author Anne Hayward
Publisher yLolfa £8.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781784615291

The author, a Reader living in the Brecon Beacons, embarked on a three-month pilgrimage, carrying all her necessities in her rucksack including her camping equipment. She was supported by her husband bringing weekly supplies. Three themes in the book are woven into the chapters which summarise her many conversations along her journey – responses to her questions, factual snippets which set the historical context, and spiritual issues which crop up. The author takes in four ancient places of pilgrimage: Holywell, Bardsey Island, St David’s, and Llantwit Major. The book is fascinating and unusual in its style. Much preparation and research were put into the pilgrimage before one step was taken from her home. Striking up conversations with people in her journeys was a key part of her experience. Prayer also played a vital part. If a Reader is thinking of making a pilgrimage it could be well worth reading this book.

HUGH MORLEY

 

Advent, Nativity

 

Following the Celtic Way

Nov 22, 2020 | 2019 - Spring, Book Reviews, Free Spring 2019

Following the Celtic Way

Author Ian Bradley
Publisher DLT £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780232533415

The 1990s saw a great revival of interest in Celtic Christianity. One of the most significant and popular books about it then was this author’s The Celtic Way. Twenty-five years on, after considerable research by himself and others based on original sources, he reassesses what we know about Celtic Christianity today. The core of the book is a clear and systematic summary of current knowledge of beliefs of the time, and how those beliefs conditioned the lives of those involved, (almost entirely monks; little is known about the beliefs of ordinary people outside the monasteries.) The author also documents some beliefs that seem to have been absent. He concludes with some thoughts for modern Christians wishing to learn from the Celtic Christian understanding. This is a very helpful updating of what we know about Celtic Christianity and a useful introduction for those meeting it for the first time.

JOHN NICHOLLS

Celtic Spirituality

 

Phoebe

Nov 22, 2020 | 2018 - Winter, Book Reviews, Free Winter 2018

Phoebe

Author Paula Gooder
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton  £14.99
Format hbk
ISBN 9781473669727

This is a clever book which delights on two levels. It is first a fictional narrative, based on the imagined but plausible life story of Phoebe, the deaconess named in Romans 16.1 as the emissary who delivered Paul’s great letter to the city of Rome. Gooder, well-known for the excellence of her scholarly biblical studies, reveals herself as an accomplished writer of fiction, producing a charming and entirely believable tale of first century Rome. She brings many names from the New Testament Church into plausible roles. But if the story is good, the commentary is better, and one suspects this is Gooder’s prime purpose. The second half of the book is essentially a companion volume of facts and analysis, providing a thorough grounding in the character of the early Church and the culture of the Roman Empire. It guides us through Paul’s theology, the background to his travels and imprisonments, and shows how Paul’s writings reflected the turbulent society of the first century. I strongly recommend this book, which will both entertain and inform.

ALICE BURDETT

New Testament Commentary, Fiction

 

 

Pope Francis and the Theology of the People

Nov 22, 2020 | 2018 - Winter, Book Reviews, Free Winter 2018

Pope Francis and the Theology of the People

Author Rafael Luciani (tr. Phillip Berryman)
Publisher Orbis  £15.75
Format pbk
ISBN 9781626982529  2017

Luciani explores the origins of Pope Francis’ prophetic challenge to much of modern culture, arising from the ‘Theology of the People’, a type of liberation theology that insists on respect for the cultures of the poor and their popular religious expressions. The need is to transform societies from within and to create new ecclesial models (addressing inappropriate structures and sources of power). This is a scathing criticism of ‘the economy that kills’ and the loss of humanising bonds. Do not think that, because this thinking originates in Latin America, it is irrelevant to us – it is a call to the western Church and society, inviting us to live with greater simplicity and communal responsibility. If you want to understand where Pope Francis is coming from and to do some hard thinking about our assumptions regarding expressions of living the Gospel, especially our economic and power structures, then this book provides a springboard.

ROSIE BUDD

Liberation Theology

 

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