Beyond Tokenism
Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content.
Governance in a Christian Manner
Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content.
Being Here
Being Here
Author Pádraig Ó Tuama
Publisher Eerdmans £17.99
Format hbk
ISBN 9780802883476
At the core of this book are 31 days’ worth of reflective material with some additional essays. Each session has the same opening prayer and a short literary extract balanced by verses from a Gospel. The reader is then invited to keep silence before using the collect of the day that reflects on the readings. Finally, there is a repeated closing prayer. This latter might work better in the evening. Read the introduction to this book to loosen your mind and to receive permission to interact with the texts in the way that is right for you. Read the short essay on the structure of a collect. Then plunge in. This book would be a stimulating choice for someone wanting to take a month’s holiday from saying Morning or Evening Prayer while continuing to keep a regular time of prayer and reflection. It might be helpful for someone starting out on daily meditation. The range of literary texts was intriguing and, having used the book for a month, I found myself pondering on the material throughout the day.
Reviewed by RONA ORME
Spirituality
The Everyday God
The Everyday God
Author Jonathan Arnold
Publisher BRF £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781800392106
This book is a treasure chest of ideas and inspiration based on the experiences of the author – director of the Social Justice Network for the Diocese of Canterbury. He is also a musician who takes Augustine’s words ‘God is music’ as the thread connecting the rich variety of themes and real-life stories to the gospel narrative. Chapters are based on the traditional seven works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, housing the homeless, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick and the imprisoned; burying the dead. There is an additional chapter on caring for creation. All include material for individual reflection as well as group discussion with suggestions for further reading and resources. There are first-hand accounts of changed lives from prisoners, asylum seekers and others on the margins of society. The honesty of those whose lives have been transformed is an inspiration and a challenge. This is a book to dip into: it will not fail to interest both on a personal level as an aid to meditation and as a catalyst for change in the community.
Reviewed by LAURA HILLMAN
Pastoral theology
Restoring the Story
Restoring the Story
Author Anne van Gend
Publisher SCM £19.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334066194
It is a surprise and a pleasure to read a book on doctrine that is both readable and entertaining, yet also profound and challenging. The author provides a journey through most but not all the various ‘theories’ of atonement, often illustrating spiritual nuances with references to fantasy fiction (Narnia, Harry Potter among others). The result is an original theology of atonement with special emphasis on four themes. The traditional ‘sacrificial’ element to cleanse our sins, and the ‘Christus Victor’ model are both analysed in depth and found helpful. More originality comes from the treatment of ‘covenantal’ atonement and ‘Theosis’ (participation in God), where I personally learned much. Each theme is expertly analysed with exegesis from Old and New Testament texts, and ‘good news’ is proclaimed to encourage and enlighten the reader. Penal substitution is mentioned briefly, but the author concludes that narratives involving the propitiation of an angry God should be ‘gently put to one side’ and notes that the reality of Jesus’ atoning work does not rely on theological agreement among Christians. I recommend this worthy and interesting book.
Reviewed by MALCOLM DAWSON
Atonement
Recent Comments