Pregnancy and Birth: Critical Theological Conceptions
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Chaplaincy: Contemporary and Global Perspectives
Chaplaincy: Contemporary and
Global Perspectives
Author Grace Thomas and Kim Wasey (eds)
Publisher SCM £35
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334066217
This is a collection of essays written by a range of practitioners, most (but not all) from the UK. The editors have actively sought ways to establish and celebrate an inclusive and progressive ethos, something which is often seen within the world of chaplaincy ministry itself. One of the contributors refers to an earlier writer, Ewan Kelly, for whom ‘the intentional use of self is a core skill of chaplaincy, rooted in and developed from self-awareness’: this maxim is amply reflected across the range of personal stories and insights presented in the volume. Contributors reflect on their work (and, inevitably, themselves) within specialised contexts such as the police, prisons, industrial and retail settings along with aspects of health and social care provision. Educational chaplaincy seems slightly marginal to the main material, although the essay by Ian Delinger on higher education chaplaincy makes sense as a concise and comprehensive ‘how to’ guide. Nik Hookey’s detailed account of NHS chaplaincy is invaluable to those in parish ministry wanting to get to grips (or up to date) with what is often seen as a mysterious parallel universe. Insights derived from any particular setting are often transferable to many of the others and, as editor Grace Thomas concludes in her essay-contribution, ‘chaplaincy is a discipline that holds together a multitude of different models and approaches to practice. This book is a clear example of the many ways in which chaplaincy is lived out and the diversity of contexts it inhabits’. Groups of essays on broad topics focus on ‘Multifaith and Secular Dimensions’; ‘Chaplaincy and Christian Mission’; and ‘Research and Reflective Practice’, and these will amply satisfy readers’ appetites for fresh thinking and wise reflections. Throughout the volume, full regard is given to the fact that today’s chaplains are adapting (or have adapted) to contexts and clienteles which are increasingly less ‘Christian’ and where the idea of ‘mission’ is in need of continual redefinition. Each essay is accompanied by a detailed bibliography, and Thomas and Wasey have certainly succeeded in providing a landmark resource which will be of lasting value to those engaged with the emergent discipline of chaplaincy studies.
Reviewed by STEPHEN LAIRD
Chaplaincy
Anna and the Angel
Anna and the Angel
Author Eleanor Williams
Publisher Authentic Media £7.99
Format Parthian £10 pbk
ISBN 9781917140140
This is a delightful and original retelling of the apocryphal book of Tobit, vigorously reimagined and transported from the time of Israel’s exile in Assyria to contemporary south Wales. In the original, the focus is on Tobit himself, recently blind and dreadfully depressed, on Tobias his only son, and on Raphael (known as Azariah), the benign, heroic guardian angel. Tobias marries Sarah, a distant relative and, through prayer and obedience, family fortunes are restored, and Tobit is healed. In this retelling, the narrative is imaginatively given to Anna and Edna, the mothers of Tobias and Sarah, who correspond by email as the remarkable adventure unfolds. This allows the innermost feelings and concerns of two women who are mentioned in the biblical text, but who are otherwise peripheral to the original narrative, to be explored and celebrated. There is an enchanting freshness to the text which encourages the reader to recognise the hidden hand of God in guiding our lives. I certainly recommend Anna and the Angel, but I suggest it could be helpful to revisit the often-neglected book of Tobit first.
Reviewed by KATE BURTON
Apocrypha, novel
Mixed Ecology
Mixed Ecology
Author Ed Olsworth-Peter
Publisher SPCK £19.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780281089376
If the advent of phrases such as ‘mixed ecology (or economy) church’ have left you feeling confused and out of touch, this might be the book for you. The author takes us through the debates around why we might need a mixed ecology, how to integrate one, how to inhabit one, and he describes different models for leading and shaping churches in mixed ecologies. The basic idea is that different sorts of church, such as traditional parishes, pioneer ministries and new congregations are better at both surviving and flourishing if they work together. The text is supplemented by useful diagrams to show how the different elements might fit together. The conclusion admits that the discussion is mainly theoretical, because there are not too many examples of mixed ecologies around. That does not undermine the book’s usefulness for grasping what some projects are aiming for, however, it did leave me wondering how far a metaphor such as mixed ecology can be stretched before it loses meaning.
Reviewed by DAVID HEADING
Ecclesiology
The Missing Ending
The Missing Ending
Author Moira Astin
Publisher Canterbury £16.99
Format pbk
ISBN 978186226037
This book was an unexpected surprise and pleasure, supplying a rare opportunity to study the Ascension in greater detail. Too often this festival is given limited recognition, falling as it does on a Thursday – 40 days after Easter. Astin takes us on a journey created on two levels, allowing us to be selective according to need. First, familiar ground is covered and examined as we move through Old Testament, Apocrypha, Gospels and Epistles, setting in context the final joyous occasion of Jesus’ life on earth and his transportation back to heavenly realms. Other chapters tell us what happened at the Ascension, why it happened and what this means today. These chapters are useful for Bible study groups. The remaining text offers a more in-depth study of early biblical interpretation, the effects of the Reformation, when the doctrine of the Ascension was almost lost, to revival in the 20th century. The views of theologians are described and discussed as they appear down the centuries. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate afresh the meaning and significance of the Ascension both here on earth and in the joys of heaven.
Reviewed by BETTY TAYLOR
Ascensiontide
Living His Story Together
Living His Story Together
Author Hannah Steele
Publisher SPCK £10.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780281087266
Hannah Steele writes about mission as a way of church life – so central to church DNA that a church cannot function without it. Mission is not something the Church ‘does’, but ‘is’: not a duty, but an identity. She writes with feeling about the struggle of faith in a culture of atheism and ridicule. The book covers contemporary topics: Covid, Brexit, with Ukraine, Gaza and President Trump in the headlines. The future of the world is at stake. Hannah explains that effective mission has never been so important, and that the Church must be on the move and culturally significant – the body of Christ in the community. Her best chapters are about living the gospel in the power of the Spirit. Hannah’s style is academically strong and theologically focused. Incisive quotations from theologians past and present make this an intelligent read. If Hannah should be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, she can lead the church to be what her book portrays. It would be great to be a member of her church team.
Reviewed by HOWARD ROWE
Mission
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