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Miriam’s Sisters, Deborah’s Daughters

Dec 6, 2025 | 2026 - Spring - Free, Book Reviews

Miriam’s Sisters, Deborah’s Daughters

Author Liz Crumlish
Publisher Canterbury £14.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786226051

This easy-to-read book provides a perspective into the matriarchs within the Bible. Each chapter is short and focused, reimagining the stories of women that all too often are abandoned as footnotes, and concludes with a thought-provoking poem. I hope to quote from this book in both preaching and Bible studies. Crumlish’s creative and encouraging retelling of the famous (and not so famous) stories and testimonies of women provides a fresh perspective of their role in God’s calling. Her ability to suggest character to unnamed matriarchs creates a space that engages motivation and a longing for equality. I especially enjoyed the focus of encouragement to aim for Christ-like behaviour as opposed to biblical. The use of humour and compassion is soaked into the text, forming an accessible yet deeper look into lives often neglected. The book has a focus on leadership and how we can use and be inspired by these women whilst also remaining realistic for our modern age. A fantastic read for anyone navigating leadership or seeking to gain a fresh perspective on neglected narratives within the Bible.

Reviewed by AMY SHEPHERD

Bible characters

 

A Season of Silence

Dec 6, 2025 | 2026 - Spring - Free, Book Reviews

A Season of Silence

Author Joshua Rey
Publisher Canterbury £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786226617

It is easier than ever before to live with a constant accompaniment of sound whatever we are doing. The author, an investment banker turned vicar, aims to convince readers of the value of tuning in to silence to hear what God is saying to each one of us. He suggests a programme of training for forty days, maybe starting during Lent, and building up from two to ten minutes a day. There is much practical advice on stilling the body, and reassurance about how to deal with distractions. Each chapter ends with a passage from the Bible or literature, a question for reflection and a prayer. Rey writes with humour and uses personal anecdotes which keep the reader involved. Although written primarily for beginners and a little repetitive, there is much that will inspire the prayer life of any Christian. There is also sound advice on listening attentively to other people, a gift even more valuable when refined by our own experience of listening to God. The book will have achieved its usefulness when it is set aside and is no longer needed as a guide.

Reviewed by LAURA HILLMAN

Devotional

 

American Christian Nationalism

Dec 6, 2025 | 2026 - Spring - Free, Book Reviews

American Christian Nationalism

Author Michael Austin
Publisher Eerdmans £13.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780802884350

The subtitle makes it clear that the phenomenon described is ‘neither American nor Christian’. Austin’s aim is to warn the western world, not just America, about the appropriation of Christianity by the ‘far right’. It is, therefore, a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the distinction between faith and politics, exemplified by what is happening in contemporary America. Austin traces the historical roots of ‘Christian nationalism’ and shows how the trend is currently distorting religious identity with national identity, inevitably at the expense of ethics and democratic values. The author’s approach is academic, but readable, and he makes some complex theological and political concepts readily accessible to a broad readership. He highlights the dangers of conflating Christianity with patriotism, showing how this undermines religious freedom and significantly marginalises minority groups. He therefore advocates a more inclusive vision of Christianity—one that resists the temptations of power and embraces gospel values of humility, justice, and compassion. This important book is recommended reading for all who are concerned with the role of religion in public life.

Reviewed by LEONARD RICKARD

Politics

 

Scattered Blessing

Dec 6, 2025 | 2026 - Spring - Free, Book Reviews

Scattered Blessing

Author Richard Briggs
Publisher Grove £4.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788274920

Traditionally, scholars see a fundamental break between chapters 11 and 12 of Genesis. The earlier chapters are usually regarded as essentially ‘pre-history’, while chapter 12 begins the long narrative of the patriarchs, the founding fathers of Israel. In this original and intriguing book, Briggs argues that the ‘tower of Babel’ narrative of Genesis 11 is about a dispersed or scattered blessing not, as usually interpreted, a judgement on Babylon and its people. He argues that it relates closely to Genesis 12:1-9, which is also about journeying in search of blessing. He compares the linguistic analogy between the command to Abraham to ‘go’ in Genesis 12:1 with the great commission to the disciples in Matthew 28:19. From this analogy, he suggests that the mission to the nations was essentially drawn up in early Genesis. The passages in both chapters 11 and 12 envisage travel and the search for God’s blessing. This attractive notion requires a theological interpretation rather than historical-critical analysis. The penetrating questions at the end of each chapter will lead to interesting debates on mission and outreach. Recommended.

Reviewed by MALCOLM DAWSON

Old Testament Analysis

 

100 Ways to get Your Church Noticed

Dec 6, 2025 | 2026 - Spring - Free, Book Reviews

100 Ways to get Your Church Noticed

Author Neil Pugmire
Publisher CHP £18.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781404744

I was a little uneasy taking on this book as it is very much outside my area of expertise. However, as a relatively new rector in a group of churches with room for improvement in how we present ourselves, I thought I should give it a go. I am so pleased I did and thoroughly recommend others read it too. It is an attractive and clearly signposted book, as you would expect from what is essentially a comprehensive communications manual. It guides the reader through the mazes of multimedia and advises on the best way of briefing the browsers, alongside practical, down to earth advice – for example, about the location of notice boards. I struggled to write this review as I kept interrupting myself to make notes of ideas we shall definitely be adopting (18 so far). This is a great book for anyone brave enough to review how their church is currently seen, assess what they really want to say and be known for, and be given step by step guidance on how to get there.

Reviewed by SALLY MYERS

Publicity

 

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