A Little Bit of Faith
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Do Small Groups Work?
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Deep Calls to Deep
Deep Calls to Deep
Author Tony Horsfall
Publisher BRF £8.99
Format pbk (second edition)
ISBN 9781800390669
This exploration of the Psalms feels fresh and current for today’s world. There is a mix of thoughtful information about background, authorship and history, helpful analysis of the different types of psalms in the Bible collection, and stories. As a Christian who has read the Psalms (and books on the Psalms) many times, I was pleased with the fresh insight this book offers. The author considers seven Psalms in some depth, in order to show the different types and spiritual significance. I found the study of Psalms 69 and 88, ‘from the depths’, particularly helpful to understanding how God still loves us when it feels he is absent.
The chapters are interspersed with life-stories from real people which illustrate the message and ground the book in reality. Horsfall’s style is concise and intelligent without being academic. I read it as an inspirational book, but it would be a great resource for small-group study for Lent over several weeks. Each chapter has well-thought ideas for discussion. I recommend it for individuals and groups.
Reviewed by HOWARD ROWE
Psalms
In Awesome Wonder
In Awesome Wonder
Author Daniel Ruy Pereira & Luiz Cardoso
Publisher Sacristy £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781789591484
Lucky youngsters and their teachers to have this book to ponder, devised for a Stockport schools project to bridge science and faith! Written by a science teacher and a pastor-theologian, it provides a fine answer to a great need. Initially I doubted whether it would convince me, or a young person, that science and faith are compatible, and need each other. Soon I was caught up, living in the unfolding interest of the story/content, grateful and astonished. It is a book to re-read. I enjoyed especially the chapter about evolution and suffering; the one on our place in the Universe, and another on Genesis and creationism. All dispel many misconceptions. The chapter on climate change shows conclusively how we have to be good gardeners of God’s creation. The black and white illustrations, though helpful, are not always clear enough. The introduction is important: science and faith are connected by mystery, and both face the unknown and search for truth. A book of our times for adults and young. Its title comes from the hymn ‘O Lord my God’.
Reviewed by JEREMY HARVEY
Science and Religion
The Art of Peace
The Art of Peace
Author David Cole
Publisher BRF £8.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780857469922
David Cole, known as Brother Cassian in his order, uses a mix of extracts from Christian mystics and his own experiences to accomplish his aim: ‘to transition the reader from being somebody interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to being a contemplative.’ He does this by considering four different areas: stillness, silence, solitude, sanctuary. He often challenges the reader by giving the instruction to stop reading, leave the book and practise, for example being still for a time. While the book is written in a relaxed, easily comprehensible style, the reader needs to accept the author’s terminology, most notably when he uses the term ‘the Divine’ as he feels the word ‘God’ is too limiting. His biblical quotations come from the Passion Translation, which often gives a fresh understanding of scripture. With his considerable awareness of Christian mystics of all ages and their works and his personal knowledge of the dispersed Community of Aidan and Hilda, David Cole provides material here for a retreat in book form.
Reviewed by MARGARET TINSLEY
Christian Mysticism
A Pastoral Theology of Childlessness
A Pastoral Theology
of Childlessness
Author Emma Nash
Publisher SCM £19.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334060512
The Bible, except for Ecclesiastes, portrays childlessness as a curse. How, then, can we support people who are unable to have children? In this searingly honest account of her own experience, Emma Nash reveals the painful history of her attempts to conceive and carry a child through pregnancy. Is childlessness a disability? She reports the often wounding comments others have made in unfortunate attempts to provide pastoral support. She confronts the many difficult biblical passages and endeavours to make sense of them in the light of her own experience. Holy Saturday is a day where she finds space to contain her grief but where does the Resurrection fit? In the conclusion, we read, ‘I no longer believe God is in control. I am wounded.’ This is not a memoir but the account of deep theological research and reflection emerging from personal trauma. We are taken from such telling insights as ‘People do not talk in fertility clinics’ to ideas for helping involuntarily childless people feel included in services. Reading this book was rightly uncomfortable, yet it provides such helpful advice for all who lead worship or provide pastoral care.
Reviewed by RONA ORME
Theology, pastoral care
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