The Cry of the Earth 
and the Cry of the Poor

Author Kathleen P Rushton
Publisher SCM £25.00
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334059059

The title, a quote from Pope Francis, describes this fine book’s concern for ecological and social justice. More surprisingly, the sub-title locates the theme as ‘Hearing Justice in John’s Gospel’. The author, a Roman Catholic scholar, confesses that, when young, she believed that it was in the synoptic gospels where ‘Jesus and justice were to be found’. Many may agree, but here is a convincing case for John as well. Rushton carefully deploys lectio divina and encourages the widespread hunger for spirituality which the fourth gospel brings forth. The book is not an alternative commentary, but it does provide detailed exegesis of all the Johannine Sunday readings used in the Revised Common Lectionary and the Roman Lectionary. These are comprehensive and scholarly expositions which amply fulfil the author’s ambitious intentions by demonstrating that within John we do indeed discover an urgent call to hear the voices of the marginalised peoples in our world, and the need for ecological justice and equity. The author’s approach generates contemplation and calls forth action. I warmly recommend this book.

ALICE BURDETT

Spirituality, New Testament Analysis