Tag Archives: Christian Book Review

Imitating Jesus

Posted on May 19, 2009 by | 1 Comment

Imitating JesusImitating Jesus 
An Inclusive Approach to New Testament Ethics

Richard Burridge 
ISBN 9780802844583 (0802844588) 
Eerdmans, 2007 (490pp) 
£23.99

Category: Ethics & Morality 
Subcategory: New Testament 
Reviewed by: Kevin Ellis

Michael Ramsey Prize 2009
Imitating Jesus is one of five titles shortlisted for the 2009 Michael Ramsey Prize, due to be awarded at the Hay Festival on Thursday 28th May 2009.

Richard Burridge has produced an excellent book. The book is like a delicious feast. As such as a whole, it will be greatly appreciated, and at certain times, particular courses or chapters will need to be savoured and enjoyed. It should be read by teachers and students of theology alike. As a book it should find a home on the shelf of the minister as well as the academic. This particular minister will dip into each and every time he tries to relate the biblical text to the contemporary world. The present reviewer is therefore an unashamed fan of Imitating Jesus: An Inclusive Approach to New Testament Ethics.

Why am I so enthusiastic? First, Richard Burridge has begun his work on New Testament ethics with Jesus. This is not as simplistic a comment as it seems, for as Burridge shows, many New Testament ethicists have been cautious about starting with Jesus, perhaps overly concerned about what they might realistically reconstruct about the teachings and actions of Jesus. Burridge is aware of such caution, but building upon the painstaking historical work of scholars such as Tom Wright, Marcus Borg and J D Crossan, he is confident that certain contours can be established about the ministry of Jesus. Jesus, firstly was inclusive: he welcomed those who others would not, and secondly, Jesus had a set of rigorous ethics that were exclusive. Thus, the historical Jesus re-interpreted the Torah in perhaps a more conservative way than other Jewish interpreters. Such a conclusion might challenge some readers of the Gospels.

A second feature of Richard Burridge’s work that makes me an enthusiast is that he is cautiously optimistic of the overlap between Jesus and Paul. Imitating Jesus concludes that Paul, often seen as a reactionary, is actually someone who is inclusive; holding together the tension of Jesus’ unconditional welcome into the kingdom, and the radical re-interpretation of the Law for those who committed themselves to following the Christ. Burridge does not shy away from a discussion of Paul’s understanding of the State and Power, the ministry of women or sexual ethics; and ministers, like me will find Burridge’s understanding illuminating and rewarding.

A third reason to be thankful for this book is the chapter given to each of the Synoptic Evangelists. Burridge is a Gospel scholar, and the way he moves between Gospel studies and ethics is a delight.

A fourth and final reason to be convinced about the worthiness of Burridge’s book is that he then roots his theories about imitating Jesus gleaned from the New Testament into the real life situation of South Africa. I am not someone who understands the African situation as well as I should, but what I can say is that the principles that Burridge applies seem to work as well in my own context on the coast of west Cumbria as Burridge suggests they do in post-Apartheid South Africa.

Burridge’s book begins with a discussion on how one might legitimately use the Bible in a 21st Century context. He notes that the Dutch Reformed Church used holy writ to support racial segregation. It can be a simple truth that the Bible is used to say whatever an interpreter wants it to mean. This is why it is refreshing to try and start with Jesus, and particularly his message of inclusion intertwined with repentance.

Imitating Jesus may or may not be awarded the Michael Ramsey prize. It is a book that should be used, and its author is a scholar who church leaders should listen to, which might at times be difficult, Burridge has a prophetic edge, and for that those of us who delight in the memory of Archbishop Ramsey should be grateful.

Kevin Ellis, May 2009

The Revd Dr Kevin Ellis is an Anglican priest currently serving in the Parish of Maryport, Diocese of Carlisle. He holds a New Testament PhD from London Bible College (now London School of Theology).

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Is Jesus the Only Savior?

Posted on April 21, 2009 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Doctrine and Theology > Is Jesus the Only Savior?

Is Jesus the Only Savior?Is Jesus the Only Savior?
James R Edwards 
ISBN 9780802809810 (0802809812) 
Eerdmans, 2006 (250pp) 
£9.99

Category: Doctrine and Theology 
Reviewed by: Keith Ferdinando

James Edwards is professor of biblical languages and literature at Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington in the USA. His book, Is Jesus the Only Savior?, is a significant and well-written work of apologetics, rooted in New Testament scholarship, in which he responds in the affirmative to the question that provides the title. He wrote it with two types of reader in mind: Christians whose faith has been disturbed by pluralistic approaches to the person of Christ, and non-Christians who are open to considering the question. The argument, occupying twelve chapters, debates the issue from a range of perspectives and builds a comprehensive case for the uniqueness of both the person and the work of Christ.

In the opening chapters Edwards surveys the historical issues surrounding the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, including the various ‘quests’ of the historical Jesus, the Jesus seminar, the trustworthiness of the documents of the New Testament (which constitute the almost unique source of our information about Christ), and the extent and reliability of our knowledge of the Jesus of history. In the following chapters, which are at the heart of the argument, he considers Jesus’ own consciousness of his divinity and the nature of his saving work.

This is followed by a consideration of the various challenges to the notion of a unique saviour. Thus, against the argument that the contemporary world is unique in its awareness of a multiplicity of faiths, Edwards points out that the world of the first century church was little different and that absolute claims for the person of Christ were as problematic then as they are now.

He goes on to respond to the prevalent climate of moral relativism, which makes the notion of a saviour from sin meaningless, and explains the necessity of Christ’s atoning work. He discusses the challenge that postmodernism presents to the idea of absolute truth, while suggesting that Christians may have something to learn from some postmodern perspectives. And he deals with the argument that religious exclusivism poses a threat to world peace and should be abandoned in favour of soteriological pluralism.

Finally, in the last two chapters he discusses other religions, and rejects the idea that they are all in essence the same. However, Edwards also claims that the Bible’s approach to them demonstrates some ambiguity, and he takes an agnostic view as to the situation of those who have never heard the gospel.

In general Edwards’ argument is persuasive and energetic, supported by telling illustrations and solid reasoning. He maintains a conservative evangelical stance, although his interpretation of some biblical passages and themes is open to question, especially perhaps his discussion of other religions. Overall he gives a strong and contemporary defence of the uniqueness of the person and work of Christ, as well as strong grounds for confidence in the historical foundations of New Testament faith. If there is a criticism it would be that at times Edwards seems to be attempting too much within the compass of a relatively brief book, with consequent dangers.

• Publisher’s Info Page

Keith Ferdinando, April 2009

Dr Keith Ferdinando is the author of The Triumph of Christ in African Perspective: A Study of Demonology and Redemption in the African Context (ISBN 9780853648307 / 0853648301, Paternoster, 1999). He taught mission studies at London School of Theology for several years before returning to Africa full time in 2006 to continue his work in theological education there with AIM International at the Faculté de Théologie Evangélique au Rwanda.

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Fasting and Feasting

Posted on March 10, 2009 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Seasonal > Lent & Easter > Fasting and Feasting

Fasting and FeastingFasting and Feasting 
Daily Bible Readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day

Gordon Giles 
ISBN 9781841015699 (1841015695) 
BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship), 2008 
£7.99

Category: Seasonal 
Subcategory: Lent & Easter 
Reviewed by: Jody Stowell

The theme of ‘fasting and feasting’ seems perfectly at home in the season of Lent. But Gordon Giles brings a fresh look at what these things might actually mean to us, taking us through the Old and New Testament meanings and challenging us to a deeper understanding of this season which will refresh our discipleship.

Giles begins by rooting Lent in the practice of confession and absolution, pointing out that Shrove Tuesday is less about feasting on pancakes, or even about using up the luxuries of our kitchen cupboards, and more about the meaning of ‘shrive’: Shrove Tuesday, drawn from the word ‘shrive’, literally means to be forgiven. This is the day when we prepare for the fast of Lent, when we present ourselves for absolution, when we turn ourselves to God in repentance. This is an excellent place to start our journey over the following six weeks.

Over the six weeks Giles uses the topic of ‘food’ to draw on a wide variety of themes. From the literal starvation and obesity that plagues our world, through the provision of God, to the spiritual food that must sustain through all things, and which is found in turning to the Lord for all our needs.

It is amazing how ‘food’ is continuously found in Scripture – there is much material there for Giles to draw on. For the majority of the notes, I found the engagement creative and well researched. We are challenged to take responsibility for all sorts of things – having presented ourselves to God at the beginning of the journey through these notes – for the food and drink that enters our bodies, to consumption on a global scale. I found the way that Giles poses these questions helpful, we don’t feel completely helpless in the face of world crisis, but see how our own choices affect the whole.

At the back of the book there are notes that might be used for groups. As I tend to find with these type of notes, these will be helpful for groups where the individual members are able to share openly with each other and are well experienced in doing their own reading and preparation, otherwise there might not be enough material.

As we go through Lent, I hope that you have found notes which grow your relationship with the Lord: I’m sure that these will not disappoint you.

Jody Stowell, March 2009

Jody Stowell is a theology student at Spurgeon’s College, which trains baptists for ministry and mission. She, however, is an Anglican, and soon to begin training for ordained ministry in the Church of England. She is also a self-confessed internet junkie and can be found commenting about most things on her own blog www.radical-evanglical.blogspot.com and on Fulcrum forums, where she is on the leadership team.

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Journey to Jerusalem

Posted on February 22, 2009 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Seasonal > Lent & Easter > Journey to Jerusalem

Journey to JerusalemJourney to Jerusalem 
Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday

David Winter 
ISBN 9781841014852 (1841014850) 
BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship), 2007 (176pp) 
£7.99

Category: Seasonal 
Subcategory: Lent & Easter 
Reviewed by: Jody Stowell

Journey to Jerusalem is a set of Bible readings which take us on our own personal Lenten journey by following the journey that Christ took, both physically and spiritually as he set his face towards Jerusalem and the Cross.

The readings are split into four parts:

  1. Preparing for the journey
  2. Setting out for Jerusalem
  3. The destination reached
  4. Tragedy—and triumph

These sections allow for a change of pace both in the reader and the text. The anticipation of what is already known about the end is tangible as we move from one section, on to the next, and the next. There is a feeling of movement that comes with this approach to the Passion that allows the reader to enter the text in a way which reminded me of the Ignatian lectio divina, in which one dwells in the text to listen for God’s word for them, for that day.

In addition to this meta-narrative which brings us from the ‘preparation’ to the ‘triumph’, there is another thread which was introduced within the whole; on each Sunday the author focuses on the theme of ‘following’, itself following the ‘Lenten discipline of walking the way of the cross.’ Here we listen to the stories of the rich young ruler and Nicodemus, among others. This sub-narrative is cleverly woven into the fabric of the whole so that it does not disturb the journey; it rather complements the whole and allows a brief ‘rest’ on the journey each Sunday.

In addition, because the last reading obviously falls on a Sunday, we end the whole on this sub-narrative as it joins the meta-narrative, and we are charged with the conviction that the journey may have ended in one way, but that it continues in a way that transforms that journey once travelled and which transforms all other journeys in its wake. As the author says,

Now, two millennia later, the disciples of Jesus are still on the long journey of faith and witness, and the risen Lord, as he promised, is still with them wherever they travel.

The journey that Winter takes us on is intentionally focused on the Bible text and spends a lot of time living with the text and unpacking some of the historical background. As I mentioned above this gives a richness which is helpful for a meditative approach to the text. However, there are some places where I would have appreciated some more contemporary applications, or stories, with which to identify. Indeed there are some of these along the way but perhaps not enough for this reader.

Nevertheless this was a really helpful set of Bible readings which accompanied me on my own Lenten journey.

• ebook edition also available: PDF Download, £7.99

Jody Stowell, February 2009

Jody Stowell is a theology student at Spurgeon’s College, which trains baptists for ministry and mission. She, however, is an Anglican, and soon to begin training for ordained ministry in the Church of England. She is also a self-confessed internet junkie and can be found commenting about most things on her own blog www.radical-evanglical.blogspot.com and on Fulcrum forums, where she is on the leadership team.

Full contents list and opening chapter (pdf download)

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Christian Zionism

Posted on January 4, 2009 by | 29 Comments
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Israel & Palestine > Christian Zionism

Christian ZionismChristian Zionism 
Road-map to Armageddon?

Stephen Sizer 
ISBN 9781844740505 (1844740501) 
IVP, 2004 
£14.99

Category: Israel & Palestine 
Reviewed by: Phil Groom

Israel’s crimes against humanity must always be seen against the backdrop of the equally terrible crimes of humanity against Israel. But does this make those crimes — its ongoing abuse of the Palestinians and, as I revisit this review at the beginning of 2009, its current assault on the Gaza Strip — any less offensive? Personally, I think not: I originally wrote this review for Evangelical Quarterly in August 2006, during Israel’s war of vengeance against Hezbollah in Lebanon. More than two years later, have any lessons been learned? Has anything changed? It seems not. Apart from these introductory paragraphs, then, this review also remains unchanged, and Sizer’s book remains as relevant and necessary today as it was when originally published.

James warns us (James 3:1) that those who teach will be judged all the more harshly; and similarly, those who represent God to the world will surely be held to even greater account than those who do not know him. This, if it applies to any nation, must surely apply to Israel if they are indeed God’s chosen people.

Hamas’ and Hezbollah’s crimes not withstanding, the State of Israel’s ongoing abuse of the Palestinian people and its neighbours in Lebanon is without a shadow of doubt both a crime against humanity and an offence against God. And the tendency of many Christians to give uncritical support — or even open endorsement — to Israel’s apartheid and wholly disproportionate policies is an aberration that compounds that offence.

If you’re a Christian Zionist you’ll find those opening paragraphs extremely troubling. Are we not, as Christians, required to support the State of Israel? Are not the Jews God’s chosen people? Surely those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed (Genesis 12:3) — and aren’t statements like these anti-semitic anyway?

Yet as I read this book and observe the current situation it’s difficult to draw any other conclusion. I was brought up in a Brethren assembly, taught to read the Bible from within a dispensationalist framework, and although (as far as I remember) the term “Christian Zionist” was never used, its essence informed my thinking. It took a trip to Israel and time spent with Palestinian Christians, seeing the oppression first-hand, to bring home to me how distorted my thinking was.

Sizer’s experience, it seems, has been similar, describing himself in his introduction as a young Christian ‘devouring Hal Lindsey’s best-selling book, The Late Great Planet Earth, and hearing in person his lectures on eschatology’, then, after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land — ironically, organised by some ‘Christian Zionist friends’ — experiencing a ‘radical change in perspective.’ (p.9-10).

Many Christians will never have an opportunity to visit Israel in person, but Sizer has done a magnificent job in this book, presenting us with a comprehensive overview of Christian Zionism’s variant streams, historical developments and theologies which allows anyone willing to approach the subject with an open mind to make their own assessment. This is supported by a number of helpful charts comparing, for example, the historical development of Christian Zionism since 1800 (p.105) and the different types of Christian Zionism (p.256-257). His analysis is careful, detailed and meticulous, a distillation of his doctoral thesis, which takes his readers through the movement’s history (chapter 1), examining its theological emphases (chapter 2) and exposing its political implications (chapter 3) to finally emerge (chapter 4) with “Biblical Zionism: a covenantal alternative”, an approach that does justice to both the old covenant under Abraham and the new covenant under Christ and offers hope to Jew and Palestinian alike, eschewing violence and leaving no room for anti-semitism.

Each chapter is broken down into manageable subsections and ends with a concise summary of the arguments presented therein, allowing even an impatient reader to benefit and a more patient reader time to pause and take stock.

Sizer’s final conclusions are — for this reader at least — inescapable:

…the choice is between two theologies: one based primarily on the shadows of the old covenant; the other on the reality of the new covenant. In identifying with the former, Christian Zionism is an exclusive theology that focuses on the Jews in the land rather than an inclusive theology that centres on Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. It consequently provides a theological endorsement for racial segregation, apartheid and war. This is diametrically opposed to the inclusive theology of justice, peace and reconciliation which lie at the heart of the new covenant. (p.260).

A glossary of terms, appendix (‘Challenging Christian Zionism’, a statement from Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem), eleven pages of bibliography and three indices (people, subjects and biblical references) round the book off, whilst footnotes throughout, rather than endnotes, help to keep the entire volume as reader-friendly as possible. This is a book that deserves the widest possible readership. No one who has a concern for the Middle East should ignore the issues raised; to do so is — returning to Sizer’s introduction — ‘nothing less than to perpetuate the evil of the Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan who walked by on the other side.’ (p.13).

The time for silence is over: those who are Israel’s true friends must speak out against Israel’s behaviour before this nation pushes itself over the brink and into Armageddon.

More Reviews
Sixty Academics Endorse Christian Zionism Book

Questioning Sizer’s Sources? 
The following article was kindly brought to my attention in a comment below by ”James”: “See no evil?”: Israel, anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and British evangelicals. I leave it entirely to you as reader to make your own assessment.

Phil Groom, January 2009

Phil Groom is this site’s Webmaster and Reviews Editor. He’s a regular contributor to Christian Marketplace magazine and is the manager of London School of Theology Books & Resources. Any opinions expressed here are personal and should not be taken as representing the views of London School of Theology or of any other group or organisation.

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Messenger

Posted on November 28, 2008 by | 1 Comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Fiction > Messenger

MessengerMessenger

Paul Kercal 
ISBN 9780232527520 (0232527520) 
Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008 (112pp) 
£7.95

Category: Fiction 
Subcategory: Teenage & Children’s 
Reviewed by: Phil Groom

In a word: book. As in cool; and if you didn’t know that in txt msg parlance book and cool are the same word, then this book is probably not for you (try it sometime: your mobile knows).

But if you are up to speed with such things, if you’re used to carrying on multiple conversations in multiple windows, if you’ve discovered the world of instant messaging, if you’re used to feeling connected and conflicted and disconnected all at once, if you can handle highs and lows and emotional storms — then this a book you won’t want to miss.

It’s about life and love, about trust and betrayal, about asking who you can trust and who you can’t and why and what do you do when you know something your mates don’t and who do you tell? It’s about watching your friendships explode and implode and feeling helpless.

It’s aimed at teenagers. It’s about teenagers. It’s a week in the online life of a group of teenagers, but their online life is part of life, it’s real life, real relationships, real lives falling apart and being patched up. It’s about holding onto faith when it all goes wrong and your life is a mess and your friends think your faith is freaky and who gives a damn? But somehow something stands out and it’s you they turn to and you know what’s right and you know what’s wrong and you don’t know a thing and you’re as lost as they are and it’s tearing you apart —

And it’s about a mysterious stranger who logs on: messenger. Who is messenger? Can messenger be trusted? Ignore messenger. Until — but if I tell you I’ll give the story away. Just buy it; read it; share it on facebook; and give it away. Click.

Phil Groom, November 2008

Phil Groom is this site’s Webmaster and Reviews Editor. He’s a regular contributor to Christian Marketplace magazine and is the manager of London School of Theology Books & Resources. Any opinions expressed here are personal and should not be taken as representing the views of London School of Theology or of any other group or organisation.

Darton, Longman & Todd

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Not Under Bondage

Posted on November 25, 2008 by | 4 Comments

Not Under BondageNot Under Bondage
Biblical Divorce for Abuse, Adultery and Desertion

Barbara Roberts
ISBN 9780980355345 (0980355346)
Maschil Press, 2008
£11.95

Category: Family and Relationships
Reviewed by: John Wilks

This review – to be published in Evangelical Quarterly, April 2009 – is reproduced here by kind permission of John Wilks, EQ Reviews Editor.

I don’t doubt for one moment that divorce is there as a recognition of our weakness. The Bible’s overall approach to the value and importance of faithfulness within and to marriage is easy to see, and divorce is not something that Christians should ever enter into lightly. Readers of this journal will undoubtedly be aware of approaches to this topic ranging through the debate between the schools of Shammai and Hillel, the texts from Deuteronomy, Jesus and Paul, and their own denomination’s position on the topic. The prominence given to divorce on the restricted grounds of adultery or desertion will no doubt be familiar. This latest offering comes from the context of separation and divorce as an escape from an abusive spouse. Is this also a biblical ground, or only a cultural one?

This book adopts a no nonsense approach to the topic. There is little preamble as the author launches directly into her topic. Each chapter moves rapidly into tightly argued evaluation of the issue to hand. The text is not ‘softened’ with case histories or anecdotes; this is an intense read. That is different from being a heavy read, though; I had no problems with the style.

The urgency of a person with a mission comes across very readily. The author is up front about the fact that she is ‘a survivor of an abusive marriage’ (15). That might make some people wary: how can she be objective? But to dismiss the book on these grounds would be, I suggest, entirely inappropriate. The style is far from inflammatory, nor is it impassioned or unbalanced. After all, we should all be aware that there’s no such thing as a neutral viewpoint; the position of this author is clearly laid out without intruding on the content.

So what about the content? Abuse in its many forms remains a challenging topic for the church to grapple with. The idea that Christians could be so, bluntly put, unchristian is clearly beyond the ability of some to accept. Yet the evidence is increasingly clear to see. ‘No temptation has overtaken us that is not common to everyone’ Paul wisely writes (1 Corinthians 10:13), but that means that we in the church must deal with the worst of sins as well as the ‘easiest’, and that within our own ranks. It also means that church members married to non-Christians may face challenges and problems less common among the churched. So the book starts by explaining the style and patterns of abusers, the ease with which they present a reasonable public face, and the insidious nature of the treatment they hand out to their victims (chapter 1).

If divorce can only be contemplated for adultery and desertion how, then, if at all, can a victim of domestic abuse seek divorce and still be a faithful, Bible believing Christian? At the core of this book is a distinction between ‘treacherous divorce’ and ‘disciplinary divorce’. The former is defined as divorce on inappropriate grounds, the latter as divorce occasioned by unacceptable behaviour by a spouse. Aware of the need to attempt forgiveness or public rebuke, eventually the only possible action is separation and divorce (chapter 2 in particular).

There is extensive analysis of the expected biblical texts on the subject (chapters 3 to 11); the analysis of Malachi 2:16 (chapter 8 and appendix 7) deserves particular attention. But analysis is not restricted to these passages. Roberts also draws on narrative texts that describe marriages in various stages of failure and disarray. So this is not a book that argues purely from experience. The author’s marriage clearly was horrendous; but her argument does not depend on that. The book is a thorough look at the key biblical texts in order to establish the case for divorce from an abusive spouse on biblical grounds. (There are also 35 pages of appendixes giving detailed supporting information for the most technical parts of the analysis.)

A wide audience is suggested for this book, ranging from the ‘victim of marital abuse’ to anyone ‘who seeks to give biblical guidance on divorce and remarriage’ (15). In fact, I’d suggest this book be restricted to the academic end of that spectrum. There’s too much time spent on establishing the grounds for justified divorce following abuse. And that is good and proper, and we need this book. However, just as David Instone-Brewer has produced two books on divorce for two different audiences (Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context, Eerdmans, 2002; Divorce and Remarriage in the Church: Solutions for Pastoral Realities, Paternoster, 2003) so I suggest that a less technical version of this book (and a less relentless one?) needs to be written with the victim in mind, not the scholars. This should be a very valuable addition to the market. But don’t get me wrong: this book deserves widespread attention, with a positive acceptance and affirmation from the academy and the pastorate. This is the book to be on the shelves of every reader of this journal, and we look forward to the one that we can give to any victims that we are called upon to support.

John Wilks, November 2008

Dr John G F Wilks is the Director of Open Learning at London School of Theology, Reviews Editor for Evangelical Quarterly and author of Scripture Union’s Deeper Encounter Study Series.

Maschil Press

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Insight into Bereavement

Posted on October 28, 2008 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Death & Bereavement > Insight Into Bereavement

Insight Into BereavementInsight Into Bereavement
(Waverley Abbey Insight Series)

Wendy Bray and Diana Priest
ISBN 9781853453854 (1853453854)
CWR, 2006 (98pp)
£7.5

Category: Death & Bereavement
Reviewed by: Colin Green

This book is an excellent introduction to the issues of bereavement, focusing predictably on death, but touching many other aspects of loss and grief.

The authors offer sensitive insights tempered by their own experiences, with flowing language and practical illustrations of principles being examined. It would be unfair to expect too much of this book. It is not a complete compendium. If it were such, then one suspects its target audience would be overwhelmed. On the contrary, this compact book could well be placed in the hands of those experiencing bereavement and looking for greater understanding of both themselves and the issues they are dealing with. Equally it will serve as a wide and inspiring read for those seeking to support the bereaved.

It came as a surprise to find that the first chapter explores “What is death?” since it may at first sight seem painfully obvious. Predictably the reader discovers some very thoughtful deeper insights into the meaning of death and it is so helpful for this somewhat taboo subject to be drawn sensitively out of the closet into the open, yet in the sunlight of The Loving Father.

Other topics include an explanation of bereavement, loss and the varied journeys through bereavement. It also includes insights into remembrance, lament and being touched by God’s love on the bereavement journey.

The advice given is sometimes very practical indeed, such as suggestions on how to cope with mood swings. Another down to earth example is this, “If the bereaved person is able to cope with tiny bits of the day, they will cope longer term. Having control over a small piece of life — making a cup of tea — reminds them they are not falling apart.” The book also includes some valuable thoughts about taking care of the carers, so that they also receive support and refreshment in order to be able to continue their invaluable ministry. It touches briefly on helping children through their grief, although for those deeply immersed in that aspect of supporting the brereaved, this book will only serve as a very useful starting point.

The wonder of this book is that whilst it is concise it is in no way trite, but is indeed a precious resource for any who are touched by bereavement and as such it is heartily commended by this reviewer.

Colin Green, October 2008

Colin Green is a recently retired school teacher, with personal experience both of bereavement and of leading funeral services, including a funeral oration for a twelve year old pupil. Colin is now embarking on a ministry of leading funeral services and is training as a counsellor. Find out more at www.chaplaincolingreen.org.uk.

CWR

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A Permanent Becoming: Review

Posted on September 26, 2008 by | 1 Comment

UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Christian Life & Discipleship > A Permanent Becoming

A Permanent BecomingA Permanent Becoming 
A Contemporary Look at the Fruit of the Spirit

Alan Mann 
ISBN 9781850787839 (1850787832) 
Authentic, 2008 
£8.99

Category: Christian Life & Discipleship 
Reviewed by: Phil Groom

Alan Mann, what are you doing to me?

When I invited Alan to tell me about his new book, when I designated that book UKCBD ‘Book of the Month‘ for September 2008, little did I realise what I was letting myself in for. It’s rare for a Christian book to choke me up to the point where I am unable to continue reading for fear of being reduced to a blubbering wreck in public. On reflection, it’s not rare: I don’t think it’s ever happened to me before. On the tube, no less, travelling to and from work. Three times already, for God’s sake, and I haven’t even finished the book yet!

If you’ve read Alan’s introduction to the book then you’ll already know what it’s about: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (always ‘humility’ in my mental list) and self-control. The ‘fruit of the Spirit’ as described by the Apostle Paul (or whoever wrote Galations: I honestly don’t give a fig about that). A list of what Alan himself describes as rather mundane virtues: the qualities we expect of our grannies, but not exactly cool or radical enough for today’s young people, or even someone like me, desperate to deny the onset of middle-age.

But Alan takes hold of these virtues and reworks them for an iGeneration, flipping that ‘i’ around until it becomes an exclamation point: ! — a warning, an alert message. Apple have given us iTunes, iPod, iPhone and iWant it all, iWant it now. Where does an arcane concept like the fruit of the Spirit fit in today’s world? Love? iLove my iPod but iLove yours more with it’s shiny touchscreen technology. Alan’s assessment: Love is… as love does. Seen supremely in Jesus, who gives himself away. An impossible standard? Maybe so, but this is the fruit of the Spirit we’re talking about, not the fruit of human strength or determination: God’s Spirit at work in us. And by God’s Spirit, I am reworked: Love is… as love does.

I have to stop writing: my train has arrived. But as I step onto the platform, a sign greets me: i for information. I drop the ‘n’ to make sense of my thoughts: iFormation. This is what Alan’s book brings us: not information (though, yes, there is plenty of that too) but iFormation. Personal reformation — formation of the self beyond self.

It’s tempting to say more: to offer you excerpts from Alan’s writing. To tell you about the exact points at which I personally had to stop reading simply to hold myself together, and the points at which Alan and I don’t quite see eye to eye: it would be a boring book indeed if I agreed with everything in it! One particular point of frustration is the lack of general references: biblical references are meticulously noted, but other sources are not. But, as a friend said to me yesterday, there’s wisdom in knowing when to stop, and I think I’ve more or less reached that point. What I want now is for you — yes, you — to get hold of a copy of the book and read it for yourself. I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to describe this book as a postmodern spiritual classic, a book that should be on every theological student’s essential reading list. A book that should be on your reading list, whoever you are.

So I end as I began, but a step or two further on: Alan Mann, what are you doing to me?

More to the point, what have you unleashed upon me? You’ve subtitled your book ‘A Contemporary Look at the Fruit of the Spirit’. But it’s far more than that, isn’t it? It’s the start — or rather, the continuation — of a journey. It’s a journey I embarked on many years ago and it’s a journey that’s been going on all my life: a journey into God, with God and into true humanity. It’s a journey that I’m still travelling, still tripping and stumbling: bumbling, fumbling and stumbling my way into the Kingdom of God… goofing and screwing it up but somehow continually alternating between picking myself up and being picked up by God and by God’s people around me, even by those who wouldn’t identify themselves as God’s people.

I’ve finished the book now. But the book hasn’t finished with me: it is, as you say, a permanent becoming…

Thank you.

Phil Groom, September 2008

Phil Groom is this site’s Webmaster and Reviews Editor. He’s a regular contributor to Christian Marketplace magazine and is the manager of London School of Theology Books & Resources. Any opinions expressed here are personal and should not be taken as representing the views of London School of Theology or of any other group or organisation.

A Permanent Becoming: an opensource development of the printed book

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Prepared for Spiritual Battle

Posted on September 23, 2008 by | Leave a comment

UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Devotional > Prepared for Spiritual Battle

Prepared for Spiritual BattlePrepared for Spiritual Battle 
Inspiring Women Series

Anne Le Tissier 
ISBN 9781853454714 (1853454710) 
CWR, 2008 (112pp) 
£6.99

Category: Devotional 
Subcategory: Women’s Studies 
Reviewed by: Chloe Lynch

This short book (112 pages) has a light readable feel to it. Written especially for women, it is an exploration of the practical application of Ephesians 6:12 and has chapter headings including ‘Army Training’, ‘Know Your Enemy’ and ‘The Armour of God’. It contains helpful illustrations and personal testimony mixed with Scriptural examples from across the whole of the Bible and reviews the theme of the spiritual struggle between God and the forces of evil, within which God’s people are caught.

With only seven chapters, those with the time could plan to read a chapter a day over the course of a week. Others might prefer to read the book more slowly, but however the reader chooses to approach LeTissier’s work, they will be encouraged to take time at the end of each chapter to reflect on what they have read. This final section of each chapter contains questions for consideration and personal application together with some thought-inspiring quotations.  Finally, the reader is led in a prayer which follows the main themes of the preceding chapter.

Perhaps the most important thing to say about this book is that it is accessible to the new Christian. It is full of Scriptural references but these do not derogate from the flow of the discussion in the text and, further, the importance of these references is explained at every stage. It would also be attractive to use with a new Christian because it offers very practical application and real-life advice about the Christian walk, without being overtly super-spiritual. Personally, I would consider using this book as a basis for discussion and mentoring of new Christians in one to one and small group settings.

The value of its material on spiritual warfare and godly living is not, of course, limited to women; however, the choice clearly to aim the book at women alone has the disadvantage of making it unsuitable for use with mentoring men. This is a shame but appears to be a publishing decision as this book forms part of the CWR series of ‘books for women’. Nevertheless, if you are working with women who have newly become Christians, consider whether this book could form part of your discipling process with them.

Chloe Lynch, September 2008

Chloe Lynch is a student at London School of Theology and a part-time church leader with a particular interest in the emerging church.

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