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Short Notes

By Paul Beasley-Murray and Alun Brookfield.

Roland Allen was a man ahead of his time. As far back as the 1920s, he seized on the issue of the stipendiary professional clergy as the outstanding difference between St Paul’s methods and our own, and the outstanding bar to the growth of the church. Although at the time he had overseas mission particularly in mind, his ideas have become increasingly relevant to the UK. Hence Lutterworth Press of Cambridge are to be congratulated on the reprinting of Roland Allen’s writings: Missionary Methods - St Paul’s or Ours? (originally published in 1927;  this edition (which includes a brief foreword by Michael Nazir Ali) 2006; 179pp; £15; ISBN 978 0 7188 9168 8); The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church - and the Causes which hinder it (originally published in 1927;  this edition (which includes a brief foreword by Michael Turnbull) 2006; 158pp; £17.50; ISBN 978 0 7188 9171 8); Missionary Principles - and Practice (first published in 1913;  this edition (which includes a brief foreword by Brian Stanley) 2006; 94pp; £15; ISBN 978 0 7188 9170 1); The Ministry of the Spirit - Selected Writings (first published at various dates in the opening decades of the 20th century; this edition (with an introductory essay by Lamin Samneh) 2006; 208pp; £15; ISBN 978 0 7188 9173 2); and Reform of the Ministry - A Study in the Work of Roland Allen (a 2006 reprint of an earlier edition published in 1968; 235pp; £17.50; ISBN 978 0 7188 9103 9), which includes a lengthy biographical and theological essay by David Paton, as well as a number of lesser writings by Roland Allen.   Although inevitably these books have a ‘dated’ feel, nonetheless the radical vision espoused remains a challenge to missionary strategists of the 21st century. One minor and one major quibble: there is a misprint on the spine of the last-mentioned book, which unfortunately reads, ‘Reform of the Minsitry’; in so far as the books are out of copyright and are poorly printed, the books are over-priced and as a result are guaranteed only a limited circulation.

The Cambridge Companion to the Gospels (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2006; 300pp; £15.59; ISBN 0 521 00261 3) edited by Stephen Barton, is divided into three parts: Part I ‘Approaching the gospels: context and method’ (with essays on ‘What is a gospel?’; ‘The fourfold gospel’; ‘The canonisation of the matrix of the gospels’; ‘The gospels and “the historical Jesus”’; and ‘The gospels and the reader’); Part II ‘The gospels as witnesses to Christ: content and interpretation’ (with four essays on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John respectively); and, perhaps most interestingly, Part III ‘The afterlife of the gospels: impact on church and society’ (with essays on the development of doctrine, the lives of saints and martyrs, spirituality and worship, morality and politics). I was particularly taken by David McCarthy’s essay in which he gave examples of the way in which the saints and martyrs, both old and recent, have sought to live out the Gospel in terms of renunciation (Matthew 19.21), true kinship (Matthew 12.50; 10.37), works of mercy (Matthew 25.40) and reconciliation (Luke 23.34): “our interpretations of the gospels are not finished until we put the texts into practice as well”. A useful introduction to the Gospels, with reading lists for the student.  

From a Christian perspective, 10 good questions about life and death (Blackwells, Oxford 2006; 178pp; £9.99; ISBN 1 4051 2604 3) by philosopher Christopher Belshaw is a frustrating book, because although the questions are good, the answers are wrong, for at no point does he examine, let alone take seriously, the Christian faith. A disappointing read.

Reinventing Worship: prayers, readings, special services and more (Judson Press, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 2006; 150pp; $14; ISBN 081701493 4) by Brad Berglund, comes with a CD-Rom. It is a fairly basic liturgical resource, which would be of limited appeal to a UK congregation. I appreciated most the ten pages of seasonal ideas for worship.

From Pentecost to Patmos. Acts to Revelation: an Introduction and a Survey (Apollos, Nottingham 2006; 577pp; £19.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 052 9) by Craig Blomberg, Professor of NT at Denver Seminary, Colorado, is a sequel to his earlier introduction and survey, Jesus and The Gospels (1997). Based on his lectures to his students, the emphasis is less on traditional questions of introduction, and more on the structure and contents of each book, the main points in each section, the distinctive exegetical cruxes, and key items for contemporary application. This is an excellent handbook for budding theological students.

Worship in Context: liturgical theology, children and the city (Epworth, Peterborough 2006; 237pp; £16.99; ISBN 0 7162 0602 1) by Simon Burns, an Anglican priest who teaches liturgy at Queen’s, Birmingham, is a strange book for a Methodist press to publish. Essentially it is a highly academic, if not arcane, exploration of worship in deprived inner-city centres. The final chapter is devoted to a case study of the liturgy used by the Gateshead parish in which the author was at one stage a vicar. As a Baptist I felt bemused by this book, and wondered whether this kind of ‘wordy’ worship, which so clearly belongs to a dying middle-class culture, could ever prove attractive to urban working-class non-chuchgoers? Liturgy must surely always be subservient to mission.  

The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude (Apollos, Nottingham 2006; 348pp; £21.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 151 9) by Peter H Davids, is part of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series, which to my mind is probably the best non-technical commentary series for pastors today, for the Pillar commentaries are characterised by academic rigour, but at the same time are alert to the contemporary relevance of the biblical text. This volume is no exception, and as a result it should be a welcome addition to any pastor’s library. The fact is that although 2 Peter and Jude tend to be neglected books today, we need to hear their message, and, among other things, be reminded that judgement does matter.

By Faith, Not By Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation (Paternoster, Milton Keynes; 114pp; £8.99; ISBN 1 84227 418 X) by Richard B Gaffin, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminister Theological Seminary, USA, had its origins in four lectures given for the annual School of Theology of Oak Hill Theological College, London. Gaffin’s concern is that the so-called ‘New Perspective’ on Paul has resulted in a lack of interest in the salvation of the individual which in turn has resulted in the ‘decentering’ of justification as understood by the Reformation. It is within this context that he seeks to deal with the ‘order’ of salvation, namely, how the saving work of Christ is applied to the life of the individual. This is a thoughtful exposition of Paul from a proponent of traditional evangelicalism.

The Message of Evil and Suffering: Light into Darkness (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 272pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 148 9) by Peter Hicks, a Baptist minister who at one stage was on the staff of the London School of Theology, is one of the latest contributions to the ‘Bible Themes’ section of ‘The Bible Speaks Today’ series. The Scripture passages for study are collected under six main headings:  1) Evil and suffering - and God; (2) Evil and suffering - and Jesus; (3) What on earth? The nature of evil and suffering; (4) Why on earth? Reasons for evil and suffering; (5) How on earth? Living with evil and suffering; and (6) From the evil one to our Father. As the author recognises, there are no easy answers to the problem of evil and suffering: “Yes, the problem is big. But God is bigger”. This is a book for preachers.

Today there are about two billion Christians, of whom 530 million live in Europe, 510 million in Latin American, 390 million in Africa, and perhaps 300 million in Asia, but those numbers will change substantially in coming decades. By 2025, Africa and Latin America will vie for the title of the most Christian continent. This is the context of The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South (Oxford University Press, 2006; 252pp; £16.99 hardback; ISBN 0 19 530065 3) by Philip Jenkins, Professor of History and Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University, which is a wide-ranging examination of the differing ways in which the Bible is interpreted with reference to such issues as ‘poor and rich’. ‘good and evil’. ‘persecution and vindication’, ‘women and men’, ‘old and new testaments’. This is horizon-expanding book.

IVP Introduction to the Bible: story, themes and interpretation (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 292pp; £12.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 154 0) edited by Philip Johnston, is a clear basic introduction to the Bible written particularly with the needs of new Christians in mind, but also mindful that the knowledge of some older Christians can be patchy. A good book for a church library!

12 Steps to Congregational Transformation: A Practical Guide for Leaders (Judson Press, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 2006; 143pp; $12; ISBN 978 0 8170 1502 2) by Baptist minister David Laubach, consists of some basic advice for stagnant churches, which do not know how to move forward.

Doing Theology in Altab Ali Park (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2006; 252pp; £19.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52571 7) by Kenneth Leech is a fascinating account of the author’s many years of ministry based in Whitechapel in the East End of London. Altab Ali Park is the name of the former churchyard of St Mary’s, Whitechapel, which in 1978 was named after a young Bengali who was murdered as he crossed the park to vote in the local elections. Kenneth Leech, a theologically conservative, albeit politically radical, Anglo-Catholic, is at one and the same time a mystic and an activist: it is this combination many will find challenging. Time and again Leech writes about the necessity of prayer and reflection: “Prayer is vital to the future of pastoral ministry, theology and practical wisdom. If we are bereft of guidance, we perish (Proverbs 11.4). As priests, pastors and teachers, we need ‘the tongue of a teacher’ so that we ‘know how to sustain the weary with a word’ (Isaiah 50.4). None of this can happen without the discipline of prayer”. This searingly honest book, which tells both of success and failure, is vital reading for all engaged in inner-city ministry, whatever their theological tradition. 

Awake To God:  Explorations in the Mystical Way (SPCK, London 2006; 137pp; £12.99; ISBN 0 281 05801 6) by Melvyn Matthews, Chancellor Emeritus of Wells Cathedral, examines five mystical writers in particular:  Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Thomas Traherne, Paul Celan, and Etty Hilvesum, with a view to answering the question of ‘How can we be a Christian today?’ I confess that I did not take to this book: its style is pretentious (in the preface the author describes himself as being told he had the gift of ‘haute vulgarisation’!) and certainly does not engage with where my colleagues are at, and certainly not where my people are at; furthermore, its lack of Christo-centricity means, that for me at least, it lacks ‘Gospel’ bite.

Making sense of spirituality in nursing and health care practice: an interactive approach (Jessica Kingsley, London, 2nd edition 2006; 216pp; £14.99; ISBN 1 84310 365 6) by Wilfred McSherry, encourages the exploration, through reflective exercises, of what spirituality means, both to patients and to the healthcare professionals caring for them. This is not a specifically Christian book, although the material reflects a Judeo-Christian approach to spirituality.   The author, however, is convinced that spiritual care is a necessary part of holistic care. Unfortunately within the NHS the central tenet of ‘care’ has been eroded as individuals are described either as providers or as consumers: “we are witnessing a depersonalisation of care and the carer”. This well-researched, practical introduction may not be relevant to ministers, but is a good book to recommend to Christians and others engaged in healthcare.

David Peacock together with Noel Tredinnick are to be congratulated on producing a totally new edition of Carol Praise (Collins, London 2006; £20 hardback; ISBN 0 00 722816 3). This new collection of traditional favourites and contemporary Christmas songs is a ‘must’ for any church. There are helpful indices (not just the first lines, but also Bible references and a ‘thematic’ order).  In addition there is a CD-Rom which includes selected instrumental arrangements as well as words, and Bible readings. 

The Dictionary of Biblical Criticism and Interpretation (Routledge, London  2007; 406pp; £110 hardback; ISBN 978 0 415 20100 1) edited by Stanley E Porter, is a great work of reference covering not just the major issues and approaches to the study of the Bible, but also a guide to some of the key players (e.g. Jeremias, Kummel, Perrin, Thistleton). Each article is followed by a helpful bibliography for further reading. Probably its major appeal will be to theological students. Sadly the price will debar theological students, and also ministers, from buying this major handbook.

The Blackwell Companion to the Bible and Culture (Blackwell, Oxford 2006; 555pp; £85 hardback; ISBN 1 4051 0136 9) edited by Old Testament scholar John F A Sawyer, consists of an introduction by the editor, in which he rightly points out that it has long been recognised that a text can and often does have many meanings. As the rabbis used to say: ‘Just as a hammer striking a rock makes several sparks, so too every scriptural verse yields several meanings’. So much depends upon context. Thirty lengthy and very disparate contributions are then gathered under four headings: 1) Revealing the past (e.g. the ancient world, the patristic period, the middle ages, the renaissance, the reformation, the counter-reformation, and the modern world); 2) The nomadic text (Judaism, island, Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America, and Australasia); 3) The Bible and the senses (literature, film, music, art, architecture, theatre, circus, body); and 4) Reading in practice (contextuality, politics, ecology, psychology, gender, nationalism, post-colonialism, and postmodernism). The inevitable constrictions of the book mean that every article has to be highly selective. I particularly enjoyed the article on Judaism by Edward Kessler. This is a fascinating book for dipping into. Unfortunately OUP have priced the beautifully printed book out of the reach of most ministers - presumably it is intended for libraries alone.

The Cross of Christ: 20th anniversary edition with study guide (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 460pp; £14.99 hardback; ISBN 978 84474 155 7) by John Stott is a Christian classic. First published in 1986, it appeared in a second edition with study guide in 1989; reprinted many times since, it now appears again in a third edition which distinguishes itself from the previous editions by the presence of a brief foreword by Alister McGrath. Few would disagree with McGrath that this is John Stott’s “greatest and best work”. Although now 20 years old, it is still as relevant as ever. This is a book all preachers should have on their shelves.

Every minister should get hold of 1 Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2006; 336pp; £17.99 hardback; ISBN 0 8028 2682 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Anthony C Thistleton). This is not Thistelton’s first commentary on 1 Corinthians: in 2000 his learned and lengthy (1479 pages) commentary on the Greek text was published. But this second commentary is very different: for this is a commentary written with the needs of pastors in mind, as distinct from scholars. Pastors will be blessed by the exegesis, which is fresh and full of new insights. However, it is what follows which makes the commentary different from the vast majority of other commentaries, for every block of text and exegesis is followed by ‘Suggestions for Possible Reflection’. These fascinating reflections are pure gold and will make all the difference to sermons and Bible studies.   Would that other commentators could follow the same pattern! This is a truly great commentary for pastors.

Ordained Local Ministry: A new shape for ministry in the Church of England (Canterbury Press, Norwich 2006; 194pp; £14.99; ISBN 1 85311 723 4) edited by Malcolm Torry and Jeffrey Heskins consists of thirteen essays by people working within the Anglican Diocese of Southwark. To a non-Anglican, Ordained Local Ministry appears a strange animal - it appears from my perspective to be a form of geographically limited ordination for those who haven’t had the opportunity of a theological college education. But I could have missed something!

1 and 2 Thessalonians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 318pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2836 1. Available in the UK from Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Ben Witherington III, is a scholarly, but accessible commentary, on two of the earliest extant Pauline writings. Witherington emphasises that unlike letters today, Paul’s letters were meant to be heard, not read, and that as a result they were written in and for oral settings.   These documents are basically “transcripts of speeches”, and hence the importance of socio-rhetorical criticism. This unusual commentary is full of insight for preachers and teachers, and is well worth the price.

The Expansion of Evangelicalism: The age of Wilberforce, More, Chambers and Finney (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 272pp; £16.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 147 2) by John Wolffe, professor of religious history at the Open University, covers the 1790s-1840s and is the second volume in IVP’s ‘History of Evangelicalism’. Thematic in presentation, it deals with such issues as ‘spirituality and worship’;  ‘women, men and the family’; ‘transforming society’;  ‘politics: freeing slaves, saving nations’. Broad in scope, it looks at the way in which evangelicalism at that time was developing throughout the English-speaking world. A fascinating read, it will broaden the mind and understanding of all its readers.

The Work of the Spirit: Pneumatology and Pentecostalism (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 254pp; £19.99; ISBN 0 8028 0387 3. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) edited by German systematic theologian Michael Welker, consists of 12 papers given at an inter-disciplinary scholarly conference on the Spirit held in New York 2004. These papers or essays are grouped in three sections: (1) Reconceiving the Spirit, its Personhood and its Workings; (2) The Spirit in Pentecostal Theology; and (3) The Spirit: Connecting Theological, Scientific and Philosophical Insights. For the most part these papers are probably not of burning interest to readers of Ministry Today. However, there is one essay which should be of interest: “Towards the Spirit of Christ: The Emergence of the Distinctive Features of Christian Pneumatology”, by James Dunn which, although not ground-breaking, makes a number of helpful points. For example, he points out that the in-breaking of the Spirit was responsible for the early church’s evangelistic drive, by contrast with Judaism of that time where proselytes were welcome, but never sought. In the context of recognising the fact that Christianity began as an “enthusiastic sect”, he shows how Paul, when he spoke of the work of the Spirit, highlighted not so much the signs and wonders, as the grace of God: “For Paul, charisma never amounted to anything unless it expressed the charis, the grace of God manifested most clearly in Christ”. Indeed, Dunn reminds us that, for Bultmann, grace in Paul’s writings is often a synonym for the Spirit. There is much good stuff here to reflect upon. Dunn’s paper would make an interesting discussion starter for a ministers’ meeting!  

God on the Inside: The Holy Spirit in Holy Scripture (Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford 2006; 142pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 845101 484 5) by Nigel Wright, a Baptist theologian with charismatic leanings, is a basic biblical/theological guide to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the book there are questions for discussion - four questions for each of the chapters - intended for personal reflection or for group discussion. However, in spite of its simplicity of style, the book is beyond the reach of the average church member, and therefore could not be used for home groups. Something more basic is needed if we are to educate our people!

Of interest to anyone who works ecumenically with Roman Catholics will be The Pope Benedict Code (Gracewing, Leominster and Australia, 2006; 95pp; £6.99; ISBN 0 85244 658 6) by Joanna Bogle. It is inevitably somewhat obsequious, but gives a useful insight into the new Pope, known for years as the Vatican’s enforcer of orthodox doctrine and practice, but now miraculously transformed into a warm, people-friendly, generous-hearted, ecumenical Pope. In this reviewer’s opinion, however, it is important to read the quotations from his sermons, addresses and writings with care, observing what he does not say as much as what he does.

Fans of John Stott will be delighted by Through the Bible, Through the Year (Lion-Hudson, Oxford 2006; 432pp; £12.99; ISBN 1 85985 658 6) in which the great Bible teacher’s writings are culled to provide a Scripture-based meditation for every day of the year. Beautifully produced (as always with Lion-Hudson), it contains many pearls of wisdom. Annoyingly, however, it doesn’t follow the Lectionary, or even the usual church calendar, so will probably be easier to use by those whose daily devotions are not Lectionary-led.

For those like me, who love Church history, but seem to have a relentless inability to master the facts, the new Lion handbook, The History of Christianity (Lion-Hudson, Oxford 2007; 559pp; £25; ISBN 978 0 7459 5156 0) by Jonathan Hill, is a must-have purchase. Lavishly illustrated in full-colour, it is just a delight to dip into almost at random. For me, its excellence was enhanced by the fact that it is not restricted to a European history of Christianity, but devotes major parts of its content to Christianity in, for example, Oceania, China, Korea and South America. Worth every penny!

Any church leaders struggling with the task of finding a new angle on Christmas should read The Nativity: History and Legend (Penguin, London 2006; 177pp; £7.99; ISBN 0 141 02446 1) by Geza Vermes. Highly sceptical of the whole nativity narrative, it makes challenging reading in places, although much of it will not worry any thoughtful Christian (e.g. the assertion that Jesus could not have been born on 25 December! Or the ‘surprising’ revelation that the gospel writers each had their own agenda!). In some ways, it’s all old hat and a bit predictable, but it did at least make me think for myself, which led me to some fresh insights of my own.

Oxford University Press are to be commended for producing an attractive and well laid out cross-reference edition of the Anglicized Text of The New Revised Standard Version Bible (Oxford 2003; £32 hardback; ISBN 0 19 107050 5), which is a delight to use.  

Churchgoing Today (Church House Publishing, London 2006; 57pp; £6.99; ISBN 0 7151 4103 1) by Lynda Barley, Head of Research and Statistics for the Church of England, is a lively, well-written survey of church-going today. Although most of the research relates only to the Church of England, the first chapter entitled ‘Listening to the nation’, with a wide range of statistics relating to believing and belonging, is of great interest to all. The challenge presented by the book is the fact that Sunday mornings is not necessarily convenient or indeed possible for almost a quarter of the population. In this respect, Stephen Cottrell in his preface to the book makes a very pertinent observation: “Darwin’s edict concerning the survival of the fittest does not mean, as is often supposed, that the strongest survive, but those who are able to adapt, those who fit their surroundings”. Lynda Barley therefore rightly argues: “We must be prepared to step out of our comfort zones and be church in different places and at different times for churchgoing to be relevant to everyday life and to flourish again in modern Britain.” 

The Oxford Bible Commentary (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2007; 1386pp; £25; ISBN 0 19 927718 4), edited by John Barton and John Muddiman) was first published in hardback in 2001, but has only now become available in paperback. Unlike most one-volume Bible commentaries, this is not a  popular work for lay-people, but is essentially a work of scholarship from which every minister should be able to benefit. Although space is at a premium, it does offer a verse-by-verse commentary on the biblical text, including the Apocrypha. It is amazingly good value.

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: the Gospels as eyewitness testimony (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 504pp; £18.99 hardback; ISBN 0 8028 3162 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament studies at St Andrew’s, argues that the four Gospels are closely based on the eyewitness testimony of those who personally knew Jesus. Contrary to much recent scholarship, the period between the ‘historical’ Jesus and the Gospels was actually spanned, not by anonymous community transmission, but by the continuing presence and testimony of the eyewitnesses. This substantial book is in itself a clear testimony to the trustworthiness of the Gospels, and as such is to be warmly welcomed.

Experiencing the Spirit: New Testament Essentials for Every Christian (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 153pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 150 2) by Graham Beynon, minister of Avenue Community Church, Leicester, is a lively straightforward exposition of biblical material relating to the Holy Spirit. Each chapter is followed by a list of questions for reflection and discussion. Home groups would find this very useful.

Believing in Britain: the Spiritual Identity of Britishness (Tauris, London 2006; 248pp; £18.99 hardback; ISBN 078 1 84511 326 1) by Ian Bradley, Reader in Practical Theology and Church History at St Andrew’s, explores the distinctive contributions to Britishness made over the centuries by the four nations of the United Kingdom. He argues that ‘Britishness’ (like the overlapping crosses on the 400-year old Union flag) is best understood in broad religious, as distinct from Christian, terms. The author concludes his wide-ranging argument with 12 proposals for a more focused and coherent British identity in the 21st century: 1. New patron saints (he suggests Aidan should be the patron saint for Britain - he reproved those with money and authority who abused their power and wealth!);  2. Redesign the Union flag (by incorporating the black and gold cross of St David, black would be brought into the Union flag!); 3. More focus on the monarchy; 4. A new role for established churches; 5. More emphasis on the Commonwealth;   6. More public space and support for religion; 7. Promotion of inter-faith forums and exchanges; 8. Recognising the importance of faith communities in British public life; 9. More support for the BBC; 10. More emphasis on citizenship; 11. New rituals; and 12. A museum or institute of Britishness. Although a lively read, one wonders whether the author’s suggestions would do anything to stop the long-term decline of the Christian church in Britain - surely the broader the church, the less impact the church has on society? 

Why is the Roman Catholic church not prepared to ordain women? The answer is given in The Catholic Priesthood and Women: A Guide to the Teaching of the Church (Gracewing, Leominster 2007; 119pp; £17.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 59525 016 2) by Sarah Butler, who makes a brave (but in this reviewer’s opinion unconvincing) attempt to interpret and defend the stance of the Pope. Interestingly, at an earlier stage the author supported by the ordination of women, but changed her mind.  

John: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts, 2006; 264pp; £10.99; ISBN 978 1 56563 523 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by  New Testament professor Warren Carter is a scholarly introduction to the Fourth Gospel, probably of most use to theological students. However, the concluding ‘Postscript’, entitled ‘Good News? Reading John Today in Our Multi-religious World’, is of more interest to preachers, where the author deals with the tensions of ‘individual and communal readings’, ‘spiritual and social’, ‘affirmation and action’, ‘sectarian or trans-sectarian’, ‘ambiguous and/or absolute truth claims’. ‘exclusive or inclusive claims and practices’.

The Oxford Bible Atlas (OUP, Oxford, 4th edition 2007; 229pp; £19.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 100158 9) by Adrian Curtis, was first published in 1962, but has since been substantially revised and now includes some beautiful colour photography. It is important to stress that this is far more than an atlas: the 27 maps are accompanied by a series of articles on biblical studies, archaeology, ancient history, and geography. It is a great work of reference for all readers of the Bible.

In 1946 the Lee Abbey Movement was born. To celebrate the past sixty years of this influential evangelical Anglican community, Chris Edmundson and Emma Ineson have edited a collection of 10 essays by past and present members of the community, under the title Celebrating Community: God’s Gift for Today’s World (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2006; 177pp; £10.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52659 2). The vision of the book is that it will “enable people to make practical connections into their own lives, churches, and ministries, as they seek to understand how community living might truly be God’s gift to today’s world”.  All the essays link into the theme of community, but from a variety of perspectives - hospitality, environment, worship, healing, diversity, conflict, leadership, young people and mission. All the essays are linked in particular with Lee Abbey, and therefore this book will be of special interest to all those who have stayed in this Devon centre.

Signs and Wonders Then and Now: Miracle-Working, Commissioning and Discipleship (Apollos/IVP, Nottingham 2006; 301pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 149 6) by Keith Hacking, is a careful and meticulous examination of healings and exorcisms within the Gospels and Acts.   His contention is that so-called ‘Third Wave’ commentators fail to grapple adequately with historical, literary and theological issues arising from the biblical text. He concludes: “Signs and wonders, by definition, cannot be considered commonplace, and the models of discipleship presented to us in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts do not encourage the expectation that the manifestation of signs and wonders is to be considered normative in the experience of all who seek, through the leading and presence of the Spirit in their lives, to follow Jesus and to model his teaching and example”.

Religion in the Media Age (Routledge, Abingdon 2006; 341pp; £18.99; ISBN 978 0 415 3143 2) by Stewart M Hoover, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Colorado, is a serious examination of the everyday interaction of religion and media in the cultural life of North America.        

The Earliest Christian Artefacts: Manuscripts and Christian Origins (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 262pp; £11.99; ISBN 0 8028 2895 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Larry Hurtado, introduces readers to the staurogram, possibly the first representation of the cross; the nomina sacra, a textual abbreviation system; and the Christian preference for book-like texts (codices) over scrolls. Somewhat rarified, this is a book for scholars, rather than for working ministers!

Discovering Galatians (Crossway/IVP, Nottingham 2007; 140pp; £4.99; ISBN 978 1 85684 227 3) by Simon Jones, Minister of Bromley Baptist Church, is one of the latest offerings in the ‘Crossway Bible Guides’ series. With questions at the end of each section, it is ideal for use in small groups.

God’s Politician: William Wilberforce’s Struggle (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2007; 180pp; £10.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52690 7) by Garth Lean, was in fact first published in 1980. Perhaps not surprisingly, the book has an ‘older’ feel about it, and assumes a deeper knowledge of English political history than most younger people might have today. Nonetheless, the story of Wilberforce’s struggle to abolish slavery as well as to promote the renewal of morals remains inspiring.  As the author writes in his final sentence: “The world today is waiting to see which countries will produce bands of committed people who will tackle together the seemingly insuperable problems of the coming age, as Wilberforce and his friends tackled the deadlocked situations of their times”.

Scholarship is made accessible in A Commentary on the Apocalypse of John (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 456pp; £21.99; ISBN 0 8028 6073 7) by Edmondo F Lupieri. However, this thoughtful work is not really a preachers’ commentary

Dynamic Diversity: the new humanity church for today and tomorrow (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 185pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 158 8) by Bruce Milne is an expansion of a lecture given in memory of my father, G R Beasley-Murray, at the Baptist World Alliance Congress in 2005.    Although biblically-based, the author draws also on his experience of being pastor of a large multicultural, multi-aged, socially mixed, Baptist church in down-town Vancouver. His main thesis is that “we are called today to intentionally develop local churches in which the primary human polarities are transcended in a supernatural ‘life together’ in Jesus Christ”. At a time when so many growing churches are essentially homogeneous, here is a major challenge.  

The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church. Volume 6: The Modern Age (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2006; 1019pp; £28.99; ISBN 0 8028 3139 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Hughes Oliphant Old, sets out to tell the story of preaching from the French Revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall (1789-1989). In fact this is not quite accurate - probably 1970 is a more realistic cut-off point, as illustrated by the fact that, in the final chapter, entitled ‘The War Years in Britain, 1914-1960’ (a strange form of daring!), the preachers dealt with are Campbell Morgan, William Temple, Studdert Kennedy, James Stewart, William Sangster, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Nonetheless this does not detract from the fact that this monumental survey is extraordinarily wide-ranging, encompassing preaching on the European continent as also in North America and Britain. We look forward to volume 7!

Through the Year with Oscar Romero: Daily Meditations (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2006; ISBN 0 232 52695 8) is published in association with Christian Aid and Cafod and consists of 365 mostly brief thoughts from the Salvadorian archbishop and martyr. A challenging read (e.g. the very first meditation begins: “Persecution is necessary in the church”), nonetheless the randomness of the way in which the thoughts are arranged, coupled with the fact that some of the meditations are accompanied by suggestions for Scripture reading and some are not, gives this collection an odd feel. It could have been better edited.

Social Perspectives in Mental Health: Developing Social Models to Understand and Work with Mental Distress (Jessica Kingsley, London 2005; 240pp; £18.95; ISBN 1 84310 220 X) edited by Jenny Tew, is a collection of 16 essays on a wide variety of aspects of mental health: e.g. ‘social approaches to madness and distress’; ‘power relations, social order and mental distress’; ‘mapping the mental health consequences of childhood sexual abuse’; ‘recovery from mental breakdown’. Although every pastor has to deal with cases of mental distress, this is essentially a book for practitioners in the mental health field.

Atonement and Violence: a Theological Conversation (Abingdon, Nashville, 2006; 170pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 687 34294 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) edited by John Sanders, features four evangelical North American Christian leaders - Hans Boersma, T Scott Daniels, and Thomas Finger - engaging in a lively contemporary debate on God’s intention regarding the violence suffered by his Son. For example: is violence necessary for redemption? What is the connection between suffering and redemption? The debate contains much food for thought.

Granddad’s Ashes (Jessica Kingsley, London 2007; 32pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 517 6) by Walter Smith is written to help children aged four to eight cope with bereavement. Although beautifully illustrated and amusingly written, it is actually thoroughly secular in outlook and therefore I find myself unable to commend it for use by pastors.

Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2007; 264pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2997 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by John Swinton, a professor of practical theology at the University of Aberdeen, tackles the question of suffering, not so much by seeking to explain evil and suffering, but rather by presenting ways in which evil and suffering can be resisted and transformed, e.g. through listening to silence, practising lament, exercising forgiveness, cultivating thoughtfulness, and offering friendship. It is a helpful approach.  

Behold the Man: a Therapist’s Meditations on the Passion of Jesus Christ (Darton, Longman and Todd, London, first published in 1991; second edition 2006; 80pp; ISBN 0 232 52685 0) by Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling in the University of East Anglia, is a fascinating book because it takes such a different approach to John’s story of the passion. For example, the author suggests that, when Jesus left the Upper Room, not only was his heart was breaking for Judas, but that he was also weighed down with sorrow at the apparent indifference of the other disciples to Judas’ plight!  

Judgement and Justification in Early Judaism and the Apostle Paul (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts, 2006; 384pp; £16.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 56563 398 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Chris Van Landingham, first saw light of day as a PhD thesis, and retains that feel.  Over against E P Sanders, the author argues that for Paul ‘works’ are the key to judgement. “At the time of faith, a person who has been ‘made righteous’ is forgiven of past sins (when then become a dead issue), cleansed from the guilt and impurity of sin, freed from the human propensity to sin, and then given the ability to obey. The Last Judgement will then determine whether a person, as an act of will, has followed through with these benefits of Christ’s death. If so, eternal life, will be the reward; if not damnation”.   A somewhat chilling view of the grace of God!

Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians, Volume 1: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on Titus, 1-2 Timothy and 1-3 John (Apollos, Nottingham 2006; 623pp; £21.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 143 4) by Ben Witherington III, combines informative scholarship with insightful application. Preachers will appreciate the ‘Bridging the Horizons’ sections which point to the relevance of the text for Christians today.   Amidst the plethora of commentaries available today, this is a ‘must’.

   

Recent Grove Booklets from Cambridge University Press, all 28pp in length and priced at £2.95, include:

Learning from how Muslims see Christianity (Spirituality 99, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 640 4) by David Marshall of the London School of Theology, who poses the question, ‘Are we prepared to be taught by Muslims how to be better Christians?;

Rural Evangelism in the 21st century (Evangelism 76, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 639 0) by Barry Osborne of the UK Rural Evangelism Network, who shares some very practical advice on the topic; 

Introducing Times and Seasons: 1.The Christmas Cycle (Worship 189, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 636 6) by Mark Earey, Trevor Lloyd, Peter Moger and Tim Stratford, is a detailed commentary on the new Church of England resource, Times and Seasons -  its interest is therefore inevitably limited;

The European Union:  a theological perspective (Ethics 143, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 637 4) by Brussels bureaucrat Guy Milton, encourages Christians to engage with the EU - “Born out of a desire to end conflict and to promote reconciliation, its origins and values owe more to the Christian tradition than Christians realize or than its proponents are often willing to acknowledge” - it offers no practical advice on how that engagement can be undertaken; 

Renewal: what is it and what is it for? (Renewal 26, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 638 2) by Alison Morgan is a challenging read, for she argues that renewal must not be limited to individuals and to churches, but rather must spill out into the community - renewal without an outward movement has lost its reason for being;

Reaching and Keeping Volunteers (Youth 5, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 643 9) by Emlyn Williams who argues that, in spite of the fact there may be as many as 14,000 youth workers employed by churches and Christian agencies (i.e. more than half the number of dentists), there is a vital need for youth workers to act as volunteer managers;

Christianity and Childlessness (Pastoral 108, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 642 0) by Kevin Ellis, who gives a thoughtful pastoral response to the pain of childlessness experienced by so many people (only a third of couples seeking IVF treatment are actually successful);

One God among many? (Biblical 42, 2006; ISBN 1 85174 641 2) by Richard S Briggs, who reminds preachers that even today we are living in a world of competing ‘gods’;

Divine Oversight? Renewing your Church Councils (Renewal 27, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 645 3) by John Leach, who somewhat provocatively addresses the question of “what is it about the dynamics of a church council meeting which so often seems to bring out the worst, most unregenerate and unrenewed behaviour in a group of people?”; 

Ethics in the Letters of Peter and Jude (Ethics 144, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 644 6) by Greg Forster, a very careful survey of the biblical material and the different approaches of recent scholars.

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