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Short notes

By Paul Beasley-Murray and Alun Brookfield.

Introducing Christianity (Routledge, Abingdon 2008; 498pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 0 415 77212 9) by James R Adair, a Baptist professor in Texas, is an amazingly wide-ranging introduction, which takes nothing for-granted. Divided into four main sections, Part I is entitled ‘Introduction to Christianity’ and deals with such basic questions as ‘What is religion?’, ‘What is myth?’, and ‘What is sin?’; it also examines issues such as sacred time, sacred space, and sacred symbols. Part II is a ‘Historical overview of Christianity’, beginning with the Jewish and Greco-Roman context into which Christianity was born, and then telling the story of the development of the Christian faith right up to the present day. Part III, ‘Varieties of Christianity’, looks not just at the different denominations and traditions, but also at differing geographical, doctrinal, and liturgical perspectives. Part IV, ‘Christianity’s interaction with the world’, deals with Christianity’s relationship to science, the arts, ethics and politics, and other religions.  This is an excellent introduction, in which scholarship is worn lightly.

Business Ethics: Making a Life, Not Just a Living (Orbis Books, New York 2008.; 249pp; £10.99; ISBN 978 1 57075 748 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Gene Ahner, who is a teacher of philosophy, theology and ethics and yet also is an executive of a manufacturing company, examines such issues as the free-market economy, leadership and ethics, personal integrity, moral decision-making, and globalization. The basic thesis of the book is that “for business to be successful in the long run, it must be ethical”. 

The latest revision of the Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum (German Bible Society, Stuttgart and also Hendrickson, 2008. 606pp; £55.99; ISBN  3 483 05130 3 and 978 1 598 56014 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) edited by Kurt Aland is now available. So too is the latest revision of the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece with Greek English Dictionary (German Bible Society, Stuttgart and also Hendrickson, 2007; £38.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 598 561274 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh). Both are essential resources for any serious study of the New Testament.

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels (published in the USA by IVP, but in the UK by SPCK, London 2008; 443pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05975 1) is an absolutely fascinating examination of the Gospels by Kenneth E  Bailey, a scholar who lived for more than 60 years in the Middle East, and is familiar with the way in which Arab Christians down through the centuries have understood the Gospels. As a result the book abounds in fresh insights. Divided into six different sections, the author looks first at the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus; followed by studies on the Beatitudes; the Lord’s Prayer; dramatic actions of Jesus (e.g. the call of Peter, the Blind man and Zacchaeus); Jesus and women; and the parables of Jesus. This is a ‘must’ for every preacher.

Ministers who give children’s addresses will no doubt be helped by The Abingdon Children’s Sermon Library: Volume 3 (Abingdon Press, Nashville 2008; 124pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 687 65152 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) edited by Brant D Baker. 

Paul, Missionary of Jesus (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 256pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 4891 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Paul Barnett, lecturer at Sydney’s Moore Theological College, and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, is a masterly introduction to the life of Paul. In particular the author exposes the fallacy that Paul was a ‘second founder’ of Christianity, striking off in directions Jesus never envisaged. Barnet points out, for instance, that the conversion of Paul on the Damascus Road must have taken place within a year or so after the death and resurrection of Jesus, a contention consistent with Paul’s bracketing of himself with those others to whom the risen Christ appeared at the first Easter. The book is good accessible scholarship.

The Gospel of John and Christian Theology (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 428pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2717 3. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by Richard Bauckham and Carol Mosser, is a collection of scholarly essays first presented in 2003 as papers at the first St Andrew Conference on Scripture and Theology. There are a number of essays devoted to John and ‘the Jews’, as also to differing perspectives on the raising of Lazarus. Of interest to New Testament scholars and systematic theologians, but not to most pastors.

Touching the Altar: The Old Testament for Christian Worship (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 235pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2848 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) edited by Carol Bechtel, is collection of seven scholarly essays on differing aspects of Old Testament worship and their relevance to us today, for example: ‘Sacred Time: The Sabbath and Christian Worship’ by Dennis T Olson; ‘Isaiah in Christian Liturgy: Recovering Textual Contrasts and Correcting Theological Astigmatism’ by John D Witvliet; ‘The Hope of the Poor: The Psalms in Worship and Our Search for Justice’ by J Clinton McCann; and ‘Knowing our Limits; Job’s Wisdom on Worship’ by Carol M Bechtel. The authors are to be congratulated on their attempt to root their scholarship in practical issues which relate to congregational worship today.

God Against Religion: Rethinking Christian Theology Through Worship (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 260pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2972 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Matthew Myer Boulton of Harvard Divinity School, draws on the work of Luther, Calvin and especially Karl Barth, to argue that the rightness of righteousness rather than the religiosity of religion lies at the heart of the Christian faith and that it is this reality which is experienced in worship. Hard-going and frankly somewhat irrelevant to the ordinary concerns of ministry.

First published as a hardback by L B Tauris in 2007, Believing in Britain: The Spiritual Identity of Britishness (Lion Hudson, Oxford 2008; 256pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 7459 5300 7) by Ian Bradley has been published as a paper back. Reviewed in Ministry Today in Spring 2007, we commented that 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; 7. Recognising the importance of faith communities in British public life; 8. 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? 

Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit (Paternoster, Milton Keynes, 2nd edition 2007; 97pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 552 8) by Walter Brueggemann, is an updated edition of a book first published in the USA in 1980. “The Psalms”, writes the author, “can only be appropriately prayed by people who are living at the edge of their lives, sensitive to the raw hurts, the primitive passion, and the na?ve elations that are at the bottom of our life”. Highly recommended!

What Language Shall I Borrow? The Bible and Christian Worship (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 202pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 4014 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Ronald P Byars, a former professor of preaching and worship, who argues that “the native language of the church’s worship is, and I think must be, biblical language”. Those who would substitute secular images, language and metaphors for biblical images, language and metaphors are doomed to failure. Only believers are capable of worshipping God. Using the Presbyterian (USA) Book of Common Worship as an example, the author explores how biblical language becomes liturgical language. The argument is attractively compelling.

Hendrickson have re-published Henry Beveridge’s classic 1845 translation of Calvin’s The Institutes of the Christian Religion (Peabody, Massachusetts, 2008; 1059pp; £13.99 hard back; ISBN 978 1 59856 168 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh).

Three down, nine across: 80 Bible-based crosswords (BRF, Abingdon 2008; 185pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 547 7), by John Capon, consists of simple non-cryptic crosswords which first saw the light of day in The Baptist Times. A present for a maiden aunt - or perhaps a resource for a small group leader?

The Routledge Companion to Christian History (Routledge, Abingdon 2008; 365pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 0 415 38363 9), by Chris Cook, former Head of the Modern Archives Unit at the London School of Economics, is a highly eclectic selection of ‘key facts’ about the Christian church. Nor are these ‘facts’ always right. For example, Baptists do not baptise “adults”, they baptise “believers”; and there is a failure to distinguish between classic Pentecostalism and so-called ‘charismatic renewal’. The index is of limited value.

Hendrickson have re-published the Dictionary of the Christian Church (Peabody, Massachusetts third edition 1997, latest re-printing 2008; ISBN 978 1 59856 250 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), first edited by F L Cross in 1957, and subsequently revised by E A Livingstone. Alas, this classic work is very dated and is in need of radical revision.

Opening the Old Testament (Blackwell Publishing, Oxford 2008; 224pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 451 2501 7) by Katherine Dell of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, is an excellent and highly innovative introduction to the Old Testament for people with little or no knowledge of the Old Testament. I particularly appreciated the way in which significant Bible passages are constantly given in-depth treatment. Not just first year theological students, but also interested lay-people could greatly benefit from this book.

Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults (Jessica Kingsley, London, first published in English 1991, second revised edition 2008; 2077pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 612 8), by the Norwegian psychologist Atle Dyregrov, provides a detailed overview of children’s understanding of death at different ages and suggests ways in which adults around them can best help them cope. From a Christian perspective this handbook would have had more value if the author were a person of faith - as it is, religious concepts are dealt with in two brief paragraphs.

First published in 1994, Just As I Am: Personal Prayers for Every Day (SPCK, London 2008; 183pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 08015 3) by Ruth Etchells, an Anglican lay theologian and a former Principal of St John’s College, Durham, consists of a month’s worth of prayers for morning and evening, as well as prayers for the different seasons and festivals of the church year together with prayers for times of sorrow, times of joy. This book owes its inspiration to John Baillie’s A Diary of Private Prayer and is similar in format. A really helpful devotional resource!

Pauline Christology: An Exegetical Theological Study (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts, 2007; 707pp; £22.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 59856 035 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Gordon D Fee is yet another magisterial work from this distinguished Pentecostal scholar. Scholarly, yet accessible even for those who do not know Greek, this will be a key work of reference for many years to come. 

1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians (Abingdon, Nashville 2007; 204pp; £11.9; ISBN 978 0 687 05743 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Victor Paul Furnish is a further volume in the Abingdon New Testament Commentaries series.  These commentaries are marked by popular scholarship - readers are left to reflect for themselves upon the application of Scripture to today’s world. Furnish accepts the generally received opinion that 1Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest extant letter; he believes 2 Thessalonians, however, to have been written a number of years after Paul’s death.

Austen Farrer: The Essential Sermons (SPCK, London 2008; 224pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 281 04454 1) edited and introduced by Lesley Houlden, is a selection of 52 sermons by the distinguished Oxford Anglican preacher, who was Warden of Keble College from 1960 to his death in 1968. All of the sermons here have been published in earlier collections of Farrer’s sermons, all of which now are out of print. The intention of the editor is for readers to meditate upon a sermon a week - a year’s worth of reading, therefore. Each of the sermons is a literary work of art; neither popular nor expository in character, they belong to a past era. And yet in their own way each offers food for thought.

Make Room to Grow: Transform the Church without Killing the Congregation (Abingdon Press, Nashville 2007; 72pp; £5.99; ISBN 978 0 687 491551 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Methodist pastor Jeffrey E Greenway is a product of the classic church growth tradition. It tells the story of how Christ United Methodist Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, made the transition from a hierarchical, bureaucratic style of ministry to one carried out by the members themselves. Because of its context, inevitably this simply-written book will appeal primarily to Methodists.

First published in 1996, the second edition of Always Being Reformed: Faith for a Fragmented World (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2008; 155pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23159 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Shirley C Guthrie, for many years Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, has been expanded with related essays by Daniel Migliore, Amy Plantinga Pauw, and George W Stroup, together with a tribute to Guthrie by Charles B Cousar. The key issue of the book is whether and how we can maintain Christian identity and faithfulness in a pluralistic church and society without becoming exclusive, intolerant, and irrelevant; and whether and how we can be an open, inclusive, relevant community of Christians without losing our Christian identity and authenticity. The questions are good - I was not convinced of the answers.

First published in 1984 Ethics: Approaching Moral Decisions (IVP, Nottingham 2nd edition 2007; 150pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 884474 280 6) by Arthur F Holmes, formerly of Wheaton College, addresses such questions as: What is good? What is right? How can we know? The second edition is a major revision of the first edition - for instance, there is a new chapter on the moral agent, with a focus of post-modern interest, exploring the feminist ethic of caring. The ‘Further Reading’ suggestions have been updated. A ‘must’ for any Christian philosophy student.

First published in 1985, God of Surprises (Darton, Longman and Todd, London, revised and updated edition 2008; 163pp; £?: ISBN 978 0 232 52725 4) by Gerard Hughes has become a spiritual classic. Described by Eugene Peterson in his Foreword as “seasoned wisdom”, the author sets out to bring to his readers “a growing sense of wonder at the marvel and mystery of your being, an increasing sense of gratitude for the gift of life, a growing sense of peace which nothing can shatter, of freedom that no one can take from you, a developing ability to share in the laughter of God, so that you may become what God had in mind for you before time began”.

Transformation Journal: A One Year Journey Through The Bible (Abingdon Press, 2007; 320pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 687 64215 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Sue Nilson Kibbey, sets out to introduce the reader to the Bible by presenting for every week key passages from each book of the Bible. So, for instance, in the final week the readings for the day are as follows:  Revelation 1.1-2.11; 3.14-22 (Monday); Revelation 4-5 (Tuesday); Revelation 6.1-17; 7.8-8.5 (Tuesday); Revelation 12-13 (Wednesday); Revelation 16 (Thursday); Revelation 19.11-20.15 (Friday); Revelation 21.1-22.5. There are the briefest of comments for each day of the week, questions for reflection, and some space for journaling. This unusual approach to Bible reading is fairly demanding in terms of the amount of Scripture to be read, while the comments are very limited.

Father, Son and Spirit: the Trinity and John’s Gospel (New Studies in Biblical Theology, Apollos, Nottingham 2008; 224pp; £???  ISBN 978 1 84474 253 0), by Andreas J Kostenberger, Professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, and Scott R Swain, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, is a painstaking examination of John’s Trinitarian teaching. Although the authors recognise that there is no full-blown doctrine of the Trinity in the Gospel, nonetheless they believe that “John’s portrayal of Father, Son and Spirit (along with the rest of the Bible) put ‘pressure’ on fourth-century discussions about the nature of God in such a way that later formulations and terminology should be viewed less as evolutionary developments beyond the New Testament data and more as attempts ‘to describe and analyse the way in which Jesus Christ and the Spirit’ were intrinsic to Scripture’s way of speaking about God”. This thoughtful monograph wears its scholarship lightly and is highly accessible to the ordinary minister.

The Fat Pigeon Files: an autobiography of the Sheldon Community celebrating 21 years of the Society of Mary and Martha (Society of Mary and Martha, Sheldon, Devon 2007; 152pp; £12.50; ISBN 978 0 9556384 1 1) by Carl Lee and others, is a light-hearted account of a highly significant resource for pastors under pressure.

On God: An Uncommon Conversation (Continuum, London 2007; 215pp; £???? Hardback; ISBN 978 1 84706 286 4) by Norman Mailer with Michael Lennon, proved to be a disappointing and unmemorable read, unless perhaps one is a fan of Norman Mailer. God is viewed as the greatest artist, with human beings his most developed artworks.

The Routledge Companion To The Christian Church (Routledge, Abingdon, Oxford 2008; 684pp; £95 hardback; ISBN 978 0 415 37420 0), edited by Gerard Mannion and Lewis S Mudge, consists of 38 scholarly essays devoted to the theme of ecclesiology. It is divided into five parts: historical ecclesiology; ecclesiological ‘traditions’ (e.g. Orthodox; Lutheran; Reformed; Anglican; Non-conformist; Roman Catholic); global perspectives; methods and debates (e.g. comparative ecclesiology; black ecclesiologies; feminist ecclesiology); concepts and themes (e.g. authority; governance; ministry); and the church in a trans-disciplinary context (the relationship of ecclesiology to the social sciences and to philosophy). Every essay is followed by detailed notes and normally a guide to further reading. As a Baptist I particularly liked the description of the Baptist experience of being church as “the most contentious, creative and self-confident expressions of ecclesiology”. The aim of the book is to increase the readers “knowledge and love of the Christian church... and to serve, in some small way, in furthering the ecumenical endeavour of greater understanding, dialogue, unity and harmony amongst the one human family”. This ‘magnum opus’ is very much a work of reference for the student and the scholar, and unfortunately its price means that it will for the most part only be found in university and college libraries.   

At a time of major change in charity law, The Christian Charities Handbook (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 199pp; £24.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 276 9), by Paul Martin, is an invaluable resource for all church leaders. Clearly written, this is a most helpful guide to the legal and practical responsibilities associated with the governance and maintenance of charities.

The Old Testament: Its Background, Growth and Content (Abingdon Press, Nashville 2007; 382pp; £17.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 687 03901. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Steven L McKenzie and John Kaltner, is a good textbook for theological students. Highly readable, it goes beyond the remit of many Old Testament introductions and deals with such issues as archaeology, history, geography, and ancient Near Eastern background, as well as the history of literary interpretation.

Marketing Your Church To The Community (Abingdon, Nashville 2007; 63pp; £4.99; ISBN 978 0 687 33508 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Peter Metz is an excellent little booklet, from which every church leader could benefit.

In spite of its attractive title The Power of God and the gods of Power (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2008; 141pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23164 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Daniel L Migliore, Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, I found this book a disappointment. Long-winded and not truly rooted in the life of ordinary congregations, it failed to address the issues of power as experienced in many a local church.

The Path of Celtic Prayer: An ancient way to contemporary joy (First published in the USA by IVP in 2007; first English edition BRF, Abingdon 2008; 139pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 581 1) by the prolific American author Calvin Miller, is as lively introduction to Celtic spirituality, which could be a stimulating resource for a week’s retreat.

Jesus’ Parables About Making Choices (Abingdon Press, Nashville 2007; 101pp; £5.99; ISBN 978 0 687 49133 9. Available through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by James W Moore consists of six studies on the parables of Jesus. Justice, alas, is not done to the biblical material: in no way, for instance, is the parable of the Prodigal Son a story about ‘choosing to grow up’. This is pop psychology dressed up in biblical language!

Stewardship Services (Abingdon Press, Nashville 2007; 102pp; £5.99; ISBN 978 0 687 33516 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by David N Mosser provides materials for 22 services - the sermons are pretty basic and at times scarcely do justice to the Scripture.

How To Become A Creative Church Leader (Canterbury Press, Norwich 2008; 434pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 85311 813 5) is a ‘MODEM Handbook’ edited by John Nelson, and is made up of 36 essays dealing with practical issues of church life: so there are contributions on preaching, thinking strategically, leading a team, resolving conflict, leading multiple congregations, and vision. The contributors are described as “successful practitioners of creative leadership” - although in fact less than a third are actually ministers of local churches. There are some useful nuggets, but for the most part the essays do not grab one’s attention - they appear to have been written to order rather than by passionate desire!

Judges: A Commentary (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2008; 290pp; £24.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 664 22096 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Susan Niditch essentially replaces the commentary by Alberto Soggin in the distinguished Old Testament Library series of commentaries. The author wears her scholarship lightly, with the result that we have here a highly readable exposition which should be of interest to preachers wishing to grapple with the biblical text.

Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary (Abingdon, Nashville, 2007; 161pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 687 64624 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Gail R O’Day, of the United Church of Christ, which stands in the ‘Reformed’ tradition, and Charles Hackett, an American Episcopalian, gives a general introduction to the history of Christian lectionaries and the development of the church year, before turning to look at the lectionary as ‘hermeneutic’ and what it means to preach the lectionary today. As one who in almost 40 years of Christian ministry has never used the lectionary for preaching, I confess to finding some of the arguments unconvincing. For instance, is it really true that “because laity can know in advance the texts on which a preacher will preach, they approach each Sunday’s sermon with a higher level of expectation and an increased sense of ownership”?

Equipping Graduates for Youth Ministry (YTC Press, Cambridge 2008; 144pp; ISBN 978 1 84799 267 3) by Sue Peat, a Cliff College evangelist and lecturer, is one of the first books from a new imprint dedicated to research on Youth, Culture and Theology, which aims to produce “good quality resources for those involved in /Christian youth ministry at an affordable price”. This particular volume is based on a research project which set out to “analyse and evaluate the extent to which Cliff College graduates are prepared for youth ministry and the consequential impact this has upon the young people and churches concerned”. Three main recommendations emerge from the research: (i) increased training in inter-personal skills; (ii) accurate understanding of the role’s requirements; and (iii) support scheme for graduates in their first year of youth ministry. Of these three findings, the second is relevant to many readers of Ministry Today, now that as many as one in six churches employs a youth worker. Not only do youth workers need to be clear about what is expected of them, so too churches need to be clear about what they can expect of youth workers. Sadly church youth work is all too often characterised by “ambiguous job descriptions, unrealistic expectations, lack of further training opportunities, and poor management”.

A Concise Guide to Pastoral Planning (Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana 2007; 254pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 59471 135 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by William Pickett, is a thoughtful guide for Roman Catholic priests to enable them to develop strategies in an ever-changing world. Interestingly Pickett stresses the need for planning to be a corporate exercise, involving pastoral councils.  

Christians and Sexuality in the Time of AIDS (Continuum, London 2007; 122pp; £???; ISBN 978 0 8264 9911 0) by Timothy Radcliffe, Lytta Basset and Eric Fassin, seeks to articulate a new theology to deal with the issues presented by new attitudes to sex and sexuality. “Beyond our evident respect for the model of the stable, long-term, healthy and lasting heterosexual couple, what we reject is the deprecation and condemnation of any other way of expressing sexuality, homosexuality in particular”.   Much as I reject homophobia, I also reject the view that those who abide by the traditional understanding of Scripture are therefore unloving and judgmental in their attitudes toward those with whom they disagree.

Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration (Bloomsbury Books, London 2007; 374pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 7475 9376 2) by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, is the first of a two-volume work on the life of Jesus. The second volume will also cover the infancy narratives. Not surprisingly, this is a careful work of conservative scholarship. What did surprise me was the statement: “It goes without saying that this book is in no way an exercise of the magisterium, but is solely an expression of my personal search ‘for the face of the Lord’ (cf. Psalm 27.8). It is good to have such a clear account of the life and ministry of Jesus from the Pope.

Seven Leadership Imperatives From a Wild Man (Judson, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 2008; 110pp; $13.00; ISBN 978 0 8170 1528 2) by Joseph Robinson reflects on seven ways leaders can learn from the life of John the Baptist: be sure; be focused; be humble; be discerning; be complementary; be uncompromising; and be encouraged. A popular publication with illustrations drawn from North American leaders.

20 Questions Jesus Asked: What Is He Asking You? (BRF, Abingdon 2008; 114pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 568 2) by Methodist minister Elizabeth Rundle, looks at such questions as ‘What do you want?’, ‘Have you never read...?’,  ‘And why do you worry about clothes?’, ‘Why are you so afraid’, and ‘How many loaves do you have?’.  Although intended as a helpful devotional tool, it could also prove as a stimulus to a sermon series!

ABCs of Healthy Grieving (Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana 2007; 174pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 59471 127 5) by Harold Ivan Smith consists of 72 one or two page reflections on grief, each beginning with a letter of the alphabet couples with a saying or theme statement that corresponds to that letter. For example, the first ‘A’ is headed “Allow for individual differences in grieving within families”. Each reflection concludes with an “I can” statement such as “I can give each family member permission to try out grief”. This simple little book could be a useful pastoral resource.

Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 864pp; £27.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 8028 4241 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Klyne R Snodgrass, New Testament Professor at North Park Theological Seminary, is a truly monumental and extraordinarily wide-ranging study of the parables of Jesus. Undoubtedly this will become the standard work on the parables for many years. However, readers of Ministry Today need to note that great scholarship (almost 300 pages are devoted to notes!) has not been put out of reach of the ordinary minister wanting an in-depth understanding of the parables. This is a great book - buy it!         

Anglican and Evangelical? (Continuum, London 2007; 178pp; £????; ISBN 978 0 8264 8164 7) by Richard Turnbull, the embattled Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, is a highly informative guide to the Anglican and Evangelical traditions, and the way in which they inter-relate. From a Nonconformist perspective I found it fascinating that no mention was made of the Church of England as an Established Church; and that infant baptism (which is, as is often the case, wrongly contrasted with “adult” baptism”) is recognised as a “second-order” issue.

In The Steps of Saint Paul (Lion, Oxford 2008; 214pp; £20 hardback; ISBN 978 0 7459 5236 9) by Peter Walker, tutor in Biblical studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, is a beautifully illustrated guide to Paul and his travels. Walker points out that how tough these travels must have been: “He went way beyond his preferred ‘comfort zone’. As a result one is entitled to believe that he may have been wrong, even mad; but one can hardly claim that he did not love people, or that he was something of a wimp”! This is an excellent book to recommend to people in our congregations wanting to know more about Paul.

Seven Ways To Change The World: Reviving Faith and Politics (Lion, Oxford 2008; 270pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 7459 5298 7) by Jim Wallis is remarkable for one reason in particular: it shows how there has been a sea-change in the approach of American Evangelicals to politics. Traditionally American Evangelicals have identified themselves with the Religious Right and have been concerned for such issues as abortion and homosexuality. Jim Wallis, however, terms himself a “progressive evangelical”, and in company with an increasing number of American church leaders is concerned for such issues as poverty, ecology, war, and equality. For many Christians in this country this new emphasis by American Evangelicals on “justice” issues will be an eye-opener.

The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2007; 394pp; £21.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2488 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by that most prolific of authors, Ben Witherington III, is yet another great commentary, scholarly but accessible to the ordinary student, offering much ‘grist to the mill’ for preachers.

Lion Books of Oxford are rightly noted for producing beautifully illustrated guides to the Christian faith. Two of their recent publications this year include The Archaeology of the Bible (192pp; £18.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 7459 5226 0) by American archaeologist James K Hoffmeier, and The History of Christian Europe (224pp; £18.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 7459 5265 9) by G R Evans, Emeritus Cambridge Professor of Medieval Theology and Intellectual History. As regards the former, James Hoffmeier rightly says in his introduction that archaeology does not so much ‘prove’ the Bible (although it can confirm the historicity of events or people), as ‘improve’ our understanding of the Bible, making it come alive. Around two-thirds of his book features the Old Testament, with the remaining third dealing with the New. This is an excellent introduction to the contribution archaeology makes to Biblical understanding.   I confess to being less enamoured by the work of G R Evans, primarily because it displays little understanding of the Radical Reformation in Reformation Europe or indeed of English Non-Conformity. To state, for instance, that “congregational structures... lend themselves to extreme positions” displays unfair bias. The author rightly notes the difference that Roman Catholic immigrants have made to English church life in recent years, but not the difference made to British church life by black Christians and charismatic renewal. However, in all fairness, it is a difficult task to distil the history of Christian Europe within 224 pages!

Jessica Kingsley have recently brought out two books which could be of interest to those involved in children’s ministry: Supporting Children and Families: Lessons from Sure Start for Evidence-Based Practice in Health, Social Care, and Education (London, 2007; 287pp; £25; ISBN 978 1 84310 506 0) edited by Justine Schneider, Mark Avis, and Paul Leighton, contains 26 wide-ranging essays, but none make any reference to the difference that Christian churches can - and do - make to the welfare of children and families. Children and Spirituality: Searching for Meaning and Connectedness (London, 2008; 192pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 589 3) by  Brendan Hyde  defines children’s spirituality in terms of “the felt sense, integrating awareness, weaving the threads of meaning, and spiritual questing”. Strangely, however, the author, who is a member of the National School of Religious Education at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, is hostile to any attempt by Christian teachers to relate this innate spirituality with the Christian faith - indeed such attempts are described as “dangerous” if not an “abuse” of the child, for they “could actually do violence to the worldviews of the children themselves”!

Blackwell’s are in the process of producing a series of Bible commentaries devoted to the reception history of the Bible. Normally the goal of a commentary is to get behind the centuries of accumulated Christian and Jewish tradition to the author’s original intention. These Blackwell Bible Commentaries, however, consider patristic, rabbinic (where relevant) and medieval exegesis, as well as the modern scholarship, and as a result bring out a rich ‘cornucopia’ of interpretation. The most recent volumes in this series are Esther Through The Centuries (Oxford 2008; 304pp; £55 hardback; ISBN 978 1 4051 3213 8) by Jo Carruthers of the University of Bristol; Psalms Through The Centuries: Volume One (Oxford 2008; 382pp; £55 hardback; ISBN 978 0 631 21855 5) by Susan Gillingham of Worcester College, Oxford; and Galatians Through The Centuries (Oxford 2008; 336pp; £55 hardback; ISBN 978 0 631 23084 7) by John Riches of Glasgow University. The commentaries are beautifully presented.  Unfortunately the price puts them out of the reach of most ministers.

Eerdmans are in the process of creating a ‘Two Horizons’ series of biblical commentaries, which set out to combine theological exegesis with theological reflection. Two recent contributions to the Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary are Genesis (Grand Rapids, 2008; 398pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2705 0) by James McKeown, Vice Principal of Belfast Bible College and lecturer in Old Testament at Queen’s University, Belfast; and Psalms (Grand Rapids 2008; 490pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2706 7) by Geoffrey S W Grogan, formerly of the International Christian College, Glasgow. Both are great value for money, and have much to offer the preacher.

Recent Grove booklets from Cambridge, all 28 pages in extent and £2.95 each, include:

Real Men, Real God, Real Spirit (Renewal 31, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 677 4) by Carl Beech, who rightly seeks to address the issue of why church is often so unattractive to men, but in his superficial analysis assumes that only men know the pressures of business!

How to Plan and Lead All-Age Worship (Worship 194, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 678 1) by Chris and John Leach, who argue - wrongly in my view - that ideally a church strategy would include a weekly all-age service. To those who don’t like all-age services, they make the following perceptive statement: “In so many churches the prevailing culture is frankly selfishness. If a ser vice upsets in some way at the very least we have a moan about it, and if the situation persists we are likely to pick up our ball and go home, or sometimes to the local cathedral. AAW will only ever work if this mindset is subverted. In our parish we used to tell people that they had a right to something in each service which would be enjoyable and connect with them God, but they did not have the right to expect that everything would be like that”. 

Home Visiting: Opening Doors to Children’s Evangelism (Evangelism 81, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 679 8) by Nick White who makes a strong case for weekly home visits to children and their parents. I wonder, however, how easy such visits would be in modern gated communities?

The Road to Growth Less Travelled: Spiritual Paths in a Missionary Church (Spirituality 104, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 680 4) by David Runcorn left me feeling that there is something wrong with my church if it does not feel like a spiritual desert, as if the desert is to be the norm - but is that the case?