Victorian Religious Revivals: culture and piety in local and global contexts (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 307pp; £63.00 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 957548 0), by church historian David Bebbington of the University of Stirling, should be of great interest to many of today’s Evangelicals, who are constantly looking for revival. Here we have case studies on local small-scale revivals in Texas, Cornwall, County Durham, North Carolina, Scotland, South Australia and Nova Scotia. The final chapter, where the author looks at characteristics of and reasons for such revivals, is fascinating. He shows, for instance, that the prevalence of death was a major precipitant, and that one constant fact in their origin was prayer expectation. The book contains much food for thought.
A special welcome to Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 222pp; £35 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 977397 8), by Alister Chapman, because after a number of popular tributes to John Stott, this is the first truly scholarly study, indicated by almost 60 pages of notes. This sympathetic study focuses on six areas: conversion; students; parishioners; Anglicans; Society; and World.
Friends, Foes and Families: Lenten meditations on Bible characters and relationships (SPCK, London 2012; 150pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06456 4), by Judith Dimond, contains an imaginative series of reflections on fathers, couples, siblings, mother, friends and strangers. She sees through all these a repeated pattern of wilderness, death and resurrection.
Developing in Ministry (SPCK, London 2012; 141pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06398 7), by Neil Evans, Director of Ministry Development in the Anglican Diocese of London, is a highly practical to the development of ministry, both ordained and non-ordained. For me the most significant chapter was chapter 2, entitled ‘Whose agenda?’ The author, who is committed to the concept of continuing professional development, rightly argues that the key question is not about proving that clergy are professionals like other professions, but rather about “encouraging clergy to cultivate the habit of continuous and life-long learning and development to support and develop them in their ministry”. Clergy, he suggests, will be best encouraged to take ‘continuing ministerial development’ seriously when it is seen not just to be of good quality, but also to be meeting their needs.
Interpreting Deuteronomy: Issues and Approaches (Apollos, Nottingham 2012; 280pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 597 5), edited by David G Firth and Philip S Johnston, consists of eleven thoughtful essays ranging from the book’s composition to issues such as civil leadership, life and death, genocide, and Deuteronomy in Christian interpretation. This is good accessible evangelical scholarship.
The Oxford Handbook of the British Sermon 1689-1901 (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 662pp; £95 hard-back; ISBN 978 0 19 958359 1), edited by Keith A Francis and William Gibson, is a delight to peruse, and would undoubtedly fascinate many a minister. It contains 37 essays on all kinds of issues, such as parish preaching in the 18th century, the Victorian funeral sermon, preaching the Oxford movement, the sermon in the British colonies, the sermon and the Victorian novel, and Evangelical and mission sermons. It is truly comprehensive – but what a price!
Thomas and the Gospels: The making of an apocryphal text (SPCK, London 2012; 226pp; £18.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06776 3), by Mark Goodacre of Duke University, North Carolina, is a detailed study of what has sometimes been termed the ‘fifth’ Gospel. The author argues that Thomas knew and used the Synoptic Gospels, with special reference to Matthew and Luke. Thomas is “a brilliant attempt to re-create Jesus’ words in its own voice, drawing on the Synoptics, but transcending them by providing new twists on the old sayings, and adding many more from its own, secret treasure chest”. However, the author points out that Thomas does not bring us any nearer to the historical Jesus – it is not the scholars’ holy grail! Rather we have here “an early, enigmatic portrait of an esoteric Jesus”.
First published as part of the Oxford Bible Commentary in 2001, The Apocrypha (Oxford University Press, Oxford, this edition 2012; 261pp; £14.00; ISBN 978 0 199 65081 1), edited by Martin Goodman, Professor of Jewish Studies at Oxford, is a good basic commentary for students of all faith backgrounds.
The Resurrection of Peace: A Gospel journey to Easter and Beyond (SPCK, London 2012; 129pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06637 7), by Mary C Grey, is a Lenten book with a difference. The author explores and explains the issues and initiatives around the Jewish-Christian-Muslim search for peace and offers feminist perspective on redemption within this context. At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection, which make the book ideal for a serious group of readers.
The Life and Witness of Peter (Apollos, Nottingham 2012; 329pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 600 2), by retired New Testament teacher Larry R Hellyer, is essentially a basic student textbook and focuses to a large extent on 1 and 2 Peter, although there are also chapters on Peter in the Gospels, Peter and the Early Church, and Peter in Paul’s letters. It will probably not be of particular interest to working ministers.
The Early Text of the New Testament (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 483pp; £90 hard-back; ISBN 978 0 19 956636 5), edited by Charles E Hill and Michael J Kruger, is a beautifully produced scholarly introduction to the New Testament text. It consists of 21 essays divided into three sections: the textual and scribal culture of Early Christianity; the manuscript tradition; and early citation and use of New Testament writings. It is a great book, even though the level of scholarship demanded is high and certainly the price is beyond the reach of most readers!
History of the World Christian Movement: Volume II – Modern Christianity from 1454 – 1800 (Orbis Books, New York 2012; 503pp; £26.99; ISBN 978 1 57075 989 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Dale T Irvin and Scott W Sunquist, is an unusually wide-ranging student textbook, and as such is to be commended.
A recent addition to the new Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries is Jeremiah and Lamentations (IVP, Leicester 2013; 373pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 605 7), by Hetty Lalleman, who teaches Old Testament at Spurgeon’s College, London. A competent but uninspiring piece of work.
First published in 2011, and now re-issued in paperback, The Oxford Handbook of the Reception History of the Bible (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2013; 725pp; £30; ISBN 978 0 199 67039 0), edited by Michael Lieb, Emma Mason and Jonathan Roberts, is a somewhat eclectic book. Divided into two parts, Part I comprises essays surveying the outline, form and content of 12 biblical books (Genesis, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Judges, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians and Revelation) which have been key in the history of interpretation. Part II consists of in-depth case-studies, such as Bob Dylan’s Bible, Exodus in Latin America, Post-Holocaust Jewish interpretations of Job, Karl Barth and Romans.
First published in hardback in 2010, The Oxford Handbook of The Dead Sea Scrolls (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 783pp; £30; ISBN 978 0 19 966308 8), edited by Timothy H Lim and John J Collins, is now available in paperback. It consists of 30 essays divided into eight parts, which deal with the archaeology of Khirbet Qumran; the scrolls and Jewish history; the scrolls and sectarianism; the biblical texts, interpretation and languages of the scrolls; religious themes in the scrolls; the scrolls and early Christianity; the scrolls and Later Judaism; and new approaches to the scrolls. It is an indispensable work of reference for anyone wanting to know about the Dead Sea Scrolls.
First published in 2006 in the States, and then later in 2008 in the UK, the second edition of The Evangelical Universalist: the biblical hope that God’s love will save us (SPCK, London, 2nd edition 2012; 271pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06875 3), by Gregory MacDonald – later revealed to be the pseudonym of Robin Parry – leaves the main text of the earlier book unchanged. However, there is: an additional preface; four new appendices in which, among other issues, the author deals with Rob Bell’s view on universalism; a study guide; a Scripture index; and a foreword from Oliver Crisp. Whether or not one agrees with the thesis, it is an important book.
Keys to Jerusalem: Collected Essays (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 317pp; £65 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 964202 1), by Jerome Murphy-O’Connor, the New Testament scholar who has lived in Jerusalem for some 48 years, brings together a dozen articles previously published elsewhere, covering New Testament, Roman and Christian Jerusalem from Constantine to the Crusades. I particularly appreciated his articles on ‘Jesus and the money-changers’ and ‘What really happened at Gethsemane?’. This book is essentially for an academic library.
‘We proclaim the Word of Life’: Preaching the New Testament Today (IVP, Leicester 2013; 263pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 610 1), edited by Ian Paul and David Wenham, is made up of 17 essays by scholars and teachers who seek to offer insights on how to interpret, communicate and apply the New Testament. But none of these are true practitioners – or at least, none minister to the same congregation week by week. It would have perhaps been of more interest to have read how a group of scholar-pastors cope with the challenge of preaching the New Testament week by week!
Encountering God Together: biblical patterns for ministry and worship (IVP, Leicester 2013; 191pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 607 1), by David G Peterson, a former Principal of Oak Hill College, London, is a fairly basic guide to life together in the (Anglican) church.
A Cultural Handbook to the Bible (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2012; 307pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6720 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by John J Pilch, a long-serving university professor of biblical literature, is a fascinating book to dip into. It is made up of articles previously published between 1998 and 2006, and seeks to apply insights from the social sciences to the interpretation of Scripture.
How Survivors of Abuse Relate to God (Ashgate, Farnham, Surrey 2012; 210pp; £50 hardback; ISBN 978 1 4094 4126 7), by Susan Shooter, first saw light of day as a DMin thesis. The book begins with the statement that “by the age of 18 around 25% of girls and 10% of boys have been victims of sexual abuse”. Given such statistics, the spirituality of survivors is of importance. How does their perception of God change? What insights have survivors to offer to the church? It is with such questions in mind that this book is concerned. Based on in-depth interviews with nine Christian women, all survivors of abuse, the author combines her research with reflections on the story of Job and the spirituality of the medieval mystic Marguerite Porete. Frankly, the book is hard-going – a more popular version is needed if this research is to impact ordinary ministers.
Dangerous Calling: the unique challenges of pastoral ministry (IVP, Nottingham 2012; 227pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 602 6), by Paul Tripp, a church consultant on the staff of 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, seeks to offer diagnosis and cure for dangers and temptations facing pastors. Somewhat confusingly, it is also written for church members.
Published in ‘The New International Commentary on the Old Testament’ series, The Book Of Judges (Eeerdmans, Grand Rapids Michigan 2012; 555pp; £32.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 8028 2628 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Barry Webb, formerly of Moore College, Sydney, is a super commentary – and lives up to its billing as ‘eminently readable, exegetically thorough, and written in an emotionally warm style’. This is a commentary for any preacher wanting to get to grips with this challenging Bible book.
Transformation Through Journal Writing: The art of self-reflection for the helping professions (Jessica Kingsley, London 2012; 240pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 1 84905 347 1), by Jane Wood, has not a specifically religious perspective, but nonetheless makes for interesting reading. In her preface, she notes that the word ‘journal’ comes from the same root as ‘journey’ – “the journeyman is the craftsman who has progressed beyond apprenticeship, but still has not reached mastery”.
First published in hardback in 2010, A Sociology of Religious Emotion (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2012; 270pp; £18.99; ISBN 978 0 19 965577 9), by Ole Riis and Linda Woodhead, is a specialist academic book. But, as the authors say in their conclusion, “emotions are vital for social life. They are not a trivial matter, as anyone who has been in love, witnessed an act of bravery, or felt ashamed, knows… Emotions are integral to morals and meaning: they move, motivate, and inhibit”. As its title suggests, this distinctive book is more for sociologists than for ministers.
Working with Drug and Alcohol Users: A guide to providing understanding, assessment and support (Jessica Kingsley, London 2013; 223pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 84905 294 8), by Tony White, an Australian psychologist, represents the fruit of some 30 years work in this area. Primarily a specialist book, nonetheless ministers will find that the book contains a useful guide to helping substance users.
Nourishing the Spirit: the healing emotions of wonder, joy, compassion and hope (Orbis Books, New York 2012; 181pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 62698 001 3. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by James and Evelyn Whitehead, is a mixture of philosophy, theology and psychology. The opening paragraph gives a flavour of the delightful style: “The life of faith is a passionate affair. Beloved by God, we respond with affection and care toward our loved ones and those in need. We are aroused by injustice, moved by generosity, awed by the stunning beauty of the world. Despite life’s setbacks and reversals of fortune, passionate hope sustains us”.
SPCK have published The Rule of Taize both in English (London, 2012; 67pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06827 2), and in French and English (London, 2012; 131pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06829 6). Written by its founder, Brother Roger, during the winter of 1952-53, it aims to create a ‘parable of community’. I particularly liked the section on harmony: “Life in community is not possible without a minimum of harmony. Why inconvenience your brothers by being late or careless? If for an important reason you are unable to be present at an act of community, do not excuse yourself through an intermediary. Never be a hindrance by your lack of eagerness to gather with the brothers with whom you have committed yourself totally, in body and spirit”. This could equally be applied to church communities!
Ashgate Publishing (Farnham, Surrey) produce a number of authoritative and wide-ranging Research Companions. These include Religion and Conflict Resolution (2012; 421pp; £85 hardback; ISBN 978 1 4094 1089-8), edited by Lee Marsden; and Contemporary Religion and Sexuality (2012; 336pp; £85 hardback; ISBN 978 1 4094 0949 6), edited by Stephen Hunt and Andrew Yip. The former consists of 23 essays, which include: Christian Claims of Uniqueness - the Problem of Violence and Interfaith Dialogue; Is Promoting Religious Freedom Dangerous?; Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland; Mohandas Ghandi. The latter is made up of 20 essays, including Reading about Sex in the Bible Coping with Ambiguities; Virgin Pride - Born Again Faith and Sexual Identity in the Faith-Based Abstinence Movement; Queer Theory, Sexuality and Religion Menstruation, Sexuality, and Spirituality in Buddhism. Both volumes display accessible scholarship. Fascinating though both books are, they are, however, essentially books for the academic library.
Wiley-Blackwell of Oxford have published a series of beautifully produced ‘Companions’. The latest is The Companion to Christian Mysticism (2013; 651pp; £120 hardback; ISBN 978 1 4443 3286 5), edited by Julia A Lamm, is a delight to dip into. It consists of 40 scholarly essays divided into five sections: themes in Christian mysticism; early Christian mysticism; medieval mystics and mystical traditions; mysticism and modernity; and critical perspectives on mysticism. This volume will clearly become a standard reference work, but it’s priced for academic libraries.
Further volumes in The Preacher’s Toolbox series, published in 2012 by Hendrikson (Peabody, Massachusetts) and available in the UK from Alban Books of Edinburgh, and edited by Craig Brian Larson, are Sermon Preparation (183pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 59856 960 5) and Interpretation and Application (174pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 59856 959 9). Both books are made up of light-weight essays and interviews – for the most part by and with celebrity North American preachers. Hendrickson have also published Best of Small Groups: volume 1 (2012; 119pp; ISBN 978 1 59856 846 2) which together with the accompanying two DVDS costs £25.99: it brings together twelve of ‘the top small group Bible studies from today’s best-known Christian leaders’ together with some further material by Brett Eastman of ‘Lifetogether Ministries’.
A warm welcome to yet another contribution to ‘The Bible Speaks Today’ series: The Message of Malachi (IVP, Nottingham 2013; 124pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 622 4), by Peter Adam, a former Principal of Ridley College, Melbourne, provides an excellent exposition and a stimulating resource for every preacher.
The Historical Character of Jesus: Canonical Insights from outside the Gospels (SPCK, London 2013; 208pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06470 0), by David M Allen, is a careful scholarly study of what we can learn of the earthly Jesus from the New Testament writings outside of the Gospels. Inevitably the material is limited, but, as the author points out, even that inspires confidence in the historical Jesus, for if traditions about Jesus were merely created or constructed to suit the needs of the early church, then we might well expect to find more evidence!
The Theology of the Book of Amos (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2012; 216pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 521 67175 0), by the distinguished Old Testament Oxford professor, John Barton, is good accessible scholarship. Any preacher embarking on a series of sermons on Amos would do well to read this book.
The first British edition of The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting ancient spiritual practices, evangelism and justice (London, SPCK 2013; 248pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06933 0), by Tony Campolo and Mary Darling, is to be welcomed, even although it is probably far too basic for most readers of this journal. The purpose of this volume is to develop a holistic model of Christianity, in which mystical spirituality is integrated with evangelism and justice. Very down-to-earth, with questions for reflection and discussion, this could be profitably used by student and young adult groups.
More Sermons on Difficult Subjects: Background information, sermon ideas, stories and thoughts to take away (Kevin Mayhew, Stowmarket 2013; 228pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 84867 587 1), edited by John Cox, includes sermon ideas on a wide array of subjects, including abortion, astrology, censorship, embryology, fraud, Islamophobia, organ transplant, rape, superstition, travellers and gypsies, and usury. Although none of the sermons could be preached ‘off-the-peg’, nonetheless they should be of help to ministers seeking to preach on contemporary issues.
The Capetown Commitment: Study Edition – a confession of faith and a call to Action (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts 2012; 146pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 61970 027 7), by Rose Dowsett, expounds the statement accepted by some 4000 members of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held in Capetown 2010. Realistically, I find it difficult to believe that any local church will have much interest in this “blueprint for The Lausanne Movement over the next ten years”.
Empowering Couples: A narrative approach to spiritual care (Fortress Press, Minneapolis 2013; 144pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 8006 6342 1), by Duane R Bidwell, brings together so-called narrative therapy, John Gottman’s research on couples, and desert spirituality, and is a useful tool for pastors engaged in couple counselling.
Straining at the Oars: case studies in pastoral leadership (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2013; 118pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6866 4), by H Dana Fearon III, a retired Presbyterian minister, is not written with experienced ministers in mind, but rather for new ministers who are just making the transition from training into their first church. No doubt helpful for the target audience, it probably is of little interest to readers of Ministry Today.
Society Shaped by Theology: Sociological Theology (Ashgate Contemporary Ecclesiology Series, Farnham 2013; 252pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 4094 2600 4), by Robin Gill, is the final volume in his trilogy on sociological theology. Divided into three parts, the individual essays include: The social significance of the Honest to God debate; Altruism among churchgoers; Virtues in the Synoptic healing stories; theological virtues in the public forum’. Although quite technical, this insightful volume repays study.
With Job For Everyone (SPCK, London 2013; 215pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06317 2). John Goldingay, the British professor of Old Testament in Fuller’s School of Theology (and a former Principal of St John’s College, Nottingham) has produced yet another outstanding popular commentary, which will also bless many a preacher. This is a book to buy!
On more than one occasion I have preached on the words of Paul – “It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4.2) – how much richer those sermons would have been had I been able to read Paul As An Administrator of God in 1 Corinthians (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2012; 248pp; £60 hardback; ISBN 978 1 107 01862 4), by John K Goodrich. Published in the SNTS Monograph Series, it is a scholarly work and ideal for, say, a minister to study on sabbatical!
Paul The Apostle: His Life and Legacy in their Roman Context (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2012; 207pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 0 521 75780 5), by American classicist J Albert Harrill, examines both the life and the later legend of the Apostle Paul. Written for undergraduates, it will also be of interest to scholars, not least for the way in which the author challenges some of the established assumptions concerning Paul.
The Big Ego Trip: Finding true significance in a culture of self-esteem (IVP, Nottingham 2013; 222pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 620 0), by Glynn Harrison, a retired professor of psychiatry, is an excellent read – lively, well-informed, and full of helpful insights.
First published in 2010 as a hardback, Who Chose the Gospels? Probing the Great Gospel Conspiracy (Oxford University Press 2012; 295pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 19 964029 4), by C E Hill, Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, is essentially a work of apologetics written to counter Dan Brown of Da Vinci Code fame, as well as other way-out American commentators. Here we have careful, accessible, conservative scholarship at its best.
There is a season: celebrating the church year with children (SPCK, London 2013; 182pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06911 8), by Margaret Prichard Houston, Families Pastor at St George’s, Campden Hill, London, is an excellent resource. It had ideas of Harvest; All Saints/All Souls; Christmas; Epiphany; Ash Wednesday; Easter; and Pentecost. One limitation is that it is produced primarily for Anglican churches.
A Short History of Global Evangelicalism (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2012; 306pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 0 521 74650 2), by Mark Hutchinson and John Wolffe, is a fascinating overview. However, perhaps inevitably, it relies a good deal on secondary sources, even for the final chapter on the 1970s–2010.
Lamentations Through the Centuries: Wiley-Blackwell Bible Commentaries (Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford 2013; 217pp; £55 hardback; ISBN 978 0 831 21978 1), by Paul M Joyce and Diana Lipton, is a superb guide to the way in which Lamentations has been interpreted. Every preacher could benefit from this horizon-broadening commentary.
Formation of the Bible: The story of the church’s canon (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts 2012; 178pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 59856 838 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Lee Martin McDonald, formerly of Acadia Divinity School, Nova Scotia, has been written in the first place for lay people, but it would also serve as an undergraduate textbook. This is a great example of the academy serving the wider church, and is to be warmly welcomed.
Christian History: An Introduction (Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford 2013; 374pp; £22.99; ISBN 978 1 118 33780 6), by Alister McGrath, is an excellent survey for the reader with little or no knowledge of church history. Every chapter ends with helpful pointers for further reading.
In a new series entitled Christian Belief for Everyone, Alister McGrath has written an excellent little book for ordinary churchgoers on Faith and the Creeds (SPCK, London 2013; 154pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06833 3). Four more volumes by the author are expected in this series!
Yet another book by Alister McGrath is The Intellectual World of C S Lewis (Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford 2013; 191pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 0 470 67279 2), which contains a series of eight previously unpublished scholarly essays on the context in which Lewis wrote. These essays cover the philosophical context of Oxford in the 1920s; the concept of myth in Lewis’ thought; his metaphors of light, sun and sight; his argument from desire; his religious identity; and also his standing as a theologian. Any serious student of Lewis will be delighted with this volume.
The Story We Find Ourselves In: Further adventures of a New Christian (SPCK, London 2013 – English edition; 310pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06995 8) and The Last Word and the Word After That (SPCK, London 2013; 302pp; ££12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06997 2) are the second and third parts of Brian McLaren’s ‘creative non-fiction’ trilogy in which the characters converse on key issues of the faith: the second part focuses on matters such issues as evolution and evangelism, death and the meaning of life; while the third part deals with hell and the grace of God. No doubt this narrative approach to faith-issues will appeal to many, but not to me!
Jesus: a Gospel (Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 2013; 150pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 62698 014 3. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Henri Nouwen, is a collection of previously published reflections on the Scriptures, brought together and edited by Michael O’Laughlin. This devotional re-telling of the Gospel story is to be savoured slowly, rather than read at one sitting.
Taking God Seriously: Vital Things We Need To Know (IVP, Nottingham 2013; 175pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 609 5), by J J Packer, focusses on eight issues: faith, doctrine, Christian unity, repentance, the church, the Holy Spirit, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper – but from a distinctively Anglican point of view within a North American context.
Paul’s Missionary Methods - in his time and ours (IVP, Nottingham 2013; 253pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 615 6), edited by Robert L Plummer and John Mark Terry, is a collection of scholarly essays written to celebrate the publication 100 years ago of Roland Allen’s Missionary Methods: Saint Paul’s or Ours? This book is unlikely to be of great interest to most working ministers.
Mapping the Origins Debate: Six Models of the Beginning of Everything (IVP, Nottingham 2012; 237pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 6616 3), by Gerald Rau, provides a useful guide for high-school students and college students to six models of origins. One model, naturalistic evolution, has no room for God, while the other five do: non-teleological evolution, planned evolution, directed evolution, old-earth creation, and young-earth creation. As he rightly says in the preface, this book “demonstrates how our religious and philosophical presuppositions, rather than the evidence, dictate our preference”!
First published as a hardback in 2013 by the University of South Carolina, Caiaphas The High Priest (Fortress Press, Minneapolis 2013; 254pp; £25.99; ISBN 978 0 8006 9940 6), by Adele Reinhartz, takes an unusually broad approach to her subject, reflecting on Caiaphas in the New Testament, in Early Christian Imagination, in Literature, as well as Caiaphas on State, on Screen, in Historiography and in History. The result is fascinating and informative study.
Children in the Bible: A Fresh Approach (SPCK, London 2013; 146pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06688 9), by Anne Richards, National Adviser for mission theology, alternative spiritualities and new religious movements for the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, is an unusually thought-provoking study of the Scriptures in relation to children. She argues that children are ‘worthy’ of calling, life and salvation, commissioning, healing and blessing. A good text for a ministers’ group to study together!
Am I missing something? Christianity through the eyes of a new believer (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2013; 176pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 78078 026 9), by former News Of The World reporter Ruth Roberts, is light in style, but challenging at times in substance.
Immortal Diamond: The Search for our True Self (SPCK, London 2013 – English edition; 288pp: £10.99; ISBN 978 0 281 07017 6), by Richard Rohr will no doubt appeal to many. He likens the True Self to a diamond, trapped deep inside us, formed under the intense pressure of our lives, needing to be searched for, uncovered and separated from all the debris of ego that surrounds it. Rohr’s somewhat imaginative approach to Scripture will not be to everyone’s taste!
Following on the earlier publication of Falling Upward by Richard Rohr, SPCK have now produced Falling Upward: A Companion Journal (London, 2013; 181pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 07057 2), by Richard Rohr. Intended for use by individuals and groups, this useful resource provides a blend of quotes, stories and suggestions for spiritual practices, with plenty of space for readers to write down their own thoughts.
Love Hurts: The heart of the Christian story (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2013; 118pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 810 9) by Alan J Spence, is a deceptively simple read in which the author unpacks the Gospel message of God’s love. Preachers will find the illustrations useful.
Published in the five-volume series A History of Evangelicalism, The Global Diffusion of Evangelicalism: The Age of Billy Graham and John Stott (IVP, Nottingham 2013; 283pp; £19.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 830 82585 1) by Edinburgh-based historian Brian Stanley, is a tour de force and makes for fascinating reading. Highly informative and theologically insightful, there is much to learn, even for those of us who have lived through much of this period.
First published as a hardback in 2009, Sermons of George Whitefield (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts 2013; 337pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 61970 061 1. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) contains a selection of sermons preached by George Whitefield who died at the early age of 56. Frankly, the sermons all seem to be incredibly dated!
C S Lewis vs the New Atheists (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2013; 275pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 842 27770 6), by Peter Williams, seeks to apply the insights of a 20th century apologist to such 21st century atheists as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. This creative piece of theology makes for fascinating reading.
The Rest of Life: rest, play, eating, studying, sex from a Kingdom perspective (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2012; 158pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6737 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III, provides a most unusual exploration of issues which few pastors tend to tackle in Sunday preaching, but with this resource would now be able to do so!
First published in 1992, The New Testament and the People of God (SPCK, London 2013; 535pp; £35; ISBN 978 0 281 06621 6) is the first volume in N T Wright’s magisterial series, Christian Origins and the Question of God. This has proved to be a key text for any serious student of the New Testament, and the reissue is thus very welcome.
New Testament Wisdom For Everyone (SPCK, London 2013; 113pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06937 8), by N T Wright, is something of a disappointment, in that it is a selection of previously published expositions of the New Testament passages. This selection is divided into five parts: the wisdom of the Spirit; the transformation of the self; the greatest of the virtues; the path of the disciple; and the renewal of the world. The ordering of the selection may provide inspiration for a series or two of sermons!
The 28th edition of Novum Testamentum Graece (ISBN 978 3 438 05155 4), the Greek New Testament produced by Nestle-Aland (German Bible Society 2012; published in the US by Hendrikson and distributed in the UK by Alban Books of Edinburgh. Even at £49.99 for a flexicover edition, for scholars – and indeed budding scholars – this is now the edition to have!
Everyday matters – Journal (Hendrickson, Peabody, Massachusetts 2013; 208pp; £9.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 61970 024 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) is designed to accompany the Everyday Matters Bible for Women. Divided into 24 spiritual practices, it contains quotes and very brief articles, but essentially it is a book of lined pages for use as a journal.
Recent Cambridge Companions, each of which are made up of wide-ranging essays, and all accessible to the non-specialist, include:
The Cambridge Companion to Black Theology (CUP, Cambridge 2012; 333pp; £18.99; ISBN 978 0 521 70569 1), edited by Dwight H Hopkins and Edward P Antonio.
The Cambridge Companion to Christian Mysticism (CUP, Cambridge 2012; 390pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 0 521 68227 5), edited by Amy Hollywood and Patricia Z Beckman.
The Cambridge Companion to New Religious Movements (CUP, Cambridge 2012; 330pp; £18.99; ISBN 978 0 521 14565 7), edited by Olav Hammer and Mikael Rothstein.
OUP have a wonderful Oxford Handbooks series, which aims to offer an authoritative and state-of-the-art survey of current thinking and research in a particular area. These volumes are not cheap – but they are beautifully printed and are terrifically stimulating. Recent ‘Handbooks’ include:
The Oxford Handbook of Natural Theology (Oxford, 2013; 632pp; £95 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 955693 9), edited by Russell R Manning, where 38 essays are divided into five parts featuring historical perspectives, theological perspectives, philosophical perspectives, scientific perspectives, and perspectives from the arts. It’s a treasure trove of fascinating insights.
Equally comprehensive is The Oxford Handbook of Evangelical Theology (Oxford, 2010; 524pp; £95 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 536944 1), edited by Gerald R McDermott, which contains 32 essays. After an introductory essay on ‘What is an evangelical?’, the essays are divided into six sections which deal with the Bible and theological method; theological foundation; theology of salvation; theology of church; theology of mission; and theological approaches to contemporary life. This final section looks at areas such as politics, economics, the arts, science, sexuality, race, gender, and the vulnerable – abortion and disability.
The Oxford Handbook of Theology and Modern European Thought (Oxford, 2013; 699pp; £95; ISBN 978 0 19 960199 8), edited by Nicholas Adams, George Pattison and Graham Ward, is made up of 31 interdisciplinary essays divided into five parts: identity - the human condition; the age of revolution; the world (both natural and technological); ways of knowing; and finally theology. The broad-ranging essays grapple with such major thinkers as Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Schleiermacher, as well as Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Barth, Rahner, Tillich, Derrida and Wittgenstein, and in doing so provides an in-depth introduction to key ideas and movements.
The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Violence (Oxford 2013; 653pp; £95 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 975999 6), edited by Mark Juergensmeyer, Margo Kitts, and Michael Jerryson, is made up of 40 wide-ranging essays, which give an overview of violence in a variety of religious contexts, and which are divided into four main parts: overview of religious traditions; patterns and themes; analytic approaches; and new directions.
OUP have over 300 Very Short Introductions to a host of disciplines. A number are of particular interest to Christians, including the following three recent publications, all three of which are excellent examples of accessible scholarship and are well-indexed, and live up to the publisher’s claim of providing ‘stimulating ways in to new subjects’. Small in size, they would fit into a jacket pocket and would make an excellent companion for a journey.
The Devil (Oxford, 2012; 121pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 19 958099 6) by Darren Oldridge.
Martyrdom (Oxford 2012; 141pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 19 958523 6) by Jolyon Mitchell.
Spirituality (Oxford 2012; 133pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 19 958875 6).
SPCK have published two beautifully produced introductions to the Bible:
The SPCK Bible Guide (London 2013; 288pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06945 3), by Henry Wansbrough, gives a very brief overview of all the books of the Bible (including the Apocrypha) with a short summary of and commentary on every chapter!
More detailed and more satisfying is The SPCK Bible Atlas: the events, people, and places of the Bible (London, 2013; 352pp; £17.99 hard back; ISBN 978 0 281 06851 7), by Barry J Beitzel, is far more than an atlas. It not only retells key Bible events, but sheds fresh light on those events as it places them within their historical and cultural context. The book abounds with maps, family trees, timelines, charts and tables. It would make an excellent gift for both new and established Christians.
Recent booklets from Grove of Cambridge, all priced at £3.95 and 28 pages in length, include:
Church Planting in the UK since 2000: Reviewing the First Decade (Evangelism 99, 2012; ISBN 978 1 85174 839 6) by George Lings and Stuart Murray is a highly informative and challenging read, not least as it describes the unsettled borderline between church planting, fresh expressions of church and emerging read.
Drama and Faith: Exploring, Improvising, Performing (Youth 28, 2012; ISBN 978 1 85174 842 6), by Nigel Roberts, gives exercises and examples of how drama can be used in churches and youth groups.
What Can Churches Learn From Their Past? The Parish History Audit (Pastoral 131, 2012; ISBN 978 1 85174 841 9), by Neil Evans and John Maiden, seeks to help churches learn from the successes and mistakes of their past.
The Gospel Message Today: Language That Connects In Communicating The Gospel (Evangelism 100, 2013; ISBN 978 1 85174 848 8), by Laurence Singlehurst, is a thought-provoking read and would make an excellent discussion starter, not just for a minister’s group, but also for a session with deacons, elders, or other lay leaders.
Pioneer Youth Ministry (Youth 29, 2013; ISBN 978 1 85174 851 8) by Jo Dolby and Richard Passmore, explores non-traditional forms of youth work targeted on young people - the most marginalized from church and society.
Church Merger: When Two Become One (Pastoral 132, 2013; ISBN 978 1 85174 850 1), by Andy Griffiths, tells the story of two Anglican churches coming together with a view to releasing more energy for mission – a thoughtful read.
Leading in Demanding Times (Leadership 11, 2013; ISBN 978 1 85174 853 2), by father and son Peter and Graham Shaw, identifies the attitudes, approach, actions, and awareness of risks which every leader needs. I liked the sentence: “Essential to thriving is having good companions who will encourage, support, and challenge you”.
You are reading Issue 58 of Ministry Today, published in August 2013.
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