REVIEWS

SCHOOLS OF FAITH

Essays on Theology, Ethics and Education in Honour of Iain R Torrance Edited by: David Fergusson and Bruce McCormack

Published by: T& T Clark Theology Price: £91.80

This scholarly collection of essays has been carefully pulled together as a tribute to one of the Church of Scotland’s leading theologians, the Very Rev Sir Professor Iain Torrance, Dean of the Chapel Royal, Dean of the Thistle, Editor of the Scottish Journal of Theology, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, former President of Princeton Theological Seminary and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2003/04. (The list is not exhaustive but simply a sample of some of the offices he has held.) Spanning three continents, it brings together some of the finest theological and ethical academics of the 21stcentury – all friends of the distinguished Presbyterian churchman.

Contributors include George Newlands, Alison Jack, Paul Nimmo, Mona Siddiqui and Will Storrar – just a few of the names that may be familiar to regular Life and Work readers.

The range of subjects covered in each of the essays includes public theology, the ethics of war, Christian doctrine, spiritual formation and religion and literature.

The two editors have also contributed an essay each.

In the introduction Fergusson, Professor of Divinity at New College, Edinburgh, writes: “The scholars represented here are Iain’s friends, but they also represent diverse expressions of faith in diff erent parts of the world – the plurality in the title has been deliberately chosen. We off er these essays to Iain in celebration of his multiple achievements and in gratitude for his friendship.”

This hardback volume would be a useful addition to the bookshelves of anyone studying or with a keen interest in contemporary theology with an interest in the work and teaching of Sir Iain as each essay has clearly been inspired by encounter with him, either on a personal or a professional level.

GO CREATE: Written by: Rob Rawson

Published by: Saint Andrew Press

Price: £10.99

For congregations seeking inspiration to engage in mission and worship through arts and crafts, this handbook is a veritable treasure trove of ideas. This book should not be consigned to the ‘children’s activities’ section of the bookshelves. For whilst some activities do specifically target young people, many are intended for an all-age audience.

Each is intended to encourage congregations to explore their talents through creativity.

The author guides readers through the Christian year with accessible creative activities for every month of the year, from January timelines to Christmas nativities in a box.

But this volume is not just a source of inspiration for arts and crafts: it also off ers advice and guidance on setting up an event and tips on making creativity into an event and reaching out into the community.

Anyone involved in outreach with adult and child alike would find many of the ideas outlined here to be a helpful resource and reference for their work.

Lynne McNeil

IN YOUR LOVING IS YOUR KNOWING Elizabeth Templeton – Prophet of our Time Edited by: Peter Matheson and Alastair Hulbert

Published by: Birlinn

Price: £14.99

This book is for anyone troubled by the sterile, polarised debates that dominate religious discussion these days or who struggle to hold onto faith in our secularised society. It brings together a selection of hitherto Editthe 2000s.

The book is divided into six sections with an introduction by Peter Matheson. Each section has a helpful introduction by experts who knew Elizabeth well: Christ and Culture (Richard Holloway), Making Sense of Theology (Charlotte Methuen), The Common Life (Tim Duff y), Ecumenism (Alastair Hulbert), Living, Loving and Dying (Lesley Orr), On Being the Church (Rowan Williams).

The book reveals how Elizabeth’s thinking was hugely influenced by Orthodox theology, creation-centred and inclusive. The issues explored remain relevant: how to find a language to discuss theology with those who have lost faith or have no faith. Or how to bridge polarising gaps, not in some fudge but, respecting diff erence, in honest engagement to find common ground. There are questions aplenty and Elizabeth is clearly comfortable to leave them as open questions for further exploration – in matters of doctrine, there has never been agreement. Or again, there is always this question:

who is being excluded in this conversation?

In the section on Christ and Culture, she is not afraid to find answers to questions of faith in other disciplines – psychology, sociology and anthropology. God is encountered anywhere and in anyone. In Making Sense of Theology, everyone who wrestles with life and death, identity and belonging, tragedy and hope is a theologian (p67). In the Common Life section, there is the need for the Church to break out from the dogmas and institutional forms that restrict God’s generosity in creation. “We are not in a fit state to evangelise anyone, until we learn or relearn the delight that Christ is in the other for us more the we ‘take him to them’.” (p139) For anyone who wants to know why ecumenism is so difficult, the cogent list of fears on page 159 says it all! Ecumenism for Elizabeth was about battling exclusion, not least the division of the churches over the Eucharist. In the section on Living, Loving and Dying, there is a critique of the ‘myth of individualism’ (as the cause of loneliness) and the endorsement of belonging. And finally, the papers in Being the Church should be read by all who are responsible for the shaping of Church life today: they have not lost one bit of their challenge.

This book is a real treasure. You won’t agree with everything. But you will be left with much food for thought.

Very Rev Dr Sheilagh Kesting