REVIEWS

CHRISTIANITY

A Historical Atlas Written by: Alec Ryrie Maps by: Malcolm Swanston

Published by: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press Price: £28.95

This glossy hardback traces the history of Christianity across the world, bringing its story to life through maps. This ably brings to life the familiar bible stories and sets them in context, allowing readers to better understand geography and distance. It does not confine itself to the Middle East and Europe, however, but also reflects missions around the world and helps readers better understand how historic links with particular parts of the world were forged by Christian churches in different countries.

The book is a fascinating read but can be picked up and flicked through for pleasure with 121 maps at the fingertips. It will be of interest to those with any interest in the areas of history, geography and theology and helps to explain the physical geography of the world in earlier times.

The author is Professor of the History of Christianity at Durham University and Professor of Divinity at Gresham College in London.

NIV JOURNALLING BIBLE

Illustrated by: Thea Muir Published by: Hodder Faith Price: £29.99

Journalling bibles have become a regular feature of the Life and

Work mailbag. For those who have not come across journaling bibles, they offer space next to scripture for thoughts to be recorded whilst reading and considering the words before you.

This brightly coloured journaling bible stands out because of the illustrations, both on the cover and inside. Muir, a Christian artist and author provides 48 pages of illustrations based around biblical text which seeks to challenge readers. The charming but simple drawings encourage readers to reflect with positive ‘I am’ statements drawn from scripture.

The extra wide margins allows readers to record thoughts as they read and reflect on their thoughts in response to the text.

RESOUNDING BODY

Building Christlike Church Communities Through Music Written by: Andy Thomas Published by: Sacristy Press Price: £12.99

The author, an organist pianist and choir director (with over

- years of experience) offers his experience and expertise to build what Paul described as ‘the body of Christ’ through music in churches.

Against a backdrop of his own journey in establishing a church choir from scratch at an Anglican church in London, he offers helpful practical advice and questions to consider at every stage of the journey of creating making music in churches.

The book aims to encourage, inspire and resource those with responsibility for music with a clear message of perseverance (particularly with limited resources) and aims to show that musical excellence should not be the sole aim. The book illustrates how the development and creation of church music, bringing together individuals and communities can result into a transformation into the body of Christ.

This is not an exhaustive guide of regulations, but rather a practical resource aimed at both new and established church music leaders and groups and draws on recent scholarship as well as practical experience.

Perhaps the most moving moment is when after 18 months of work with a newly formed choir, which has grown from a little over a handful to 25 people of all ages and abilities, the choir is formally commissioned into the structures of the church and a service which describes the music as a ‘ministry’. The author writes: “I pause on that word. For years it has all been rather simple for me: the church musician delivers the music. End of story. But that’s not how it’s described here. The text mentions musical talent, but otherwise the focus is on serving the worshipping community: on promoting ‘unity, peace and love in the church and in the world, and especially among those with whom you lead worship.’” It is a proud moment on the journey but readers share the realisation that something bigger has been created than simply beautiful music.

The book is a useful resource offering searching questions but can also be enjoyed as a journey through the creation of a church music community.

There is also a short section, written during the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown, showing how music can still play its part in different ways, even if church communities cannot gather in the way they would wish.

THE GREATEST SECRET

How Being God’s Adopted Children Changes Everything Written by: Krish Kandiah Publsihed by: Hodder & Stoughton Price: £10.99

This moving book begins with an emotional admission that the author had reached a lowpoint in his relationship with God. Despite landing his dream job, it was not all it promised to be and coincided with a terminal cancer diagnosis for his mother.

He and his wife had fostered a baby girl (who they went on to adopt) and it was this act which caused him to rethink this relationship with God and consider a new understanding of adoption.

In this book he seeks to show how accepting adoption by God and a doctrine of adoption creates a new understanding.

The book is interspersed with story’s from Kandiah’s personal journey and encounters with adoption (his own family includes both adopted and fostered children and he is founder and director of the adoption and fostering charity Home for Good).

Lynne McNeil

This article appears in the November 2020 Issue of Life and Work

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