REVIEWS

LANDSCAPES OF GRACE Written by David Clark and Katy Emslie-Smith Published by: SilverWood Books Price: £10 (order by email at landscapesofgracesales@gmail.com)

For anyone who has marvelled at the beauty of Highland Scotland, this book captures the spiritual essence of the land, grounded firmly in the ancient book of Psalms.

Former geography teacher and Church of Scotland minister – in Airdrie and Dundee – (and Scripture Union Scotland General Director) Clark draws on his particular experience in some of the most beautiful places in the Highlands, drawing on the resonance of the Psalms in these places of beauty and wonder. According to Clark the work has been ‘enriched’ by the contribution of Emslie-Smith.

Beautiful photographs bring each location to life, with the authors showing how the words and imagery of the Psalms can be found in the beauty and rugged landscapes of some of the most remote parts of Scotland. The purpose of the book is very clearly to link the spiritual with the beauty at the essence of the world gifted by God.

The 99 page volume is divided into 14 chapters, with each focussing on a landscape drawn from Clark’s life and experience and each has a prayer or reflection rooted in some of the words of the Psalms, drawing to mind God in the presence of the gift of beautiful imagery.

The Very Rev Dr Martin Fair – who is a keen outdoors enthusiast – best summarises the premise of the book in a foreword: ‘This book is grounded in the Scottish landscapes that I treasure so dearly. Every reflection takes me to places that I’ve been or that are high on my list to visit. That which is described – mountain tops, steep cliffs, lonely glens, breaking Atlantic waves – stirs my soul.’

Warm endorsement for the work also comes from Elaine Duncan, chief executive of the Scottish Bible Society who describes the book as ‘food for the soul – even if you have never visited the landscapes described.’

FROM THE HEART An honest look at life and faith Written by: Rob Parsons with foreword by Sam Hailes Published by: Hodder Faith Price: £14.99

Drawn from his 30 years as a columnist with Premier Christianity, this book offers a collection of the author’s thoughts on everything from parenting to pride, from the wisdom of a teenage mother to disappointment with God.

The collection is easy to delve in and out and has been written for a popular audience with wide appeal.

Each column has a thought-provoking message and the short snappy nature of each chapter makes it easy to consume in short bursts or in a single longer reading.

THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL YOU

DIscovering the Person Jesus Created You To Be Written by: James Bryan Smith Published by: Hodder and Stoughton Price: £16.99

The author is an ordained United Methodist Church minister in the USA and is a professor of theology at Friends University in Wichita Kansas and also the executive director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation.

He is also also a founding member of Renovare, a Christian spiritual renewal ministry which seeks to help people become more like Jesus.

This hardback is the final title in a series centred on key truths about ourselves. The premise of the work is about the person we become and shows how some of the biggest barriers lie in poisonous personal thoughts which shape the way we view ourselves.

In an introduction the author explains that whilst spiritual disciplines are important in formation but equally important is a solid understanding of self which is key in forming ‘who you are in Christ’.

Smith explains: ‘Christian spiritual formation is nor primarily about helping you feel more spiritual , but it is about forming you in Christ.’

The book has a helpful appendix allowing each chapter to be used for group discussion, although it is equally suitable for individual use.

FOR CHILDREN

HOW TO PRAY A Guide for Youth Explorers Written by: Pete Greig with Gemma Hunt Published by: Hodder Faith Price: £10.99

The author of the best-selling book ‘How to Pray’, has taken this as a basis for a new work encouraging children to engage and teamed up with CBBC presenter and author Gemma Hunt.

The format – which includes lots of activities – can be used by older children individually seeking to learn more about prayer and engagement. It would also be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of those involved in nurturing the faith of young people and offers a treasure trove of insights and ideas to encourage and foster prayer.

The book offers illustration on every page in a format that is not too heavy and appealing for younger readers and aims to answer their questions in straightforward , everyday language and draws on references found in the culture of today.

There is no stipulated age range for the book, but it would be more suitable for aged eight and above to teenagers.

Lynne McNeil