REVIEWS

THE GREAT SEARCH

Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home

Written by: John Philip Newell

Published by: Wild Goose

Price: £12.99

Living in exile is a well-known theme throughout the Bible – consider the stories of Moses and Joseph and many others.

In this book, which considers the place of western Christianity today, the author considers nine teachers from the past, some of whom he believes, anticipated what he describes as an ‘era of religious exile’.

He describes their lives and the lessons from their lives in seeking to address ‘spiritual yearnings’ at a time when he believes humanity’s relationship with Earth itself is in peril.

Outlining the premise for the book in an introduction, the author, the founder of Earth & Soul (a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice and compassionate action) writes: ‘’Seek and you will find,’ says Jesus. This is the promise that can lead us in our searching. It is a promise filled with hope for the urgent challenges for this moment in time as we open to the quest of the Spirit within us for healing and home.’

The book is divided into nine chapters, drawing on the individual gifts and wisdom of nine people, including Julian of Norwich, Carl Jung and Edwin Muir. Each chapter focuses on an area of seeking, including vision, presence, love and faith.

Included is an appendix offering a nine-day cycle of meditative practice which can be used in conjunction with each chapter.

A warm endorsement of the book has come from former Moderator, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who writes: ‘In a world where we encounter intolerance, prejudice, the primacy of selfinterest at both a personal and national level, and, not least, the degradation of our planet, this is a spiritual search which is as timely as it is necessary.’

LUKE

The Hodder Bible Commentary

Written by: David G Peterson Series

Editor: Lee Gatiss

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton

Price: £22.99

The publisher is launching 50 volumes covering all books of the Bible and this summer saw the launch of the first four, including a focus on Luke. The other three are Mark (written by Christopher Moore), Acts (written by Martin Salter) and Ecclesiastes (written by Eric Ortlund). Each is priced individually (with some titles a little shorter than others). This marks the launch of a Commentary series which will run until 2028.

Each hardback features the full text of the NIV Bible interspersed with author commentary.

Luke is written by David G Peterson, formerly Principal of Oak Hill Theological College in London and now at Cornhill Sydney and Moore College in Sydney, Australia.

The premise of the series is to provide an easy reference commentary designed to be used for preaching, teaching and personal study.

Four further volumes will publish next month (November), looking at the books of Joshua, Matthew and a portion of the psalms.

Enthusiasts of the NIV Bible will be interested to consider the Bible side by side with a commentary applying bible messages to the challenges facing the world of today.

STIRRED BY THE STORM

Written by: Bill Clinkenbeard and Ian Gilmour

Published by: Available from Cornerstone Bookshop, Edinburgh

Price: £10.00

The premise of this book is to give hope to readers for the future of the Church of Scotland, by drawing on real-life examples of growth from the darkest moments of despair.

Written by two retired ministers (the Rev Bill Clinkenbeard, who served at Edinburgh: Carrick Knowe, sadly died earlier this year), the authors have endeavoured to show the scale of the challenge facing the Church of Scotland, drawing on the collective wisdom of many to show that hope can be found for the future.

The authors endeavour to show that a new way forward is possible and seek to help individuals and congregations explore the future, sharpening vision and seeking a new anchor to ground the Church of Scotland of the future.

What is evident from the collected writing is that there is much wisdom and experience within the pages, but also a deep and abiding love for the Church of Scotland, coupled with a clear recognition of the need for change.

The hope of the authors was that the book could be used for group as well as individual reflection and to offer welcome inspiration to those seeking a fresh way forward for local churches.

Perhaps the most inspiring part is a letter from the Moderator of 2075 to the Moderator of today offering thanks for the vision and change which created the church of the future.

The volume is easy to read and follow and may not offer all the answers, but provides stimulating food for thought for those grappling with mission and sowing seeds of hope of the future.

Water is a recurring theme throughout the book and all profits from the book will be sent to the charity Water Aid.

Lynne McNeil