At the start of this book, Andrew Root outlines ‘The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon’, the term coined for the divergent Christian tribes who have bestowed hero status on the German theologian. One consequence is that books on Bonhoeffer are warped by the theological commitment of the authors, whether they be radical, liberal or conservative. Bonhoeffer's legacy easily falls victim to the tribal propaganda rife in… Continue reading Concrete faith: A review of ‘Dietrich Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker’ by Andrew Root
Category: Recommended books & reviews
A journey of radical humility: ‘Pope Francis: Untying the Knots’ by Paul Vallely [review]
Recently I was talking with someone who was brought up a Catholic but it now an atheist. Although he has rejected the church of his upbringing, he was fascinated and excited by the approach of Pope Francis. It was just one example of the impact that Jorge Bergoglio has had since becoming Pope in March 2013. His generosity,… Continue reading A journey of radical humility: ‘Pope Francis: Untying the Knots’ by Paul Vallely [review]
‘The Book of Forgiving’ by Desmond & Mpho Tutu [Review]
"Forgiveness is not easy, but it is the path to healing. It was not easy for Nelson Mandela to spend twenty-seven years in prison, but when people say to me what a waste it was, I say no, it was not a waste. It took twenty-seven years for him to be transformed from an angry, unforgiving… Continue reading ‘The Book of Forgiving’ by Desmond & Mpho Tutu [Review]
‘The Weight of Mercy: a Novice Pastor on the City Streets’ – by Deb Richardson-Moore [Review]
Deb Richardson-Moore worked as a journalist in the deep south of the USA for over 27 years. When the newspaper she worked for wanted her to cover religious and faith issues, she decided to study theology. This led her to leave journalism and become Pastor of the Triune Mercy Centre, a church in a desperately poor community in… Continue reading ‘The Weight of Mercy: a Novice Pastor on the City Streets’ – by Deb Richardson-Moore [Review]
What would you include if you could write your own obituary?
What do you really want to be remembered for? What legacy do you truly want to leave? Actually sitting down and writing your own obituary is one of the exercises recommended at the end of the first chapter of the book God of Surprises. I am currently re-reading it for Lent. The author, Gerard Hughes explains:… Continue reading What would you include if you could write your own obituary?
Justice, mercy and humility: three ways to a transforming Lent
I see Lent as an opportunity to realign ourselves. A time to re-commit to an integrity between who we are on the outside and who we are on the inside. To seek a wholeness between the person that we present for the world to see, and the person we are when no one sees. And faith… Continue reading Justice, mercy and humility: three ways to a transforming Lent
When Grace is not so Amazing
Well Bono’s words about Karma and Grace have proved to be a bit popular - so far over 170,000+ people have shared it on facebook. But what is it about Bono's words that so connected with people? The power of grace Some of it relates to the interest in what celebrities say. Some of it is due the… Continue reading When Grace is not so Amazing
Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma... You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put… Continue reading Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
I have just finished reading C.S. Lewis: A Life. Eccentric Genius. Reluctant Prophet by Alistair McGrath. It is a brilliant book. McGrath writes as someone who truly understands the Oxbridge academic world in which Lewis spent his entire working life. As research, he re-read everything that Lewis wrote in his lifetime in chronological order. It was time… Continue reading C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
A real story of homelessness, addiction…and transformation
Grove Books have just published this booklet called 'Homelessness: Grace, Truth and Transformation' by myself and Chris Ward. I first met Chris at a Housing Justice seminar at the Greenbelt festival where he stood up and shared his own story of rough sleeping and addiction (see this previous post 'The best speaker at Greenbelt 2011'). Since… Continue reading A real story of homelessness, addiction…and transformation
