As the subtitle, ‘What does the Lord require of us?’ (Micah 6:8) suggests, the author’s motivation is to seek God’s will. In particular: how should we relate to people who adhere to other faiths than that revealed in the Christian Bible.
A Broken Hallelujah by Judith Forgoston Judith Forgoston’s A Broken Hallelujah is a brilliantly composed novel that skilfully spans half the world to explore two profoundly human and spiritual themes. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a powerful testament to restorative love. On one hand, the book highlights the very real danger of…
I’ve recently read several books about the wives of Christian reformers. They led me to ponder on the way the Church’s emphasis and lifestyle have changed throughout history. Here is a very superficial summary of my analysis, concentrating on the European situation:
The Wanderer’s Legacy by Natasha Woodcraft As the third book in the epic Wanderer series, The Wanderer’s Legacy is a captivating read. Woodcraft transports us to a largely unexplored period; life is basic, yet people live for hundreds of years. Following the sparse biblical text, she shows us the first few generations torn between allegiance…
Just Benny by Alex Banwell Setting Benny’s dad, Ola Welander, rejects him. Janet, his mum, pampers him. His sister, Emma, loves her little ‘Pestie’ but finds him exasperating at times. Other kids mock ‘Weedy Welander’, all because he suffers from frequent epileptic seizures. As a result, Benny withdraws to the only place where he feels…
The Victor by Patricia St John Philo, the son of a fisherman in first century Tyre, is traumatised by his sister’s sinister illness. When his father drowns, the family is thrown into poverty. Only little Ione provides a ray of sunshine.
I’ve been thinking about Jesus’s promise to his followers: My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10) To whom does that apply? And where are the people who enjoy this rich and satisfying life?
A Modern Psalm (expanded) O Lord, my Lord, I see You as a Crystal,Reflecting varied facets of Your light.I marvel at Creation, then am dazzledBy seeming shifts between Your love and might.
Once on a Hill in Tuscany by Alison Taylor-Brown This collection of eleven short stories fascinated me and my wife as I read them aloud evening by evening. The cocky but sensitive Giulia is always good for some unexpected twist of events. The beautiful language and delightful use of simile drew me into the scenes. But…
Honesty Over Silence by Patrick Regan It’s OK Not To Be OK Suffering – whether it’s physical or emotional – is never easy. It’s particularly difficult to accept and understand as a Christian, when one knows God as a caring Father. Why does He let it happen? Why doesn’t He answer our prayers?
Dies ist ein mächtiges Buch – in jedem Sinne des Wortes. Es ist meisterhaft recherchiert, mit vielen Beispielen untermauert und trotzdem sehr gut lesbar. Sehr empfehlenswert – trotz seiner Länge. Von der frühen Antike über das Judentum und die grossen Weltreiche der Griechen und Römer mit ihren Glaubensvorstellungen und philosophischen Ansichten, führt Spieker dann in…
The Pilgrim, by Joy Margetts Before Hal joins the Cistercian Abbey in the heart of medieval Wales and adopts the new name of Hywel, his selfish lust has already done immeasurable harm to those closest to him. When a careless slip of the tongue deeply hurts his fellow novices, he expects to be banished. Much…