Modified 06 May 1999

Metanoia New Titles

December 98

Categories

Anabaptism, Biblical Studies, Children, Christian Life, Church, Church History, Conflict Mediation/VORP, Gifts, Human Relationships, Mission, Peace, Social Justice, Spirituality, Theology & Ethics

Jesus, Jesus, Everywhere

Over the last decade there has been a plethora of academic studies on Jesus. For a non-expert like myself it is impossible to keep abreast of the flood of studies. However, there are relatively painless ways to be introduced to the recent studies and the various perspectives related to them. The first is to read overviews by Tom Wright. Most briefly, in the back of his popular treatment of Jesus, The Original Jesus, Wright has provided an annotated bibliography. Second, one could read Wright’s 1992 article on the "Quest for the Historical Jesus" in the Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol. 3. Or, third, one could read the 124 page introduction to his large book, Jesus and the Victory of God. For a more thorough overview one could read the quite readable book, The Jesus Quest by Ben Witherington III. If one specifically wants a creative critique and alternative to the work of the American "Jesus Seminar" one could read Luke Timothy Johnson’s The Real Jesus (though Wright and Witherington also deal with "the Jesus Seminar").

It is difficult to pick out a few titles that I would especially recommend. All of the books listed below, as well as some others, are worthwhile. Of the recent studies, my hunch is that I will look back at Wright’s work as being most helpful. Wright is involved in a five volume New Testament theology writing project. His large volume on Jesus is the second. He writes well, is a careful scholar, asks many of the right questions, is respectful of Scripture without being uncritical, and cares about how all of this relates to the life of the church. I was also happy to see that Borg’s Conflict, Holiness, and Politics in the Teaching of Jesus was back in print (from 1984). Though I think Borg is finally wrong about some things, this book (and to a lesser extent his others) is quite thought provoking about ways in which Jesus was "political" in the context of first-century Palestine. (One should also mention in this regard, the unfairly overlooked book, Jesus and Community, which some have found to be a very creative book for connecting Jesus with serious discipleship.) Gerd Theissen’s novel, The Shadow of the Galilean, is an intriguing way for a New Testament scholar to give someone a feel for the context within which Jesus lived. My hunch is that the new book, Jesus of Nazareth, by Raymund Schwager, will, in its own way, do something similar.

— Mark Thiessen Nation

All our titles are available worldwide.  Postage & packing extra (surface mail unless specified).  Payment in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or by credit card  . Order via email

Back to Metanoia homepage

Anabaptism

Jones, Keith

BELIEVING CHURCH, A: Learning from Some Contemporary Anabaptist & Baptist Perspectives

Alan Kreider writes in the forward: "Keith Jones, in this potent and pertinent book, believes that the Radicals of the Reformation have relevance ... in the post-Christian, post-Christendom world of the end of the second millenium. This relevance is partly because their story is powerful; he rightly points to people like Dirk Willems ... whose remarkable actions raise questions about our priorities and fears. But this relevance is also because their witness is corporate and demonstrable; he believes that this is the way that today's church will have a future."

189807738X Baptist Union Publ. (1998), 65pp £5.50

Friesen, Abraham

ERASMUS, THE ANABAPTISTS & THE GREAT COMMISSION

Abraham Friesen traces the intellectual origins of both Swiss Anabaptism and Menno Simons to the writings of Erasmus — especially to Erasmus's unique interpretation of Christ's Great Commission as presented in his famous paraphrases of Matthew and Acts — and shows the impact that Erasmus ultimately had on the form and content of Anabaptist thought.

0802844480 Eerdmans (1998), 207pp £12.99

Keim, Albert N

HAROLD S. BENDER, 1897-1962

This is a landmark biography of a man who himself was a "landmark" in American and word-wide Mennonite movements for over 40 years. Bender, best-known for his essay "The Anabaptist Vision", was a leader whose energy and thinking helped either to found or to shape a wide variety of Mennonite publications, institutions, and programmes. The Mennonite Quarterly Review and The Mennonite Encyclopedia, Goshen Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite World Conference, and America’s WWII Civilian Public Service all reflected his influence. Bender’s life story is deeply intertwined with the Mennonite responses (especially in North America) to issues of war and peace, modernisation and industrialisation, Fundamentalism and modernism; thus it provides an important window into mid-20th century Mennonite history and theology.

083619084X Herald Press (1998), 600pp £17.25

RADICALS, THE: Video

In early 16th-century Europe, the Anabaptists blazed the trail for freedom of conscience, separation of church and state, and a believers’ church when such convictions earned them only the censure and opposition of pope, Protestant, and prince alike. Discover the humble, sometimes humourous, courageous origins of this movement and two of its first leaders, Michael and Margaretha Sattler. The story of the Anabaptists is one of the most painful yet exhilarating sagas in all human history. The world wasn’t ready for their message, and they were not prepared to compromise. A gripping film that causes viewers to stop and think how much their faith really means to them. 100 minutes.

4031P Gateway Films £19.95

Stoltzfus, Louise

TRACES OF WISDOM: Amish Women Relect on Life's Simple Pleasures

Stoltzfus, who grew up in an Amish family, is no longer Amish but still finds value and inspiration in the faith and lifestyle of those she calls "my people". In this collection of over 50 brief reflective essays, the author couples personal memories and experiences with stories from the lives of Amish women. She suggests that "the journey into the center of our own stories is never easy" but that such journeys can nourish one’s soul. Thus she draws hope and sustenance for frenzied, fragmented modern-day living from the wise "simplicity" of her Amish roots. Each essay begins with a quotation and a quilt-block motif.

0786863234 Hyperion (1998), 224pp (hb) £12.25

Good, Merle & Phyllis Pellman Good (eds)

WHAT MENNONITES ARE THINKING - 1998

This book contains the creative and largely interesting writings of a variety of Mennonite authors, some well-known and some lesser-known. The writings range from humour, fiction and poetry to more serious non-fiction in the form of opinion, a sermon and reviews of books by Mennonite authors. Most of the authors are North American.

1561482412 Good Books (1998), 306pp £8.75

Biblical Studies

Wright, N T

JESUS AND THE VICTORY OF GOD

This large book is volume two of a projected five volume work on New Testament theology. The book opens with a 124-page survey of scholarship on Jesus. Throughout the rest of the book, Wright draws upon virtually all of the recent (and not so recent) voluminous academic writings on Jesus while providing a readable account of, first, "the profile of a prophet," and then, "the aims and beliefs of Jesus." Marcus Borg, himself a prolific writer on Jesus, says that "with this brilliant and thoroughly argued book, N. T. Wright has established himself as the leading British Jesus scholar of his generation." — Mark Thiessen Nation

0281047170 SPCK (1996), 741pp £30.00

Borg, Marcus

JESUS IN CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIP

Borg, an internationally known Jesus scholar, offers an accessible guide through the growing maze of literature and research on Jesus. A welcome resource for libraries and researchers, the book focuses on the renaissance in Jesus studies in the 1980s, examines issues in contemporary Jesus research, and reveals how current research may help rethink Jesus' identity. "Nobody is clearer, nobody is fairer than Marcus Borg in this superb analysis of historical Jesus research's current situation." — John Dominic Crossan

1563380943 Trinity Press (1994), 209pp £12.50

Schwager, Raymund

JESUS OF NAZARETH: How He Understood His Life

This is one of the most recent (of many) biblical studies that utilizes the work of literary critic, René Girard. Many utilise the work of Girard especially to deal with violence. James Alison, British theologian and author of ‘Living in the End Times’ says: "Schwager offers us a daring picture of a Jesus who has a real understanding of what he is about. A gospel story emerges which nestles in, and recasts, passages and themes from the Hebrew Scriptures. The result is the literary equivalent of a Fra Angelico painting, full of gentle gravity and limpid light, a work which both holds you still and beckons you onward." — Mark Thiessen Nation

0824517113 Crossroad (1998), 187pp £12.99

Witherington III, Ben

JESUS QUEST, THE: The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth

James D G Dunn puts it well: "The best review and critique of ‘life of Jesus’ writing currently available. Students and others who are bewildered by the recent cacophony of late-twentieth-century portrayals of Jesus will find it a valuable introduction and aid."

085364747X Paternoster (1995), 304pp (hb) £19.99

Kaylor, R D

JESUS THE PROPHET: His Vision of the Kingdom on Earth

R. David Kaylor believes that Jesus’ vision of a just society and his prophetic engagement with social, political, and economic conditions led to his execution by the Romans. Here he presents Jesus’ message of a just society based on Israel’s covenant tradition. He shows the prophetic background and social content of Jesus' ethical teaching and demonstrates that the parables (especially those with economic and agricultural associations) critiqued the social conditions and called for a restructuring of community life. He provides evidence that Jesus’ vision endures, offering criticism of the present and promise of a future.

0664255051 Westminster/JohnKnox (1994), 227pp £12.99

Borg, Marcus & N T Wright

MEANING OF JESUS: TWO VISIONS

Marcus Borg and N T Wright provide us with a refreshing model for New Testament studies at a time when Christianity and all the other great religious traditions are being reimagined. We are beginning to understand that getting the facts straight about anything (let alone the ‘historical’ Jesus) isn't enough. You have to find the story to which they belong. Here we have the story-within-a-story of two men on a journey of scholarship, friendship, and faith that will challenge and sustain many of us who find the record of Jesus, as we have presumed to understand it, at odds with our experience. This book will transform our understanding and open us up to deeper experience. — Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

0060608757 Harper SF (1998), 288pp hb £17.25

Borg, Marcus

MEETING JESUS AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME: The Historical Jesus & the Heart of Contemporary Faith

Walter Wink believes that Borg is one of the handful of writers of this generation about whom it may be said: "read everything they write." Elizabeth Johnson writes about this popular-style book: "It is impossible to read this beautifully written book and remain unenlightened by the results of Borg's research, or untouched by the power of Jesus’ way."

0060609176 Harper SF (1994), 160pp £9.75

Wright, Tom

ORIGINAL JESUS, THE: The Life and Vision of a Revolutionary

In the first half of this popular-style book, Wright offers verbal snapshots of key moments from the life and teachings of Jesus (with full-color photographs of Palestine). In the second half, again in a popular style, he offers helpful background for reading the gospels in an informed way, including the provision of a useful annotated bibliography to other studies. — Mark Thiessen Nation

0745938019 Lion (1996), 160pp £7.99

Johnson, Luke Timothy

REAL JESUS, THE: The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus & the Truth of the Traditional Gospels

The first book to challenge the findings of the Jesus Seminar, the controversial group of 200 scholars who claim Jesus only said 18 percent of what the Gospels attribute to him. Drawing on the best biblical and historical scholarship, respected New Testament scholar Luke Timothy Johnson demonstrates that the "real Jesus" is the one experienced in the present through faith rather than the one found in speculative historical reconstructions.

0060641665 Fount (1996), 182pp £7.99

Wright, N T

WHO WAS JESUS?

Did the historical person Jesus really regard himself as the Son of God? What did Jesus actually stand for? And what are we to make of the early Christian conviction that, following his execution by the Romans, Jesus physically rose from the dead? Written from the standpoint of professional Biblical scholarship yet assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Wright's "Who Was Jesus?" shows convincingly that much can be gained from a rigorous historical assessment of what the Gospels say about Jesus. This is a book to engage sceptic and believer alike.

0281046700 SPCK (1992), 107pp £4.99

Christian Life

Hauerwas, Stanley

AFTER CHRISTENDOM (2ND ED): How the Church Is to Behave if Freedom, Justice, and a Christian Nation Are Bad Ideas

The subtitle of this book illustrates its provocative intent. As Hauerwas points out in the new introduction, many of his readers either did not read this particular book or misunderstood it. Since it was missed by some the first time around, it has been re-issued with an interesting new introduction. — Mark Thiessen Nation

0687009294 T & T Clark (1991), 192pp £8.99

Hege, Nathan B

BEYOND OUR PRAYERS: An Amazing Half Century of Church Growth in Ethiopia, 1948-1998

Author Hege says: "The story of the Meserete Kristos Church (MKC)…will hold a special niche in the annals of Mennonite history. In many ways it repeats on the African continent the Anabaptist experience of the 16th century in Europe — the emergence of a free church in a state-church society." Like the early Anabaptists, the MKC also suffered persecution, repression, and the imprisonment of leaders during Ethiopia’s 17 Marxist years. Forced underground, the church scattered into small cell groups which grew and spawned many others. Once more free to worship, the MKC now numbers over 100,000 and has spread to every region of Ethiopia. This is not just a history of mission but the story of a living, growing, vibrant church from which Christians world-wide can draw inspiration and hope.

0836190858 Herald Press (1998), 256pp £10.75

Henderson Robert Thornton

DOOR OF HOPE, A: Spiritual Conflict in Pastoral Ministry

Henderson knows the trials and tribulations of the pastor. He also understands the integrity of the Christian faith. Any minister reading the book will be encouraged and strengthened for the demands of ministry. — William H Willimon.

0836190653 Herald Press (1997), 168pp £9.50

Stevens, R Paul & Phil Collins

EQUIPPING PASTOR, THE: A Systems Approach to Congregational Leadership

The authors draw on their combined experience to create an exciting model of congregational leadership that understands congregations as relational systems. Learn how relational processes can liberate members for ministry and mission in the world and release pastors for appropriate leadership.

1566991080 Alban Institute £12.25

Snyder, Howard

RADICAL RENEWAL: The Problem of Wineskins Today

This best seller has been updated for the 90s, challenging you to examine the current church structure. Wine (the gospel of Jesus Christ) and Wineskins (the man-made structures of the church). How do the two relate? What happens when new wine is poured into old wineskins? In short: what kinds of church structures are most compatible with the gospel in our modern, techno-urban society? Snyder addresses these questions - and provides some challenging answers.

1880828979 Touch (1996), 223pp £8.95

Church

Banks, Robert

CHURCH COMES HOME: Building Community and Mission Through Home Churches

This is a handbook for those interested in home churches. It is both visionary and practical. It describes how home churches can be formed, how they should grow, and how networks of home churches can develop. It examines issues — for example, how to make decisions; how to determine doctrine; how to include children, singles, elders; and how to reach out to the community at large — and offers practical suggestions for their resolution.

156563179X Hendrickson Publishers (1998), 260pp £9.99

Volf, Miroslav

CHURCH, THE

This text is part of the 'Edinburgh Studies in Constructive Theology' series, which aims to provide a dialogue between the history of Western theological traditions and the contemporary interpretative context. Intended for those with no particular historical or theological training, it guides students through the core theological issues, searching out common ground by surveying the classic works of the theological tradition.

0748607978 Edinburgh Univ Press (1998) £16.00

Conflict Mediation/VORP

Richter, Philip & Leslie J Francis

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Church Leaving and Returning

The authors use the findings of in-depth interviews and telephone and postal surveys conducted among church leavers to assess eight different theories about why people leave churches. Their conclusions indicate that some leavers are much more likely to return than others. The problem of church leavers needs to be reshaped into the opportunity of church returners. A book for church leaders, church members and church leavers themselves, who may find their own stories echoed and given a new perspective here

0232522367 DLT, incl. Daybreak (1998), 192pp £10.99

Lederach, John Paul

JOURNEY TOWARD RECONCILIATION, THE

Stories from the Bible and from conflicts in the church and in public settings of various cultures show the narrative basis of personal experience and reconciliation. Journeying through conflict and to its resolution involves a choice of direction, moving continuously toward reconciliation. This means meeting oneself, others, and God — a profound task that lies at the heart of the gospel.

0836190823 Herald Press (1999), 176pp £9.50

Frayling, Nicholas

PARDON AND PEACE: A Reflection on the Making of Peace in Ireland

Nicholas Frayling is the Anglican Rector of Liverpool, a city in which tensions between Orange and Green have rivalled those in Northern Ireland. He comes to the task of peacemaking from an ecumenical pastoral ministry and as an Englishman eager to listen. The voices of many people in both parts of Ireland are heard throughout this book. Learning from them, Frayling calls for Britain to acknowledge its unpaid debt and for forgiveness rooted in the true meaning of justice. Cardinal Cahal Daly writes, "I hope that his appeal for repentance and reconciliation will be heard and followed."

0281049335 SPCK (1996), 173pp £10.99

Gifts/Cards etc

Croegaert, Jim

HEAVEN KNOWS (CASSETTE)

Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £4.68

HEAVEN KNOWS (CD)

HeavenKnowsCD Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £7.23

HOUSE OF PEACE (CASSETTE)

HouseOfPeaceCas Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £4.68

HOUSE OF PEACE SONGBOOK

HouseOfPeaceSB Rough Stones Music £1.25

IN BETWEEN (CASSETTE)

AVL96305C Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £4.68

IN BETWEEN (CD)

AVL96305CD Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £7.23

WATER INTO WINE (CASSETTE)

WaterintoW Rough Stones Music (Price excl. VAT) £4.68

West Coast Mennonite Chamber Orchestra

MEDITATION (CD)

Duets for violin and piano, violin and guitar, violin and cello of an eclectic collection of Calvin's favourites, including 'Ave Maria', Rachmanifnoff's 'Vocalise', Faure's 'Pavane', 'My Tribute' by Andrae Crouch, and 'It is Well with My Soul'. Funds support the disability work of Mennonite Central Committee.

MCCSCS (1998) (Price excl. VAT) £11.91

Kreider, Robert & John S Oyer

SINGING AT THE FIRE CD: Voices of the Anabaptist Martyrs

Eastern Mennonite University Chamber Singers. Combines choral settings of 10 Anabaptist hymns and martyr ballads, original poetry, and three solo organ pieces to evoke the spiritual witness of 16th-century Anabaptist martyrs. Included with the CD is a 16-page illustrated booklet with the complete text of the martyr hymns and poems.

0873033442 Faith and Life (1998) (Price excl. VAT) £11.49

Fabry, Chris

SPIRITUALLY CORRECT BEDTIME STORIES

Fabry spins delightfully tangled tales about the dangers of spiritual complacency, the pitfalls of legalism, the excesses of Christian kitsch and the short-sightedness of human wisdom. Here is a funny, smart, slightly skewed book for everyone who wishes Christians would lighten up about the little things and get serious about the big ones.

083081955X InterVarsity Press (US) (1998), 91pp £7.50

West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir

WHEN I WAS A CHILD (CD): Songs My Father Taught Me, Part II

Funds support the disability work of Mennonite Central Committee.

MCCSCS (1998) (Price excl. VAT) £11.91

Human Relationships

Stutzman, Rose Mary

MENDING A BROKEN WORLD: A Bible study on servanthood

A 'Mennonite Women' Bible study guide, for use both by groups and individuals.

Mennonite Women (1998), 63pp £3.50

Yantzi, Mark

SEXUAL OFFENDING AND RESTORATION

Yantzi provides the perspectives of victims and offenders. By facilitating their interaction, he points to new ways to provide hope to those who have been abused, to the abusers, and to their families. His unique method and approach are illustrated through many case examples and the candid dialogue by a group of victims and those who have offended.

0836190815 Herald Press (1998), 256pp £9.50

Penner, Carol (ed)

WOMEN AND MEN: Gender in the Church

In this study, male and female writers tackle subjects of importance to the church: What does the Bible have to say about gender? What does it mean to live in a female or male body? How do we create homes and relationships that value men and women equally? How does gender intersect with race or age? How do we raise children in non-sexist ways? "A stimulus for Christian education classes, small group studies, and personal reflection." — Gwen Groff & Eleanor Epp-Stobbe, MCC Women's Concerns.

0836190793 Herald Press (1998), 156pp £7.25

Mennonite Culture

AMISH: A PEOPLE OF PRESERVATION VIDEO: Video

In this intimate documentary, Mennonite historian-producer John Ruth takes us inside the world of the Amish. Features authentic vignettes of Amish origins, farm life, childhood, school, worship, recreation, barn-raising, horse transportation, and the impact of tourism. 54 minutes. (PAL format)

4077P Gateway Films £19.95

Mission

Cragg, Kenneth

SECULAR EXPERIENCE OF GOD

After reviewing several of the "ironies" present in the secular/religious situation today, Kenneth Cragg focuses on culture and on sexuality as the core of cultural formation in birth, the family, and human relationships. He analyses the shape of the religious mind over the centuries and concludes with the question: In what terms can Christian finality hold in a climate of irreligion, pluralism, and competition from other "authorities" of revelation? ‘Christian Mission and Modern Culture’ series.

0852444826 Gracewing/Trinity Press (1999), 82pp £7.99

Hoedemaker, Bert

SECULARISATION AND MISSION: A Theological Essay

While the confused relationship between religion, rationality, and faith has been a particularly Western problem, it is now being globalised. Missionary thinking, Bert Hoedemaker argues, must therefore be reconstructed against the background of the global experience of secularisation, avoiding the pitfalls of fundamentalism on the one hand and the temptation simply to accept secularisation as inevitable on the other. 'Christian Mission and Modern Culture' series.

0852444818 Gracewing/Trinity Press (1999), 82pp £7.99

Gundry Volf, Judith, Miroslav Volf

SPACIOUS HEART, A: Essays on Identity & Belonging

This book explores key aspects of the problem of diverse group identities, offering preliminary exegetical and theological perspective on the encounter with "others". The "politics of difference", the resurgence of ethnic and cultural conflicts in the non-western world, and the clash between modern technological and traditional cultures place new challenges before Christian theology. "Our book", the authors explain, "is a call to open ourselves to the Spirit of God, the Spirit of mercy, justice and the truth, and help heal our world by embracing others as we remain true to ourselves." ‘Christian Mission & Modern Culture’ Series

0852444656 Trinity Press (1997), 80pp £7.99

Peace

Hall, Eddy

DECIDE FOR PEACE

Designed for individual study, use by mentoring pairs, or group study, this is a study guide for youth and young adults. 'Decide for peace' explores key Bible passages to consider such timeless questions as the causes of war, whether war can be just and whether Christians should always obey their governments.

0873033078 Faith & Life (1996), 37pp £4.95

Hallock, Daniel

HELL, HEALING AND RESISTANCE: Veterans Speak

In this book, men and women who have found healing from the wounds of war forge past the boundaries of conventional war stories and offer frank personal accounts about their journeys from guilt and confusion to peace and hope. A vital part of the process, they say, is to let them speak for themselves. "A remarkable volume...Unlike other war books, it focuses on healing and reconciliation and includes stories of people who have embraced pacifism as a result of their combat experiences." — Joseph Fahey, Manhattan College

0874869595 Plough (1998), 456pp £13.50

Herr, Robert & Judy Zimmerman Herr (eds)

TRANSFORMING VIOLENCE: Linking Local and Global Peacemaking

How do Christians think about peacemaking in a new millennium? What can we do about ethnic and religious conflicts? How can we create peaceful communities and influence the world system? Noted writers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America tackle such questions. Drawing on rich traditions and experiences, they ponder peacemaking in local and global settings through stories of real people and their work. Stories like these can anchor us in the life of the church as it is experienced, through times of hope and optimism as well as through fears and crises. This is practical peacemaking at work.

083619098X Herald Press (1998), 256pp £7.25

Social Justice

Selby, Peter

GRACE AND MORTGAGE: The Language of Faith and the Debt of the World

The Bishop of Worcester, a noted theologian, establishes the connection between the biblical language of faith and the reality of global indebtedness. Contrasting the divine economy of grace with the slavery produced by debt, Selby argues that in "spiritualising" the Gospel message we falsely allow ourselves to worship both God and Mammon. He demonstrates how to break that idolatrous collusion. — Simon Barrow

0232521700 DLT (1997), 176pp £10.95

Tondeur, Keith

WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT MONEY & POSSESSIONS

The author writes, "Jesus had more to say about money and possessions than virtually anything else. Given how much of our time is spent earning, spending, giving, saving or worrying about money, we need to hear exactly what he is saying to us." Keith Tondeur explores 22 key parables, considering what each means for our relationships, giving and sense of security.

1854244183 Monarch (1998), 166pp £4.99

Spirituality

Frounfelker, Grace Moyer

AS A LITTLE CHILD

This inspiring collection of true stories of children's experiences of God offers two gifts: a fresh, unsentimental view of the faith of children and an invitation to adults to open themselves again to the simplicity and joy of childlike trust in a gracious God. — Marlene Kropf, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

0836190890 Herald Press (1998), 144pp £6.50

Rupp, Joyce

CUP OF OUR LIFE: A Guide for Spiritual Growth

Anyone thirsting for a more intimate and disciplined life of prayer will find a rich wellspring in this original and practical book. Joyce Rupp shares how the ordinary cups that we use each day can become sacred vessels that connect us with life and draw us ever closer to God. A creative guide for individual and group prayer.

08778936250 Ave Maria Press (1997), 181pp £9.95

Kreider, Eleanor

GIVEN FOR YOU: A Fresh Look at Communion

Is your church boring, funereal, tradition-bound? Do you long to see vital communion at the heart of worship? Do you wonder when all Christians can freely gather together at the Lord's table? Does communion seem unconnected to daily life? With liveliness and depth Kreider addresses these and many other issues. She encourages churches to rediscover the biblical and theological themes which shaped early Christian Lord's Supper practices. And she draws on Christian traditions which have found vital communion practices to show that history can help us today. (Previously entitled ‘Communion Shapes Character’ from Herald Press)

0851115829 IVP (1998), 266pp £9.99

Kroeker, Wally

GOD'S WEEK HAS SEVEN DAYS: Monday Musings for Marketplace Christians

Wally Kroeker, editor of 'The Marketplace', from Mennonite Economic Development Associates, sees all of life as God’s domain. When we go to work, God is on the job with us. Whatever we do, whatever we produce, whatever we buy and sell—all is done in the presence of the Almighty. God cares about the work we do. These 52 short weekly musings are for everyone with things to do, whether shopping, selling cars or gardening. Kroeker shows the common threads that link our jobs and our faith.

0836190963 Herald Press (1998), 199pp £6.50

Fairfield, James G T

GRACE CONNECTION, THE: Spiritual Power from the Lord's Prayer

In moments of crisis, need, or intense joy, we may pray by reflex or instinct. Fairfield helps us think about faith and life "when it hurts", when we hit bottom. Nothing is more important than the reality of God and his reign. The Lord’s Prayer calls us to work out that reality in our daily lives. Fairfield shows how God’s grace shines on faith to produce right living. Prayer is our communication link. "To read this book is to risk a touch of God's grace. Risk it! The touch of grace is safe, but it is life-altering!" — David W Augsburger

0836190912 Herald Press (1998), 144pp £6.50

Snyder, Eleanor & Dave Rogalsky

LIVING THE VISION: Evangelism & Peace

As people of healing and hope, God's people are called to reach out to the world, inviting others to follow Jesus and working for God’s peace in all spheres of life. For many of us, sharing our faith with others verbally and acting boldly as peacemakers are challenging tasks. This book offers resources for eight creative group sessions and a retreat, all focused on different angles of witness in word and deed.

087303323X Faith & Life (1998), 59pp £4.25

Nouwen, Henri J.M.

SABBATICAL JOURNEY

The last book Henri Nouwen wrote before his death in 1996. Written as a journal during the sabbatical he took in the last year of his life, ‘Sabbatical Journey’ is a book in which Nouwen shared his thoughts and reflections on many subjects. In it we meet his friends and enter into his personal struggles including his life-long struggle to live his vocation. A book to be read slowly and reflectively.

0232522960 DLT, incl. Daybreak (1998), 240pp £9.95

Theology & Ethics

Wink, Walter

POWERS THAT BE, THE: Theology for a New Millennium

Theologian and biblical scholar Walter Wink helps us reformulate our ancient concepts — such as God and Satan, angels and demons, principalities and powers — in light of what we now know. Wink’s theology is shaped as much by his study of the Bible as by his involvement in the civil rights movement and the fight against apartheid in South Africa. The result is nothing less than a new worldview, one that will help us address the problems of the present and meet the challenges of the future. ‘The Powers That Be’ is as concerned with salvation as with justice, as relevant for our spiritual selves as for our political lives. Wink closely examines "the Powers", and by exposing them for what they are in true prophetic fashion, levels a mighty blow against them. Based on the award winning "Powers" trilogy.

0385487401 Doubleday (1998), 224pp (hb) £15.99

Hauerwas, Stanley

SANCTIFY THEM IN THE TRUTH: Holiness Exemplified

This book is due out as we mail this. For some of us, any new book of essays from Hauerwas is worth reading. I have read a number of the essays to be included in this volume. As is always true (as far as I am concerned), Hauerwas is rarely boring and often challenging and inspiring. Even when one does not agree with him, his provocative writings are worth engaging. This volume will undoubtedly be another set of stimulating essays. — Mark Thiessen Nation

0567086453 T&T Clarke (1998), 288pp £14.95

Wells, Sam

TRANSFORMING FATE INTO DESTINY: The Theological Ethics of Stanley Hauerwas

For years now many British Christians have found the writings of Stanley Hauerwas to be inspiring and challenging. Some of us believe him to be one of the crucial theological companions for us contemporary Anabaptists. Now a British theologian has written a book that provides an overview of Hauerwas’ voluminous writings, an author who Hauerwas says "understands me better than I understand myself". Duncan Forrester, of Edinburgh University says: "More than a lucid critical introduction to the fascinating and perplexing work of Stanley Hauerwas; it is the story of one man’s theological pilgrimage and an excellent invitation to join the dance of church theology today. I could not imagine a better or more attractive introduction to narrative theological ethics or to theology in the service of the church." — Mark Thiessen Nation

053649065 Paternoster (1998), 210pp £19.99

Metanoia