thinking honestly about life and faith
I am so enjoying Barry Jones’ memoir, A Thinking Reed. Right now I am in the chapter where he reflects on the development of his mind. In part at least, he undertakes this task as a process of self-discovery. He … Read More »
I’ve been enjoying reading Marilynne Robinson’s novel Gilead (published 2004). It’s written as the reflections of a pastor, Rev John Ames, who knows he is soon to die. These reflections are offered to a son who has come late in … Read More »
The idea of a ‘God’s-eye view’ has had a bad press lately. The critical philosophy and the de-constructionist movements quite rightly point out that no one can claim to have a complete overview of anything. No one can claim to … Read More »
In the last couple of days I have found a couple of things in my reading which have come together in a really encouraging way. Several years ago, in Walter Brueggemann’s fabulous Theology of the Old Testament I read the … Read More »
Here is a fabulous quote, so relevant to our current situation in the world. I had been doing a lot of reading and thinking about the relationship of religion and violence, hatred, and all that. Then, during a boring meeting … Read More »
Here I want simply to collate a couple of challenging and inspiring quotations, from my recent pickings.What loosely holds them together is a vision of authentic, practical ministry itself inspired and shaped by serious and engaged theological reflection. That’s what … Read More »
Another superb quotation derived from a student’s essay.This time, it offers helpful reflection on the way we can gain insight and healing, through suffering and pain. So much nonsense is said on this subject!I for one do not want to … Read More »
I’ve spent a lot of the last month grading students’ papers.Quite often, I learn a lot from these essays and the reflections from which they emerge.In one essay, the student began with a story—unfortunately no source was cited. A Christian … Read More »
Among the many gems found in my reading this year was David Malouf’s collection of short stories, Antipodes.Malouf is a brilliant writer, in his economy of language, evoking so pungently the ethos and spirit of this land and its peoples.One … Read More »
I read last week Geraldine Brooks’ novel, March. I recall the excitement when it came out, after people had so much enjoyed her fabulous book A Year of Wonders.The latter is a story set in the famous town of Eyam, … Read More »