BOOK CORNER

My suggested Book for October is a new one from SPCK, To Love and Serve. Being the Body of Christ in a Time of Change by Jonathan Draper.

This is an interesting and challenging book, asking why we expect things to be the same. The author goes on to show that change is not just one of those things we have to contend with but is both spiritual and theological.

He explores this concept through chapters like 'Setting the Scene' in which we must learn to put ourselves at God's disposal. In doing so, we try to live a godly life by not thinking of ourselves but by serving the needs of others, 'Attending to God' by recognising the signs of godliness and to learn from them - being 'alert' to the possibilities of God.

In the chapter entitled 'Engaging with the World', Mr Draper stresses the huge task of communicating the Christian Faith that needs to be done. That we cannot expect people to have either much or accurate knowledge of the Christian faith. (He cites an example of a young girl buying a cross - at a time when crosses were in fashion. She decided she would like to see 'one with the little man on it'. Having no idea at all what she was looking at.)

He goes on to explain a Greek word 'Metanoia' that is often translated as 'conversion' but its primary meaning is 'a change of mind'. The Author: "which is almost always, in the New Testament, used in the context of repentance - the kind of repentance that leads to a change away from a life of sin and towards following the ways of God or Christ." At the beginning of our Christian Life we change. St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says, "We will not all die but we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15 v.51-52) indicating that the end of life is also about change.

Jonathan Draper: "If we are to be the body of Christ in and for the world, then we must be prepared to change and be changed as we follow the Spirit of God in the world." Jonathan Draper is Canon Theologian of York Minster and Diocesan Advisor for Ministerial Development.

To Love and Serve. Being the Body of Christ in a time of change by Jonathan Draper.
SPCK. ISBN - 0-281-05540-8 £8.99

LYNN WINTER