Book Corner

For the Easter edition of the magazine, here are a few suggestions for additional Lent and Easter reading and study.

The Cross and the Colliery by Tom Wright (SPCK)
Based on sermons originally delivered by Bishop Tom Wright during Easter 2007. This book uses the story of a coal-mining town in northern England as a modern parable for loss and rebirth. The background history of the town, to include the closure of its mine is given in the introduction, helping readers to fully appreciate the context of the book. £7.99

Leaning towards Easter by Chris Leonard (SPCK). To the author, the word ‘Lent’ suggests the idea of leaning: leaning on God as we lean towards the reality of the far-from-easy hope that Easter brings. For while we celebrate the new life ushered in by Christ’s death and resurrection, darkness remains in our world and in our own lives. These reflections include daily reflections on a Bible passage, followed by a true story from an ‘ordinary’ person to illustrate the day’s message and ground it in reality. £7.99
Adam’s Dream, Human Longings and the Love of God by Keith James (Continuum)

With an educated voice and a reflective tone, the Dean of York, Keith Jones, professes that to immerse oneself in the stories and ideas of scripture not only brings one closer to God but also enriches and fulfils life as it is lived every day. He draws on his experience both as an individual and as a member of the wider Christian Church, now immersed in Cathedral life.

Using examples from other writers on the Bible, Keith considers what has influenced him in his appreciation of scripture and of God - be it music, books or the events of his life. £10.99

Passionate Christianity by Christine Hammond (SPCK)
Key moments in the Passion are explored as experienced by those caught up in the world-changing events of the last hours of Jesus’s life and are related to our lives and faith today.

We are invited to contemplate afresh the events of the Passion. The agony in the garden of Gethsemane; the scourging of Jesus; the crowning of thorns; the carrying of the cross and the crucifixion. In doing this, Hammond leads us to discover new depths of meaning in these events to develop a deeper commitment to our faith, and to meet the challenges of life with passionate Christianity. £6.99

The Road to Emmaus by Helen Julian CSF (BRF). In this book of daily Bible readings and reflections for Lent, we have the chance to reflect on seven key figures in English spiritual history, Julian of Norwich, John Donne, Aelred of Rievaulx, The Venerable Bede, Thomas Traherne, John and Charles Wesley and the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. Sister Helen Julian welcomes them as companions on the journey through Lent, sharing their historical stories and illuminating the Lenten path with themes from their writings and relevant Bible passages. £7.99

Fastings: A Biblical Historical Study by Romara Dean Catham (Bridge-Logos)
Many Christians believe that fasting promises power, strong faith, deliverance and health. In fact there is a catalogue of supposed spiritual, mental and physical benefits. But are those beliefs valid? Are they even biblical?

Beginning in the Pentateuch and ranging right through the Bible to Paul’s letters; and then continuing into various post-biblical eras, this book examines and draws conclusions on the enduring practice of fasting. The author also provides personal testimonies and material on the practical aspects of fasting. £8.99

All suggestions taken from the January edition of The Christian Book Club, 3 & 4 The Drove, West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4JE. Telephone 08453 679 676 or visit www.agreatread.co.uk

Wishing you all a meaningful Lent and Holy Easter.

Lynn Winter