| BOOK REVIEWS |
For a previous review of this same title, click HERE.
Have you ever been somewhat confused over the mystery of God's Grace? It is said to pass all understanding. We say Grace before a meal and talk of people being graceful; some people live in grace-and-favour dwellings, and all this seems to be part of the Grace of our Lord; and none of these are complete. I was in the SPCK Bookshop in Bristol, and asked the assistant if there was a short book or leaflet that would help me in defining Grace to my Grandchildren. He immediately came forward with a recent book by Philip Yancey entitled "What's So Amazing About Grace?". Yancey is an author who is probably better known in the States, and is Editor-at-Large for the magazine, 'Christianity Today'.
It is not the short pamphlet I had hoped for, but it is beautifully written and hence easy to read. It was hard to put down. At the end, I not only knew a bit more about the nature of God's forgiveness but, more than that, I had been able to focus my mind on the whole subject, going from the parables through to the present day. He describes many situations, such as that after the Omagh bombings, which brought forth Amazing Grace. He then goes on to describe the effects of what he calls un-grace, and the harm this does to the unforgiving.
Through this approach he links the parables into every-day situations, and I found myself confronted. Should not I show more grace towards the blighter who cut me up on the motorway? Definitely a good read.
Steve A
2. 'Resurrection - Interpreting the Easter Gospel' by Rowen Williams (published by Dartman, Longman and Todd) - review by Steve A
I am going to get into trouble with this!!! However, here goes. The book is entitled "Resurrection - Interpreting the Easter Gospel". The whole subject of the resurrection has been the subject of debate for centuries. Even today, there are some who would rather look for "explanations" rather than accept the risen Jesus as a matter of Faith. It does not need a lot explanation but it does call for "understanding" and this book certainly helps with that.
I thought I knew all about the crucifixion and the resurrection. Have I not been to the Communion Service many times? Maybe, but have I really understood what the words really convey? This book takes all the biblical accounts together and links the resurrection to the fulfilment of the promise of God's forgiveness through His grace. After the crucifixion, the disciples dispersed. It was the Resurrection that brought them back to go out to the world with the message of Jesus.
Of course, there has to be a problem... The book was written by a very knowledgeable, learned, well-educated and respected man of the Church - but, I cannot describe it as an "easy read". One sentence extended to 92 words. The problem with this is that, even with colons and commas, by the time you get to the end of the sentence you have forgotten what it was about at the outset. Back you go and read the sentence again and maybe, by the third attempt, you get it. Some of the language is probably every-day and commonplace to some but, for others, it is difficult. There were large chunks I had to read twice BUT it was worth the effort. Soon I will read the whole book again, and I am sure will derive benefit from doing it.
So, who was the Author? Some chap from Canterbury called Rowen Williams...
Steve A