SUMMER 2021 SIGNS OF THE TIMES FEATURES, COMMENTARY AND REVIEWS FROM MODERN CHURCH

The Environment, Jonathan Clatworthy on the climate emergency the Bible and the search for hope & Changing Paradigms

Not So Much a Crisis, Book Reviews The Modern Church More a Way of Life Michael Chester, David Driscoll, Trevor Pitt, Forum April Report Anthony Woollard Rosemary Walters & Jonathan Ward Lorraine Cavanagh

MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

Lorraine Cavanagh Anglican and writer General Secretary @LorraineCavana2 Very Revd Dr Jonathan Draper [email protected]

Administrator Michael Chester Diane Kutar Supernumerary Methodist presbyter and former senior [email protected] lecturer in at Kenya Methodist University 0845 345 1909

Modern Church is an Jonathan Clatworthy international society Theological author, blogger, and Modern Church trustee promoting liberal theology. Founded in 1898 to defend Anthony Woollard liberalism in the Church of Editor England, we now work David Driscoll ecumenically to encourage Retired priest, member of the Council of Modern Church open, enquiring, non-dogmatic and joint convenor of its South West Group approaches to Christianity.

Trevor Pitt SIGNS OF THE TIMES Priest and Signs of the Times book reviews editor NOT SO MUCH A CRISIS, Editor MORE A WAY OF LIFE Anthony Woollard Rosemary Walters signsofthetimes Lay of Canterbury Cathedral @modernchurch.org.uk 01789 204923 his edition appears Faced with these twin crises, we shortly before our Annual might recall James Lovelock’s Book Reviews Editor Jonathan Ward T Trevor Pitt Commercial director at Ushaw College, Durham Conference, this year (online- Gaia hypothesis – the idea [email protected] only) dedicated to the climate that the Earth is a single, emergency. Before and beyond self-correcting system. What the pandemic, that crisis looms self-correction might be going and we dare not ignore it. After on here? Both the pandemic and over a year of living also with the climate crisis almost seem Covid-19, many of us may cry “intended” to reduce Earth’s Signs of the Times is published in February, May, August and November. It provides news and information about Modern Church “Lord, how long?” Humanity, human population. We have and offers members an opportunity to communicate with each other in print. We welcome articles, notices, poems, suggestions, and the Earth itself, may seem been reluctant in recent years comments and suitable accompanying images. Articles published do not necessarily reflect a Modern Church perspective – in to be on a downward spiral, an to talk about over-population, keeping with our commitment to liberal theology we believe that other views should be heard. Send material to the editor by apocalypse from which there is no but our new situation raises the 28th December, 28th March, 28th June or 28th September. Articles should not exceed 1,000 words. We prefer email but will process typed or handwritten text (phone for a postal address). escape. And it will not be sur- question once again. In that prising if the faith of many is case, we may ask, what sort of a deeply challenged in these times. God is it that creates continued >

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02 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 03 the world, and humanity, only to destroy no certain outcome. Thinking of Job, words to encourage our faith in this them? That of course is the question that book contains the credo “Though dark time. raised by the story of Noah. And it He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” – an is also the question that Job asked. I idea which seems to make no rational More a way of life remember a lecture by the late Bishop sense, but which may release such faith For those who do not recognise it, my John Austin Baker, in which he pointed as can move mountains. But even such title is based on the theme to one of the out that the only answer God gave to Job faith cannot guarantee the outcome we many satirical TV programmes of the is “Can you make a hippopotamus?” hope for. It may well be that this time of 1960s: Most theology, ultimately, is about crisis will become a way of life for our Not so much a programme, more a way of life theodicy: “justifying the ways of God to children and grandchildren. Perhaps And a way of looking at the world; man”, as Milton put it. The problem of ultimately it will become a way of death One eye open, the other eye closed, evil – the existence of a world in which for the human race. Can we really trust And between the two the picture gets composed. the law of life sometimes seems to be that there is meaning in all this – that based on destruction (including lots of Truth and Love will prevail? Perhaps that is not such a bad descrip- self-destruction) – raises huge questions tion of how to cope, in questioning about the nature of whatever Mystery “God is in the cancer…” faith, with the twin crises of our times. might lie behind creation. The work Bishop John Robinson is another And meanwhile our work goes on – goes on, because there is no final solu- hero to many of us. His saying, as he with the next item on our agenda our tion that will convince all. approached death from cancer, that Annual General Meeting on 14 June “God is in the cancer as He is in the at 7.30. There will be some important A problem of good sunset, and to be met and responded to business to transact, and a lot of infor- Yet at least we must say that there is in each”, is in a way a modern version mation to share. also a problem of good. For many, two of Job’s credo. And he famously said It may well be that this time of crisis individuals stand out in humanity’s that the essence of the Christian Gospel will become a way of life for our recent responses to the twin crises – is that Love not only ought to be at the MODERN CHURCH children and grandchildren. Perhaps Captain Sir Tom Moore, and Greta heart of the universe but that it actually AGM ZOOM DETAILS Thunberg. Despite their flaws, which we is. Many of us today struggle to reach ultimately it will become a way of all share, and the misuses to which their the depth of faith displayed by that In case they do not reach you by other death for the human race. Can we images may have been put by some peo- so-called dangerous liberal. Yet most means, here are the details of the really trust that there is meaning in all ple, we must ask what sort of creation of us know the mystery of Goodness, in Zoom link for the AGM on 14 June, – what sort of a Creator – could give rise everything from aspects of our personal starting 7.30pm: this – that Truth and Love will prevail? to such triumphs of the human spirit. lives, through some of the more positive Perhaps, by following their examples, responses which have already been made https://us02web.zoom. we, and the human race as a whole, can to our twin crises, to the sheer wonder us/j/82004210467?pwd=Z3MrYng1ZG- turn around the crises even at this late of Creation (including Bishop Baker’s VOYlE4anl0VGRDcjd6UT09 hour. And hopefully our Conference hippopotamus), about which our gen- will give us tools to help in this. eration has learnt afresh through other Meeting ID: 820 0421 0467 But that does not do away with the heroes such as David Attenborough, Passcode: 814368 problem of evil – especially as we look at and which may prove a prime motivat- the climate-change-deniers, anti-vaxx- ing force for change. Yet another hero Whilst only full members of Modern ers and others who could still wreck so of the Sixties, Martin Luther King, Church can vote, all who are interested in much goodness and put us on a road to believed that “the arc of history bends our work will be welcome. disaster. There are no quick fixes, and towards justice”, and those also are

04 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 05 COVER FEATURE

The Environment, the Bible & Changing Paradigms

The climate emergency and the search for hope

Jonathan Clatworthy reflects on the theme of Modern Church’s annual conference this year, which runs from 13-14 July. For more information, please see our website.

Photography by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.

06 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 07 or over 50 years scientists challenge their underlying mindset: New Testament scholars have still to convince people who have grown have been warning us that electric cars, wind farms. But they argued that Jesus’ teaching about used to being surrounded by techno- we need to change our ways. don’t do anywhere near as much as the logical artefacts. I am one, typing this The agreements made at scientific community are demanding. the Kingdom of God appealed to article through high quality spectacles Fthe Paris Conference (COP 21, in Despairing isn’t going to help. To the universalist theme in the onto a laptop probably manufactured December 2015) are largely not being respond effectively, we need to under- Bible. The world had been by some Chinese unfortunate work- kept. Even if they were, scientists stand what it is about our values that ing long hours in conditions where I tell us they are not enough. There make us want the wrong things. designed by a supreme creator so wouldn’t survive at all. is increasing public concern, as that our lives would be a blessing. Yet we do have an alternative par- expressed by new movements like Conflicting paradigms The world provided enough for adigm with an impressive pedigree. Extinction Rebellion. In effect, environmental awareness New Testament scholars have argued Some appropriate changes have been has reawakened a paradigm – a world- everybody to live well. that Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom made, but the big decisions are still view, or framework for the way we of God appealed to the universalist being guided by the mindset that does understand the world – which has long We might call this ‘the artificiali- theme in the Bible. The world had been the damage. As I write this, my local been suppressed. sation paradigm’. Now scientists are designed by a supreme creator so that airport is applying for permission to Environmental philosophers usually telling us it has led us to damage the our lives would be a blessing. The world expand. The most influential voices date the dominant paradigm from environment we all depend on. provided enough for everybody to live address the economic impact; the around 400 years ago, the time of There always were good reasons for well. Therefore, making sure every- environmental impact is noted but Francis Bacon. Europe was suffering challenging it. It was the narrative of body has what they need is a matter of not taken so seriously. Yet if we are to from successive plagues. It was easy to the victors, not of the vanquished. It justice, not a matter of inventing new meet our climate targets air travel, far believe nature was hostile to human benefits some at the expense of others. technologies. from increasing, will need to be signif- well-being. Bacon believed a combina- The greatest benefit accrues to the Those Hebrew scriptures con- icantly reduced. tion of science and technology could ruling classes of western ‘developed’ trasted with the dominant paradigms Meanwhile, as I write this the British correct the faults in nature which had countries. These are the people most elsewhere in the ancient near east. Government is talking about building arisen when Adam and Eve ate the determined to keep it going, and they Mesopotamians were taught that more roads, opening a new coal mine, forbidden fruit. have found ways to control elections so humans were created to serve the gods increasing nuclear warheads and pun- It was a new interpretation of that they stay in power. with much drudgery and suffering. ishing protesters more fiercely. Not Genesis, but it worked. Today we can We are at one of those points in our In Homeric Greece the gods were only in Britain, but throughout the look back on centuries of Western self- history that Thomas Kühn, in a differ- only interested in specific humans at ‘developed’ world, democracies keep congratulation. We tell ourselves we are ent context, described as a ‘paradigm particular times. It was the Jews who electing governments committed to better than the rest of the world because shift’. The dominant paradigm is no claimed that the world could provide the policies causing the damage. They our science has produced useful technol- longer convincing. It is increasingly enough for everybody to live well, pay lip service to environmental con- ogies; we know more; we are more clear that our value systems and ambi- because that is how it was designed. The cern. They agree to changes that don’t civilised; we have produced more wealth. tions are making things worse. More early Christians spread the idea more and more people are looking for a widely. Anthropologists tell us they different way to understand and evalu- were right, and the aid agencies tell us ate the world. it is still true. Bacon believed a combination of science and technology could correct the faults in A better alternative The proper role of technology nature which had arisen when Adam and It is easy to argue, postmodern-style, Bacon’s tradition, of trying to that this western paradigm is only one improve on nature through science Eve ate the forbidden fruit. It was a new of many. It is harder to argue that an and technology, was in effect a revival interpretation of Genesis, but it worked. alternative is truly better, and harder of ancient polytheism. The continued >

08 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 09 them, more careful not to mess up the good things we already had. Introducing Modern Church Forum

Hope for the future April saw the second meeting Church structures make this abuse There seem to be two main reasons 19 of our newly formed Modern possible. He spoke of the way biblical for our failure to make the changes Church Forum. The Forum is literalism and moral certainties can There seem to be two main reasons needed. One is the vested interests of designed to be a place of dialogue and give some people a sense of safety, to for our failure to make the changes the most powerful people, who benefit encounter for Modern Church mem- the extent that when these are ques- most from the present paradigm at the bers. We shall range over a number tioned they experience a loss of their needed. One is the vested interests expense of the less fortunate. The other of topics, all of them, it is hoped, own sense of self. His paper argued of the most powerful people, who is the ordinary fear of an unknown related to questions and issues being eloquently for the need for ‘a mutuality benefit most from the present future, especially among older people raised through the Churches or the of relationships which has power and like me. wider secular community. The Forum meaning’, rather than the exercising of paradigm at the expense of the less In both cases opposition to change is welcomes everyone, so you don’t have power and control through an increas- fortunate. The other is the ordinary driven by the paradigm we have inher- to be an academic to join. ingly managerial mindset. fear of an unknown future, especially ited. We need to change to a paradigm The session focused on Dr John that values the environment for its own Prysor-Jones’s paper ‘Are There Limits Our next meeting, chaired by among older people like me. sake. We could then start noticing what, to Tolerance?’ It arose out of the neg- Professor John Vickerman, takes until now, we have been forbidden to ative church experiences that were place at 6pm on 31 May. I will speak world of nature was once again deemed notice – that the ever-increasing artifi- described by some members during on ‘What is the Church For?’ If you inadequate for human well-being. This cialisation of our lifestyles doesn’t make our inaugural meeting in March. Dr are a member of Modern Church and belief has driven us onto two endless us happier or healthier. Prysor-Jones is a priest and a psycho- would like to join the Forum, please treadmills: the artificialisation of Things are going to change: what therapist. His excellent paper dwelled email [email protected] human life, and conflict over resources. we do, what we want, what we notice especially on the effects of the abuse and a Zoom link will be sent to you. Our current environmental crisis and what we avoid. They may change of power by and how existing — Lorraine Cavanagh doesn’t prove that the ancient Hebrews because we take the needs of the envi- and early Christians were right, but it ronment seriously, and act accordingly. does show that their way of relating to Otherwise they will change because we “ALL CHANGE” IN THE OFFICE the world around us worked better in don’t – in which case our grandchildren We welcome our new administrator/finance the Founder and director of Edinburgh practice. will suffer the consequences. officer, Ian Munro, who was appointed from Festival Ensemble. So how do I justify my specs and my The changes we need may seem a dis- 1 May to enable a short overlap with Diane He takes over the general administrative laptop? The ancient Hebrews used new aster to those clinging to the paradigm before she leaves to be ordained in the work which Diane has been doing, together technologies when they had reason to we have inherited. But when we let go Diocese of Ely. with the day-to-day aspects of the work of do so. There was innovation, as there of it, and learn to think differently, we Ian has a musical background and has our Treasurer. It will still be necessary for has been all through history. But they will find it a blessing. It will benefit us recently undertaken a range of roles in this the AGM to elect a Treasurer to oversee never wanted new technologies for their as well as the Earth. It is good news. area, most of which have a significant admin- this work and serve on the Trustees, but own sakes. They never thought the istrative element, including Regional Manager this new arrangement should reduce his/her world God had given them needed to for Scotland for the Royal School of Church burden and streamline some aspects of the be replaced with something artificial. Jonathan Clatworthy is a Music and the musical director for a number administration. If we hadn’t had our 400-year project theological author and blogger, and trustee of choirs. He has served as the Operations We look forward to hearing more about Ian of suppressing nature we would still of Modern Church. His latest book is Why Director for a Drum Shop in Glasgow. He in our next edition! have produced new technologies. But Progressives Need God. also works as a freelance musician and is — Diane Kutar and Anthony Woollard we might have been more choosy about

10 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 11 REVIEWS and the final 15% those living in Empire. But, importantly, destitution. Probably 90% expe- he shows the effect of rising rience genuine poverty. Palestine doctrinal controversies which had been occupied by Rome since created tribalism within and 63BCE, whose main priority by between churches, made worse the time of Jesus was ‘keeping by later controversies even up to the peace’. This meant a strong our own time. This is the very military presence, supported by antithesis of Jesus, who abhorred an indigenous elite, including tribalism, along with the inde- the Temple establishment in fensible imbalance between Jerusalem. Rhodes believes that rich and poor. But he sees light Rhodes’ Idealistic, Yet Prophetic, something of the authentic at the end of the tunnel. If the Jesus can be found in the synop- Church took the radical Jesus Call for Climate Justice tic gospels. seriously, those who self-identify as Christian could make a crucial Siding with the poor difference to the climate change A key text for Rhodes, at the crisis – along with many of other start of Jesus’ ministry, is the faiths who also teach respect for his is one of the most people blighted by poverty, reading from Isaiah in the syna- neighbours, and therefore the T challenging and injustice and racism. gogue at Nazareth, when he sets planet. Acting collaboratively disturbing books I have Climate change will make out his manifesto (Luke 4:18). alongside other groups, they read for a long while! It things a lot worse. The Jesus reveals the ‘unconditional could influence governments would take a sea change survival of our human love of God’ as the basis of his and international corporations. for the Church take its species is threatened, and ministry. As we know, the story Working for the common good of message seriously. climate justice is vitally doesn’t end well for Jesus, who is all might exert massive influence I had not come across important, but the Church nearly killed by the congregation and political leverage. David Rhodes before, and David Rhodes allows a conspiracy of on that day, and of course, the This an idealistic book, and wondered how many in Climate Crisis: silence on the subject. conflict continues throughout open to strong disagreement. Modern Church had, The Challenge Rhodes wrote this book to his life. Siding with the poor is Nevertheless, it is a relatively although I wasn’t surprised to the Church demonstrate that climate dangerous, as it challenges civil, easy read with a deep prophetic to discover he had been a Kevin Mayhew, justice must become the military and religious elites. vision. We have experienced the 2020 friend of Kenneth Leech. Church’s key priority. Speaking the truth to power terrible effects that Coronavirus Once a journalist, he spent results in his crucifixion. has inflicted on our world. How much of his ordained ministry in Ruling elite Rhodes then shows how this much worse will climate change the poorer parts of Leeds. A Rhodes begins with Jesus vital message is watered down in be? There is much to learn here. director of the Bible reading within the context of 1st cen- later periods, especially by Paul, — David Driscoll Fellowship, chaplain to the tury Palestinian society, shaped as churches become increasingly Children’s Society, and a member much like a spherical onion. institutionalised. Rhodes doesn’t David Driscoll is a retired priest of General Synod, he has written Its long stem represents the 2% dwell on the rise of Constantine in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, a widely on social justice and the in Palestine who are the ruling in the 4th century, which member of the Council of Modern Gospel as good news for the poor. elite. Below them, 8% represent resulted in a gradual acceptance Church and joint convenor of its The world already faces seri- landowners and traders. The of Christianity as the privileged South-West Group. ous trouble with millions of 75% majority is the peasants religion of the later Roman

12 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 13 Herbert’s Challenging Work Equips Us for a Journey of Understanding

his book was a hard, an academic approach but person, or overload them with One friend asked if we were Ttough read for many the key initial difficulty generalisations of a personality getting married in my church reasons. Had I not been became, to me, its best they may not have. Through the writing this review, I quality – that is, the stories witness of the interviewees, all of and was amazed when I told would almost certainly from Christians trying to those negative factors disappear them that we couldn’t - the have given up within the balance their faith, their and the onward journey towards response was “I knew the first twenty pages or so. sexuality and same-sex the theology of the title moves Am I glad that I didn’t marriage. They punctu- slowly on. was give up? Absolutely Clare Herbert ate just about every page, behind the times, but I didn’t Towards a Theology I am. which can be jarring but I Those who disapprove realise that it was that far I should offer an of Same-Sex think that’s a good thing. I do not personally feel conflict explanation of my quali- Marriage – Those within the Church between my sexuality and my behind.” It is. fication for writing this. Squaring the Circle of England at every level Christian faith, but it would be I’m a man, I married my Jessica Kingsley, 2021 should read their words, naive of me to think that there husband three years ago they are voices that need may not be those who disapprove in a Register Office, I’m to be heard. In fact, these of my way of life, or of the fact indicates, correctly, that this is a practising Anglican truly human messages, that I am married to another a journey still very much under and heavily involved with written as though they man. I also know that there are way – as part of that journey my local rural Parish Church. had just been uttered, also need many friends and acquaintances my advice would be – read this Even if we had wanted to, we to be heard further afield. who attended our wedding who book – whatever your standpoint could not have married in my just can’t grasp the Church’s – you will be better armed and church – but as my husband does Imposing labels failure to welcome such cele- informed because of it. I’m sad not practise any faith, the prob- Just because people identify brations. One friend asked if to say that the people that won’t lem did not occur at the time, as “gay” or “lesbian” or “queer” we were getting married in my want to read it are the very peo- although it was discussed. I find doesn’t mean that their individ- church and was amazed when I ple that most need to do so; but it extremely sad that I was pre- ual stories relate to the topic of told them that we couldn’t – the that’s just my opinion! cluded from even considering this book, all in the same way response was “I knew the Church — Jonathan Ward holding our marriage service – far from it. Each person has a of England was behind the times, amongst people and in a church story, each story deserves to be but I didn’t realise that it was that both mean so much to me. told. Imposing labels can cause that far behind.” It is. Jonathan Ward is Commercial The early challenges of the a lot of damage, as it can mask The title of the book, Towards Director at Ushaw College, Durham book did ease though. It takes or taint the true qualities of a a Theology of Same-Sex Marriage,

14 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 15 Feminist Reading of Mark Aims for ‘Full Flourishing of Humans’

he dust jacket of this and informative. The as an accompaniment to the dis- It is fascinating and scholarly T lengthy volume is latter makes the point early cussion on the Messianic secret and has shaken up my quite explicit about its on that the methodology relating to events in Chapter purpose. ‘This reading includes feminist theology, 7. There are references to the perceptions of my own lack of of Mark’s Gospel engages masculinity studies and nuances of the Greek text, nar- critical awareness of gender this ancient text from analysis of imperial struc- rative techniques and analytical issues and ignorance of the the perspective of con- tures. If, like me, you have tools familiar from but expand- temporary feminist never approached herme- ing the reach of source, form and cultural norms of the world of concerns to expose and Warren Carter neutics with any of these redaction criticism. the New Testament… resist all forms of dom- Wisdom as a priority, then these The discussions of Jesus’ ination that prevent Commentary 42: well-articulated intro- clashes with religious and the full flourishing Mark ductions are compelling imperial authority broaden the of all humans and all Minnesota: in their new perspective. commentary into forms of resist- creation.’ I approached Liturgical Press, 2019 The commentary itself ance to the various contemporary author’s intentions transparent. it with some hesitation, takes groups of verses elites. Nevertheless, it does seem In the Afterword he states that distant memories of Reader sequentially with input from to have to place all the charac- he has a clear intention to be a training reviving a lurking a variety of feminist scholars, ters, their sayings and actions, ‘male ally’ in the struggle for the suspicion that exegesis is a well documented and contain- into categories relating to gender full flourishing of humans and more legitimate activity than ing inter-textual links with the and oppression. It is difficult to all creation’ and ‘redressing the eisegesis. I turned to the com- Old Testament. Three Hebrew quote examples out of context of particular inequalities which mentary to be convinced that women, Esther, Judith and the wider commentary without women experience’. the ‘dance of wisdom’ referred Jezebel appear in the reflections making this review sound like a I am going to lend it to the to in the Foreword as the guid- on the beheading of John the parody of excessive jargon. It is and look forward to her ing inspiration behind the Baptist. Bullet points, tables fascinating and scholarly and has reaction to it. I suspect I am too Wisdom commentaries, would and articles from a variety of shaken up my perceptions of my cautious and my own preference dispel this suspicion. authors enhance information own lack of critical awareness of is still in the realm of at least As an introduction to femi- and stimulate thought. An gender issues and ignorance of attempting exegesis! nist Biblical interpretation and article on ‘Body and Empire’ by the cultural norms of the world — Rosemary Walters Gender Studies, the Editor’s Jin Young Choi contrasts Jesus’ of the New Testament viewed in Introduction to the series and identification with the humble the light of our contemporary Rosemary Walters is a Lay Canon the Author’s Introduction to (humiliores) rather than the assumptions of justice and equal- of Canterbury Cathedral this work are concise, readable, more honourable (honestiores) ity. The tone is confident and the

16 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 17 ‘Book of Transfigurations’ Invites Taking an Alternative Route Reflection Through Poetry and Paint from the Tyranny of Original Sin

first came across Roger shows quite explicitly how execu- teach Christian Theology, dense, but, because of the style, I Wagner in 2014 when his tions by stoning are still being “I and farm for a living” it is accessible. We have here what portrait of Justin Welby as carried out. Roger has travelled to – so the author introduces could be regarded as a ‘systematic’ Bishop of Durham was unveiled the biblical lands, and to Syria, and himself, and I warm to him. in 250 pages, when others would in Auckland Castle. this is reflected in many of the I am also appreciative when have written three volumes. I Since then I have become more paintings and poems in this book, somebody takes me decisively on warm to him. He affirms from the deeply acquainted with his poetry, which are deceptively straightfor- a path that reinforces my own very beginning that theology is which, like his art, is profoundly ward, but full of conviction. thinking, specifically here in ‘not only about ideas, but also Roger Wagner simple, and more of both is laid This is a book to spend time turning away from what many Douglas H Knight about life, practice, and action’ The Nearer before us in this, his eighth book with reflectively, and it commu- regard as the only acceptable The Eschatological (p.xx). Since the question of You Stand Economy: of poems and images, ‘speaking Canterbury Press, nicates deeply. Rowan Williams Western theological line: what it means to be ‘human’ has with one another’ in ways which 2019 has called it ‘a book of transfig- the one that runs through Time and the dominated my own theological are delightfully revealing and urations’, which is exactly right. Augustine and Calvin. Hospitality of God enquiry, I warm to him. sometimes unsettling. Scenes from his That is how art works, both powerfully Presumably because of his Wipf & Stock, 2019 A word to the wise: do native Oxfordshire resonate with bibli- pleasing and unsettling – spirituality affinity with Zizioulas (whose not skip the Preface and cal illustrations which are in some ways too. And for Wagner, it spills over into published theology he has edited Introduction. These lay out the reminiscent of Blake’s attempts to por- science. In 2016, Wagner co-wrote with since the original publication of this background and the groundwork for tray a world suffused with the divine. Andrew Briggs, a British Scientist, The book in 2006) Knight rescues us the six chapters that follow. In the On the other hand, biblical narratives Penultimate Curiosity, an examination of from the tyranny of original sin and Introduction, Knight sketches out the are re-imagined in modern contexts the long entanglement between science predestination by taking the radi- argument of the book, which depends – the woman ‘taken in adultery’ from and religion. That book argues that the cally alternative route in theological on the redefinition of certain basic John 8, for example, is paraded before contemporary trend of using science anthropology via Irenaeus (p.13f) and terms (person, being, time, space), and the press cameras and the mob after her to discredit religion only shows that the Eastern Church. I warm to him. a re-reading of Scripture. However, his ‘trial’, and led: human beings have a deep-rooted need In the Preface, Knight pays tribute method of doing theology leads him to Beyond the camera’s fatal stare to make sense of the depths of human to ‘those who listened while I learned constantly reassess the chapters as the To where one writes in grit and dust experience, a need which gave rise to how to say things simply.’ It is this that book progresses. – Of dry bones in a bone-dry place, religion in the first place. makes a rather dense book of systematic Knight begins by critiquing Of broken hopes and powdered dreams – — Trevor Pitt theology a delight to read. There are Modernity, and then specifically The unseen, unhoped, words of grace… simply no long, convoluted sentences. returns to this point in the final chap- Trevor Pitt is Book Reviews Editor of Sentences of fifteen words are ‘long’ ters, with an analysis of the relationship This is accompanied by an oil paint- Signs of the Times, and a priest in the in this context, and often five or six between the sacred and the secular. ing, now in Auckland Castle, which Diocese of Durham. words suffice. The theology may be Between introduction and continued >

18 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 19 An Appeal to History

embers of Modern Church may We’ll think up some kind of prize for M be aware that you have free anyone who can provide the September access to digital copies of Modern 1921 issue containing the papers of our Believing and its predecessor controversial 1921 annual conference on Modern Churchman, via the . To celebrate the centenary American Theological Libraries of that event we have a Day Conference Association. We’ve been publishing planned for 11 September 2021. It since April 1911! would be really helpful to have the 1921 We had to send hard copies, donated papers available for members interested by members, to ATLA for digitisation. in attending that. If somebody can let Unfortunately we were missing a few us have a copy we can then arrange for issues. If you have any back copies you ATLA to digitise it. no longer need, we’d welcome dona- tions; we would reimburse postage. Other back copies? Some of the ones we are looking for We’d also be glad of other back cop- are comparatively recent: 1988-1999 ies – but please check with me, because inclusive, and 1957-1966 inclusive. The there is no point in sending us copies earlier missing ones are some from the that are already on the system. 1940s, rather more from the 1930s and All subscribers to Modern Believing most from before. are entitled to read back copies via ATLA (and also Liverpool University Get in touch Press for issues from 1957). Let us If you can help, please get in touch know if you want to do that and don’t with me on [email protected] or know how. 07729 886272. — Jonathan Clatworthy

Continued from page 19 conclusion, he refreshingly re-thinks which to establish who they are. Nevertheless, they many major theological themes. Since have Christians to point to what they can be (p.xxi).” he has already set out his conclusions — Michael Chester in the Introduction, it is no spoiler to share part of one of three themes in Revd Dr Michael A. Chester is a the book, which Knight identifies as a supernumerary Methodist presbyter living contrast between two ways of life: in York. He was Senior Lecturer in theology at Kenya Methodist University, and latterly “One of these… is witnessed to by Christians… The Director of Studies at the North East other is that way of life actually lived by our contempo- Oecumenical Course in Durham. raries … [who] do not have any means of their own by

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