WINTER 2020 SIGNS OF THE TIMES FEATURES, COMMENTARY AND REVIEWS FROM MODERN CHURCH
Chr stic istia uti n Ra A m an blings of Erin Burnett discovers the value of non-realism for the neurodivergent
In Memoriam: Talking Book Reviews David Simon About God James Francis, Michael Sadgrove Jane Finn and Alan Race John Saxbee and Linda Birch
MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL
Linda Birch Artist and Teacher General Secretary Very Revd Dr Jonathan Draper [email protected] Erin Burnett Theology Graduate and Postgraduate Student Administrator Diane Kutar [email protected] 0845 345 1909 Jane Finn Curate at Halifax Minster Modern Church is an international society promoting liberal theology. James Francis Founded in 1898 to defend Former Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department Anthony Woollard liberalism in the Church of of Religious Studies at the University of Sunderland Editor England, we now work ecumenically to encourage open, enquiring, non-dogmatic Alan Race approaches to Christianity. Chair of Modern Church @RevAlanRace
SIGNS OF THE TIMES Michael Sadgrove PASSING ON THE BATON Former Dean of Durham Editor @MichaelSadgrove Anthony Woollard signsofthetimes his edition mourns a his magisterial analysis of @modernchurch.org.uk John Saxbee T great member of Modern “non-realist” theology in the 01789 204923 Former Bishop of Lincoln Church – David Simon, our spring edition of 2019. Thus and President of the Modern Churchpeople’s Union Treasurer, whose death was the baton is handed on from Book Reviews Editor Trevor Pitt briefly announced in our last generation to generation. Many [email protected] edition. I leave it to our Chair of our members are products of below, with David’s former col- the theological ferment of the league at Halifax Minster who 1960s, and some of our diverse gave the eulogy, to celebrate all thinking (even our continued that he contributed to Modern existence) may seem dated and Church, and to the Church irrelevant to newer generations. Signs of the Times is published in February, May, August and November. It provides news and information about Modern Church more generally. It is easy to become depressed and offers members an opportunity to communicate with each other in print. We welcome articles, notices, poems, suggestions, His death coincided, almost to and despairing – which David comments and suitable accompanying images. Articles published do not necessarily reflect a Modern Church perspective – in the day, with the submission of never was. Erin’s article below keeping with our commitment to liberal theology we believe that other views should be heard. Send material to the editor by an article by a new voice, Erin gives a massive boost to the case 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). Burnett, a young theology grad- that our witness is still needed: uate from Northern Ireland, a witness to a Gospel and a which picked up directly on Church which are continued >
Printed on FSC and EU Eco Label certified environmentally-friendly paper. Please recycle after use. COVER IMAGE: BENEDICTION OF GOD THE FATHER BY LUCA CAMBIASO (C.1565)
02 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 03 Erin’s article below gives a massive IN MEMORIAM boost to the case that our witness is still needed: a witness to a Gospel and a Church which are generous enough to include many different understandings of the Christian Mystery and the Christian story.
generous enough to include many dif- principal Modern Church baton – the David Simon (1949-2020) ferent understandings of the Christian role of Treasurer – his predecessor Mystery and the Christian story. Rosalind Lund stepped back into the MC Treasurer (2018-2020) There are far more such new voices, breach on an interim basis. But she particularly but not only amongst the does much else for us, as Secretary to young, who have little or no contact the Trustees and joint Membership By The Revd Jane Finn, Curate Halifax Minster, with Revd Dr Alan Race, Chair MC Trustees with Modern Church. They, too, are Secretary to name but two roles. At the needed. Consideration of the pandem- time of writing, therefore, we are still ic’s implications for the Church has seeking a longer-term successor. I can Jane Finn writes: but before long his old pro- so far focused largely on its financial testify, as a Trustee and cheque signa- avid Simon was greatly fessor had him returning to problems and on the pros and cons of tory, that the accounts are very much Drespected and cherished Aberystwyth as a lecturer, greater digital presence; but both of simpler and far less busy than those of by many people, and rightly before later moving to the these have implications for its theology. a major parish church, such as I mas- so. He was born and died University of Hull, again When we combine all that with the terminded for many years, or indeed in Yorkshire, grew up in following his professor. wider social and political questions those of many other small to medium Bradford with his parents Subsequently, he took a job at which have painfully come to the fore charities. They have their peculiari- and his brother James and Rydal Hall retreat house in over the past year – not to speak of the ties and points of interest, but there is attended Bradford Grammar the Lakes, combining two of ever more urgent climate crisis – we much expertise amongst the rest of us to School. He studied Economics, his great loves – his finance could be seeing an intensification of the advise any newcomer on those. Business and Finance at the skills and his faith. He was “new Dark Age” of which I have written University of Aberystwyth. It ordained Deacon in 1987, and before; or an opportunity for a new start was there that he cemented Priest in 1988, ministering for humanity; or both. In any event, If we have not filled this vacancy by the time of his love of learning and of for many years at Cartmel Modern Church’s witness is crucial. publication, any reader who would consider it should academia. He began his career Priory. Some five years ago, As regards the passing on of David’s please e-mail: [email protected] with Post Office Telecoms, he and his wife continued >
04 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 05 Many of us struggle to work out who we are, and what is its straightforward, beautiful yet We knew him as a trustee important to us, and even then, living that out, is even more concise words, it seems a perfect and treasurer but his choice. At the Community of difficult still. But David did know who he was, what was the Resurrection (a place which contribution to the important to him, and he did live it out; it is called integrity. held a special place in David’s organization was far-reaching. heart), it is customary to leave in silence after the service, and the Greater Silence, as it was known, was entered into until far-reaching. That said, we Marjorie finally came home to life, and death, and any con- the dawning of the next day… the valued his management of our Yorkshire and David to work at cerns he needed to lay down and very message of resurrection hope. finances through two chal- Halifax Minster. He once said: leave behind. The words of Compline lenging years, during which we “You never know why you’re Eleanor Roosevelt once spoke and the words of David’s life, have seen significant legacies doing things at the time, and about learning who we really spoken and unspoken, call us coincide with falling revenues now it’s all clear to me.” are, and then living with that to quietness, to reflection, to from other sources, with con- Among his many interests, decision. Many of us struggle to better living, to being our better sequent major restructuring he was a Companion member work out who we are, and what is selves, and they continue to of our “business plan” and the of the monastic Community of important to us, and even then, do so. Our lives are enriched financially intelligent and safe the Resurrection at Mirfield, living that out, is even more dif- and all the better for having development of new initiatives. a member of the Philosophy ficult still. But David did know known him, for having worked Not only did David add much Group, the Novel Appreciation who he was, what was important alongside him, for having insight and wisdom to all group, the Manchester to him, and he did live it out; it learnt alongside him, for having the Trustees’ discussions on Philosophy Group (joined just is called integrity. He did not walked with him in death. Our matters financial and non-fi- during lockdown!), a Trustee waste time or words doing or lives are changed because of his nancial, his understanding and Treasurer of Modern saying unnecessary things – he counsel, and will continue to of charity law and accounting Church. He loved academia, he was a noticer, a great thinker, be so because, in him, we saw, proved invaluable on many loved the water and the sea, he an academic, an observer, a heard and experienced the very occasions. His mantra was loved walking, reading, learning, consoler, an accepter of others… love of God. always ‘you can spend money so talking, and he loved his family. he had an incredibly sharp David, go forth from this long as it reflects the objects of The sudden diagnosis, only brain (with a wit as sharp), a world, rest in peace, and rise in MC’s purpose’. three weeks before his passing, mischievous sense of humour, a glory. Amen. But David also contributed was an enormous shock to both healthy disregard for unreason- to our theological thinking, the family and his friends, but able authority, a sense of place notably through the pages of his very last days were mercifully and a sense of peace, because he Alan Race adds: Signs – and most presciently and pain-free and peaceful. He was wasn’t controlled by should-do’s, or all of us in Modern poignantly with his article in able, one by one, to lay down the but by what he knew to be right F Church, David will be the summer 2020 edition on things of this world and ready and worthy. An inclusive, crazy, remembered as a dear friend, Losing Loved Ones Before Their Time himself for the next. The imme- loving, and lovable, humble a committed liberal thinker, in the context of the pandemic. diate family were fortunate in liberal, with smiling eyes and a someone of steady wisdom and, David maintained a winning being able to spend time with smiling heart. as Jane has said, integrity. composure at all times and was him during his last days in the True to form, David chose We knew him as a trustee and a personal support to those who hospice. I anointed him, and the service of Compline for his treasurer but his contribu- sought his wise counsel. He will we chatted and laughed about parting, and with continued > tion to the organization was be greatly missed.
06 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 07 COVER FEATURE a n A M B S o f AUTISTIC R L I N G CHRISTIAN
Erin Burnett discovers the value of non-realism for the neurodivergent
ast year’s issues of Signs included college, where faith tends to either L a fascinating discussion on strengthen or die. “non-realist” Christian theology. For my final year dissertation, I chose In response, I wish to contend that to research the experience of autistic non-realism is a perhaps rare but valid adults within the Christian church; I way to interpret the Christian faith. received my autism diagnosis at the age Indeed, there is a subsection of people of 18, yet I had never considered how for whom non-realism may be the only that could influence my theology. Too viable option: autistic people. often, theology regarding marginalised If I had to encapsulate my religious groups focuses on how to pull these outlook in one sentence, I would invert groups into the ecclesiastical fold, the oft-cited phrase ‘spiritual, but not enforcing conformity to theological religious’ and instead say I am ‘religious, norms. The liberation theologians of but not spiritual’. I have always had a the twentieth century had a different deep-seated interest in religion, and I understanding: theology should come love the traditions, community and way from the margins, by listening to of life which Christianity provides. Yet I diverse perspectives and receiving new have always struggled with the supernat- theological understandings beyond the BY LUCA BY CAMBIASO (C.1565) ural aspects of the faith; I could never established norm. grasp the concept of communicating My research revealed that I am not with a God ‘up there’ while humans a hopeless heretic in a state of wilful were ‘down here’. I bounced from rebellion. Instead, there are neuro- church to church, all over the theolog- biological reasons which explain why ical spectrum, hoping to finally achieve some autistic people struggle to give the ‘personal relationship with Jesus’ intellectual assent to supernatural doc- I have always struggled with the supernatural aspects of the faith; I could never grasp everyone else seemed to enjoy. My search trines. Multiple research papers have
the concept of communicating with a God ‘up there’ while humans were ‘down here’. IMAGE: BENEDICTION OF GOD THE FATHER eventually led me to attend theological demonstrated a connection continued >
MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 09 “I’d rather be an ‘unbelieving Christian’ living by know: God is love, and autistic people QUIZ love than an ‘unbeloving Christian’ living by beliefs” are just as capable at giving and receiving love as anyone else. Many autistic adults face a life of isolation Contemporary and misunderstanding; churches can offer a community of inclusive love for Theology such individuals. What, then, does a non-realist faith Devised by Rebekah Hanson and Chris Savage between autism and lack of belief in a willing to facilitate discussions that look like in real life? To quote Don supernatural deity; in order to properly others may consider to be beyond the Cupitt, “to believe in the Resurrection 1 Who said, ‘If God is male, then the male is God’? relate to a personal deity, one must be boundaries of Christian orthodoxy. I’ll of Christ is to start living ‘a risen life’, 2 When was Honest to God first published? able to empathise with God’s personal- always remember a particular saying and to believe in the Ascension is to say ity traits, thoughts, moods, and ways of of his: “I’d rather be an ‘unbelieving ‘Jesus is Lord’ and live by his teaching”. 3 Which famous theologian said that the beginning communicating. Autistic people have a Christian’ living by love than an ‘unbe- A non-realist faith is inherently practi- and essence of faith was to “simply accept the hard enough time doing this with some- loving Christian’ living by beliefs”. cal and empirical, a James 1:27 kind of fact that you are accepted”? one who is standing in front of them, As an autistic Christian, I have a deep faith. Paul Tillich proposed that God 4 Apart from Mary, who else was referred to as let alone with an entity we cannot see. desire to be part of something beyond can be understood as the ground of all ‘Mother’ by Julian of Norwich in Revelations of To quote John Shelby Spong, “What myself, to follow the teachings of Jesus being, a level of being above and beyond Divine Love? the mind cannot accept, the heart can and establish the Kingdom of God on personal existence, one that enfolds all 5 Who allegedly stated that the Christian has a never adore”. earth. In issue 75 of Signs, Lorraine human beings (Colossians 3:11; Acts bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other? Society is ordered around ideas of Cavanagh rightly points out that 17:28). Personally, I experience this normativity, whereby those who do not “Nobody can be made to believe some- level of being by volunteering for the 6 What is the 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis con- meet the norm are viewed as defective. thing in a way which conveys meaning Mission to Seafarers, an organisation cerning climate change called? Churches can subconsciously buy into unless they have in some way encoun- that offers me the privilege of being able 7 Which Bible passage does Elisabeth Schüssler these ideas if the goal is to make autistic tered who or what it is they are being to show practical love for fellow divine Fiorenza reference with the title of her people more neurotypical in behaviour asked to believe in”. I may not be able image bearers. When I talk to seafarers book, In Memory of Her: A Feminist Theological and belief. How, then, can an autistic to have a supernatural encounter with about their lives, struggles, hopes and Reconstruction of Christian Origins? person remain part of a faith community an anthropomorphised God, but this I dreams, that is when I catch a glimpse of 8 without having to force themselves into the divine. Who shouted at a meeting of General Synod in a way of thinking that is fundamentally By way of a disclaimer, it must be noted that I do the 1980’s when a motion accepting the ordi- incompatible with the way they experi- I may not be able to have a not speak on behalf of all autistic Christians. Autism nation of women as priests was rejected, “We asked for bread and you gave us stones”? ence the world? supernatural encounter with an is heterogeneous, meaning every autistic person Towards the end of my time at theo- presents differently, and therefore the extent to which 9 What are the five categories of Christian logical college I came to the realisation anthropomorphised God, but this I they struggle to conceptualise a personal deity will vary. approaches to culture in Christ and Culture by that such radical theology would not know: God is love, and autistic H. Richard Niebuhr? be welcomed in the world of Northern Erin Burnett is a theology graduate from people are just as capable at giving 10 Who proclaimed the death of Christianity at the Irish evangelicalism, yet to leave the Northern Ireland, currently undertaking and receiving love as anyone else. hands of white evangelical nationalists in the 2019 church would have been akin to losing postgraduate study in Scotland. This is an book, Burying White Privilege? a core part of my identity. It was then Many autistic adults face a life of extended version of an article Who pioneered Industrial Mission in Sheffield in that a maverick Church of Ireland priest isolation and misunderstanding; previously published in Progressive 11 suggested I join Modern Church, not Voices, the newsletter of the Progressive the late 1940’s and wrote Church and People in an because they would necessarily agree churches can offer a community of Christianity Network. Industrial City? with me, but because they would be inclusive love for such individuals 12 What is the name of Jürgen Moltmann'scontinued first> book?
Answers on the back page >
10 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 11 Following Feuerbach and Durkheim, theists and atheists can use positively atheists tend to reverse the roles of and appropriately. For example: mys- tery, spirit, grace, sacrifice, soul, creature and Creator – God is the redemption, transcendence. Dialogue creature made in the image of between religion and atheism is ham- PHOTO: DESI MAXWELL humanity, the Creator pered by a binary choice between uni- and equivocal language. But the non-binary option allows analogy to help move us beyond the divide. human beings? If so, then we are using Following Feuerbach and Durkheim, them univocally. But if we take seriously atheists tend to reverse the roles of what Kierkegaard called ‘the infinite creature and Creator – God is the crea- qualitative difference’ between God ture made in the image of humanity, the and God’s human creatures, then we Creator. But the analogical dynamic is may well apply different senses to the same. What is typically attributed to such words. For example, we may be God as Creator is being projected on to ‘good’ but God’s goodness is different humankind analogically. Such instances in kind and not just degree from of shared vocabulary, used analogically, ours. Such differentiated meanings we can enable theists to help humanists call equivocal. comprehend humanity, and enable However, does this have to be a binary humanists to help theists comprehend choice? Thanks to Thomas Aquinas, God. Herein are the ingredients for a a non-binary option is on offer. He fruitful dialogue. developed the ancient Greek notion Now we have got a taste for non- of analogy which traces a middle way binary accounts of religious language, between uni- and equivocal usage. abduction comes to the fore. It is the His understanding of analogy implies non-binary option challenging the a derivative relationship between an binary choice between deductive and Talking About God original usage, and its adopted use. inductive ways of arguing to a conclu- Gordon Banks’ ‘miraculous’ save in the sion. Deduction is a form of logical 1970 World Cup has an analogical and, argument whereby the conclusion John Saxbee on the non-binary key that might therefore, derivative relationship to is the only possible one given the unlock Humanist-Christian dialogue turning water into wine! The meaning stated premises: of miracle in relation to the latter rubs off on the meaning of the word as it All Anglicans are baptised; s a member of the Religion as an alternative to conflict and con- applies to the former. Judith is an Anglican; A and Atheism Project, involv- frontation. The latest exchanges Likewise, God is goodness itself, but therefore Judith is baptised. ing a dozen or so representatives of focussed on the kind of language and in such a way as to allow the meaning of Humanist and Christian points of processes of reasoning we are using ‘good’ as applied to God to rub off on Such deductive arguments are true or view, I was asked to submit an article when we talk about God. its attribution to human beings made in false – there’s no other option. to get the discussion under way in May When we describe God as ‘good’ or God’s image. Induction is a form of argument from 2020 via Zoom. ‘wise’ are we using these words in the There are a host of words in a typical past and present experiential knowl- This project is predicated on dialogue same sense as when we apply them to Dictionary of Theology which both edge e.g. the sun has risen continued >
12 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 13 REVIEWS every day, to a conclusion as to what ‘What is truth?’ asked Pilate. Well, will happen hereafter – the sun will rise tomorrow. Just as deductive arguments when it comes to theology, it is are logically true or false, so inductive seldom, if ever, binary, and with the arguments are demonstrably true or assistance of analogy and abduction false – the sun either rises tomorrow or doesn’t. There is no middle way. So as non-binary options, religion and both modes of argument are binary. atheism can dialogue their way But again, there is a non-binary towards plausible, if not necessarily option. This is abduction which, put simply, is to argue for the most plausible identical, inferences from such inference from the available evidence. evidence as is available this side of The Relationship Between This mode of argument was much the veil favoured by C.S. Lewis who, perhaps for Human Violence and the Sacred that reason, was one of the most influ- ential religious apologists of the 20th antecedent and superior divine being. Century. He majored on probability as Those repeated ‘probablys’ point to the key to the way we must reason our way use of abduction i.e. arguing for the to the truth-claims of religion. He most plausible inference from the avail- his book is an of Girard’s theory, with forswore the binary of true or false able evidence, be that evidence logical, T appreciation of creative reflection on its to propose and promote non- empirical, experiential or revealed. reconciliation from a significance for today. binary probability. Abductive reasoning does not entail Girardian perspective. What better guide than Arguments for the existence of God, agnosticism. ‘Probably’ is a step It consists of six the author, who worked whether deductive (e.g. ontological beyond ‘don’t know’, but it stops short chapters, with an with Girard. arguments) or inductive (e.g. the argu- of submission to the tyranny of Introduction and The first chapter, What is ment from design) have been found binary reasoning. an Appendix (a Sacred Violence?, outlines wanting principally because they fall ‘What is truth?’ asked Pilate. Well, transcript of Paul Gifford the fundamentals of foul of the binary true/false dichotomy. when it comes to theology, it is seldom, Conversations with Towards Reconciliation. Girardian thought And, of course, arguments for the if ever, binary, and with the assistance René Girard – From Understanding Violence in drawing anthro- non-existence of God suffer the same of analogy and abduction as non-binary Animal to Religion and and the Sacred after pology and religion fate. But abduction offers both theists options, religion and atheism can dia- On Religion – held in René Girard together. Chapter two, and atheists a lifeline, and as with the logue their way towards plausible, if not April 2009). James Clarke & Co, 2020 Violent Origins, Origins deployment of analogical language, necessarily identical, inferences from The first sentence of Violence examines extends the scope for creative and mutu- such evidence as is available this side of states the author’s purpose “that mimetic theory informing an ally enlightening dialogue. the veil. we will become better recon- understanding of conflict in “an Just as Humanists declared on the cilers if we manage to gain a unsuspected runaway dynamic side of a bus that there probably isn’t sharper and more joined-up at work in human affairs” a God, so I would want to say that the John Saxbee is a former Bishop of understanding of how human (page 27). The author explores human self is probably not the ultimate Lincoln and President of the Modern violence is linked to the sacred.” this with reference to William mystery which Humanism must affirm Churchpeople’s Union (predecessor of (page 1). The book takes us on Golding’s novel The Lord of the Flies. and celebrate, and that this human Modern Church). a journey that explains and “Still today, human violence is self is probably transcended by an explores the scope and shape sacralised in at least continued >
14 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 15 two important senses. First of of the surrounding cults of all, negatively it demonises its Israel’s context. In the Gospels, Other but then it is also “self-sa- Jesus’ passion also signals the cralising” (positively speaking ultimate revision of the cultic it divinises itself). Always, it is sacred. (As a note in passing, Walsh’s R.S. Thomas Advent sacrificial, requiring a victim; this reviewer is especially grate- and originally and in principle, ful for how this chapter offers a Collection is to be Enjoyed that sacrifice is bloody” fresh way of reading the story of (page 33). the Fall (so called) in Genesis All Year Round Chapter three, entitled 2-3, and also the identity of the Founding Murder (the “archaic “Judaisers” in John’s Gospel sacred”), focuses on the idea in a way that frees us from discovered R. S. Advent with R. S. Thomas of the ritual slaughter of a anti-Semitism). I Thomas at theological could have consisted surrogate victim. “The sacred Chapter five, Passion, college – not as ordinand merely of devotional emerges in the practice of sac- Resurrection – and How We Come but lecturer. One of thoughts on favourites like rifice in which the scapegoat is by Reconciliation, continues this my students who wrote ‘The Bright Field’ and sacralised, divinised. He (the theme in exploring further how beautiful essays on the ‘Pilgrimages’. Instead, scapegoat) will henceforth carry Jesus’ fate as sacred violence is Hebrew Bible asked if Walsh shares insights that the vocation of preserving the called in question. Through his I’d read his poetry. are finely attuned reconciled community... This death and resurrection a new I hadn’t. Later, as to Thomas’ subtle, Carys Walsh Violence and this Sacred are, way of reconciliation that is a young incumbent shifting ‘frequencies’ Frequencies of God: for René Girard, the origin of not based on sacred violence is with everything to (the book’s title is an Walking through Advent culture.” (pages 16, 42, 49-51). opened up. Chapter 6 (“Taking learn about parish allusion to his 1978 with R. S. Thomas Chapter four, Violence, the Thought for Reconciliation”) ministry, I went back collection of poems). Archaic Sacred and Judaeo-Christian sketches creative possibilities to his poems. He Canterbury Press, 2020 She shows to good Revelation is a hinge; primitive for society today in putting this seemed to inhabit a effect how the ideas of religion (the “archaic sacred”), Girardian vision to work exis- landscape that was familiar, absence and longing, so per- through a kind of evolution, tentially in our world and in of bafflement and desolation sistent in Thomas’ poetry, shed brings us to the emergent our own conduct. as well as consolation and light on Advent’s focus on com- Abrahamic faiths in the Biblical This is a book that no student trust. Here was faith unafraid ing and presence. Judaeo-Christian tradition of Biblical studies, theology of questions, seeking under- Walsh invites us on a five-week (page 59). This chapter begins or pastoral concern can afford standing in places of shadow as journey through the season into to sketch out the change process to miss. well as light. Here was a poet the first week of Christmas. Her for a new understanding of — James Francis who understood. lens is the Carmelite pattern of reconciliation that, far from Thomas is a difficult poet waiting, accepting, journeying, expressing the way to recon- because of the complexity of birthing and seeing. I won- ciliation through the “archaic The Revd Canon James Francis his writing and the elusiveness dered how well this structure sacred”, undermines it. This is a former Senior Lecturer of his mind. But Carys Walsh would map on to the spirited, is explored in the revisionist and Head of the Department shows in this rich, intelligent characterful writing of a poet narrative of Genesis 1-3 and of Religious Studies at the and rewarding book that she of such independence of mind. the Hebrew texts set against the University of Sunderland. ‘gets’ the poet. A vade mecum However, Walsh treads lightly “Founding Murder” practices subtitled Walking through and doesn’t impose continued >
16 | SIGNS OF THE TIMES MODERNCHURCH.ORG.UK | 17 Walsh writes about being ‘confronted by the God who compels us to move ever closer to the centre, yet remains ungraspable’, the immanent God whom we glimpse in the world, yet ‘who nevertheless eludes us’. ‘Unsaying’, she says, calls us ‘never to rest in any definition of God but always to Harries’ Quick Tour travel onwards, full of yearning, to further meanings’ Through the Greatest Painters and Sculptors of Religious Art her structure on the poetry but tough path to follow. And this follows where it leads. Her choice raises a question for me about of poems is as much driven by Walsh’s approach. She makes the wish to do justice to Thomas’ life a bit easier for us in her reach and diversity as to the final paragraph on this poem his is a little jewel the reader to see how the season itself. We can value this by saying that ‘this God draws T of a book, reason- art reflects back to us book at any time of year. us on in His (sic) slipstream, ably priced, making it a the images of God seen For example, the poem ‘I know just as He was drawn into life thoughtful Christmas through others’ eyes in a him’ (Week 3, Day 5) has as its at Christmas; just as the shep- gift for a friend or one- range of different histor- central idea how we both know herds, the Magi and countless self. The author invites ical and cultural contexts. and don’t know the mysterious others were drawn and are the reader to accompany As Christianity developed being for whom we search. still drawn’. I think that goes him through a tour historically from East Thomas likens ‘him’ to a shape beyond the poem’s studied of the world’s greatest Richard Harries to West, art forms dissolving in the mist, or a black reticence where it’s absence that painters and sculp- Seeing God in Art followed different hole into which everything dis- draws us on as much as pres- tors of religious art. – the Christian Faith paths. Eastern images appears. We presume he means ence, where we are granted no As a practising artist in 30 images were produced for God, though ‘God’ remains more than hints as to what dis- and Franciscan with a SPCK, 2020 veneration and con- carefully unnamed. Walsh writes closure could mean. I noticed strong interest in the templation beyond the about being ‘confronted by the this tendency to soften hard history of art, I much image by means of recognisable God who compels us to move edges at the end of some of enjoyed the combination of symbols. Western art concen- ever closer to the centre, yet her other reflections too, as if the choices, commentary trated on educating viewers remains ungraspable’, the imma- readers might not welcome too and reflections offered by by setting the divine into nar- nent God whom we glimpse in much Thomasian astringency. Richard Harries. ratives. Leonardo’s Last Supper the world, yet ‘who nevertheless Nevertheless, this is a stimu- The book provides a rich depicts who was there and what eludes us’. ‘Unsaying’, she says, lating and enjoyable book. selection of work by masters, they were doing. calls us ‘never to rest in any For anyone yet to discover some known to me and others This mix of old and new, definition of God but always to Thomas-land, this could be the new discoveries, including eastern and western, is a real travel onwards, full of yearning, ideal introduction. mosaics, icons, sculpture treasure house for reflection. to further meanings’. and paintings, each with its Like the Wallace Collection, This puts a very different commentary and personal the Bowes Museum, County spin on our relationship with The Very Revd Michael Sadgrove significance to the author. Durham and the Frick in New God from most popular spiritual is a former Dean of Durham. Harries describes and then York, this is a personal col- writing. The via negativa is a reflects on each work, allowing lection and the continued >
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Answers to the Contemporary Theology Quiz on Page 9: 1.) Mary Daly; 2.) 1963 by SCM Press; 3.)Paul Tillich, from a sermon You Are Accepted; 4.) Jesus/God; 5.) Karl Barth; 6.) Laudato Si; 7.) Mark 14:9; 8.) Una Kroll; 9.) Christ against culture; Christ of culture; Christ above culture; Christ and culture in paradox; Christ the transformer of culture; 10.) Miguel de la Torre; 11.) Bishop Ted
Wickham; 12.) A Theology of Hope
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the breadth of history and the the and history of breadth the Christian story over time also also time over story Christian
the global scope of the works, works, the of scope global the which artists have portrayed the the portrayed have artists which
author’s personal selections, but but selections, personal author’s The contrasting ways in in ways contrasting The
I much appreciated the the appreciated much I . tangere me Noli Wynne’s David
so much energy to it. to energy much so Sculpture is also represented by by represented also is Sculpture
the vigour of the marks that give give that marks the of vigour the the history of religious art. art. religious of history the
woodcut or lino cut, judging by by judging cut, lino or woodcut The choices range right through through right range choices The
lithograph I think it is actually a a actually is it think I lithograph black cloud being fed by a raven. raven. a by fed being cloud black
described as an etching and a a and etching an as described balding Elijah under a huge huge a under Elijah balding
symbols. Although variously variously Although symbols. and quirky painting of a small small a of painting quirky and
Christian art with Buddhist Buddhist with art Christian Albert Herbert’s mysterious mysterious Herbert’s Albert
a lotus plant combining western western combining plant lotus a with Rembrandt, but so too is is too so but Rembrandt, with
Christ in majesty sitting behind behind sitting majesty in Christ Spencer. Chagall is there along along there is Chagall Spencer.
an Indian painter depicting depicting painter Indian an cradling a scorpion by Stanley Stanley by scorpion a cradling
see the work of Solomon Raj, Raj, Solomon of work the see portly Christ in the wilderness wilderness the in Christ portly
all art and I was interested to to interested was I and art all trasts with the homely, slightly slightly homely, the with trasts
Culture plays a large part in in part large a plays Culture at Palermo, for example, con example, for Palermo, at -
their viewers. viewers. their mosaic in Monreale cathedral cathedral Monreale in mosaic
their creators – and then also to to also then and – creators their majesty of the Creation story in in story Creation the of majesty
all these works are personal to to personal are works these all more interesting for it. The The it. for interesting more
into their work, so to a degree degree a to so work, their into author’s choices are all the the all are choices author’s
them and often put themselves themselves put often and them
Continued from page 19 page from Continued they used the world around around world the used they