Bible Society TransMission autumn 2000

way that the BRF volume might, but benevolent i�fluences on North with a different emphasis. Atlantic culture that have become None of these books helps us unrecognisable to us, and therefore to understand that preaching needs to lost to our sensibilities - influences eviews begin with a patient and attentive that have traditionally helped us form listening to Scripture, as well as our sense of value of ourselves and present urgent realities, in the hope of each other. Without these positive that we may be confronted by the call influences the soul becomes lost to &Resourees of God. Preaching is an event, as the self, culturally expressed through opposed to a few notes scribbled the pursuit of violence and down on paper. It should open up a consumerism. new world of possibilities: a world we Williams identifies these haven't yet begun to imagine. And, in losses by encouraging the reader to "ideal" (sicl books has been unleashed a missionary context, it should (to imagine certain crucial areas of Preaching on the upon us, with the aim of aiding us in paraphrase Walter Brueggemann). human and social development as Common Lectionary: the preparation of our sermons. become a moment when the gift of cultural icons. The images of A Resource Book For a context of mission, this God's life is disclosed to those who childhood and choice, of charity and has been a largely irresponsible are tired, alienated, and dominated by of remorse are constructed as irons by Joyce Critchlow undertaking. I dare say they have the world's ideology. through which the reader might gaze (SPCK; ISBN 0-281-05256-5; found a ready market, but will they Where might we begin to find to discover the effect that a bereft 162pp + xviii; £9.991 help the Church to urgently recover help in this task? Two books culture has on its own development preaching as a vehicle for the gift of immediately spring to mind. They both and sense of self. By examining the Reaching for the prophetic imagination? Not from what contain examples of preached image of childhood, it becomes clear I've seen. sermons. Don't try to reproduce them that in our culture the child is a Infinite: A Collection Both Critchlow and the BRF yourself, because you can't! They are consumer and therefore an economic of Meditations and volume take the appointed readings too distinctive and individual. But they subject; one targeted by advertising to for each Sunday and comment on do show you how two people have make immature choices and to take Prayers based them. Critchlow's method is to provide wrestled with the biblical text, listened uninformed risks. The loss of on the Revised a "focus verse" and then link the three deeply and patiently to their context, childhood years, when freedom was readings. Already, the discerning and opened up a previously available to make wrong choices Common Lectionary reader will have anticipated the unimagined world. Both also provide without responsibility, also represents by Edmund Banyard warning signs. The distinctive illuminating introductions to the a loss to our culture in that the (NCEC; ISBN 0-7197-0969-5; theological identity and emphasis of practice and purpose of preaching. wisdom of the grown adult is one 186pp + vii the individual readings are wedged The first is Open To Judgement: whose value as a choosing agent has into a predetermined framework. It Sermons and Addresses by Rowan been impaired. The Ministry of the also harks back to a tired, 1960s­ Williams (DLT 1994); and the second is The second chapter looks at inspired theme-based approach. Limping Towards the Sunrise: the issue of rivalry in our society and Word: A Handbook There's scant evidence of a serious Sermons in Season by Richard the apparent loss of skills to for Preachers on the and passionate wrestling with the Holloway (St Andrew's Press 19951. individuals to manage conflicts of biblical text, and some of the Here you will find the serious even interest or desire. The ease with Common Worship illustrations verge on the cringe­ obsessive attention of two sensitive which these differences are resolved Lectionary inducing. Critchlow also provides an artists, by whom we all need to be through violence is a ready indication introduction to the approach and nourished in a world of tiredness of the loss of another cultural icon - edited by Naomi Starkey, contributors technique of preaching that is both and alienation. charity. In order to rediscover the include Gill Sumner, John Proctor and patronising and embarrassing in its Simon Reynolds negotiating skills necessary to Dom Henry Wansborough OSB superficiality. address this competitiveness, there is (BRF; ISBN 1-84101-117-7; The Revd Simon Reynolds is The BRF collection, by a need for charity, a need to be 442pp; h/b; £20.00I Assistant Curate of St Thomas contrast, takes all three readings present for and in another. with Emmanuel, Exeter. Writing in one of the earlier editions of appointed for each Sunday and As the theme of the third this journal, Professor David Ford comments on them in their own right. chapter evolves, a rather depressing expressed the hope that those us who The quality of exegesis is, on the picture emerges and any sense of an preach regularly will "see the sermon whole, good. True, there's not much Lost Icons: icon as a vehicle of hope diminishes. as a major art-form, to be given the here that you wouldn't find in a good Reflections Williams effectively describes a sort of dedicated and even obsessive commentary- or in the recesses of profound loss of identity of the self attention that we find in serious your memory and imagination. In on Cultural and a lack of remorse for the fact that artists". It was a hope rooted in a places there are some refreshing Bereavement its presence negatively impacts the belief that such preaching enables a insights on the biblical text. I agree lives of others. However, this loss of by Rowan Williams community to be comprehensively, wholeheartedly with the Bishop of hope is more than adequately (T& T Clark 2000; ISBN 0-567-08722-0; imaginatively and intelligently shaped Salisbury's commendation of the book addressed in the final chapter, when 190 pp; £12.951 by the ideas, images and stories of the as a tool for those preparing to worship: Archbishop Williams shares his Bible. It was a hope further amplified it would certainly equip lay people to This beautiful essay by Rowan theological interpretation of some by Professor Susan White in be more expectant and informed Williams offers a penetrating insight fourteenth-century Christian subsequent editions. On the evidence about the scriptures they will hear. into what he describes as our iconography. These beautiful and of these three books, it seems that Finally, the Banyard volume is "cultural bereavement" -the loss of inspiring icons do not "look like" this is not a hope shared by the not a collection of preaching notes. It patterns in our imagination which anything; the divine reality can never commissioning editors of Christian simply uses the lectionary as a have profoundly affected our ability to be rendered in material terms "for the publishing houses. Since the starting point for originally composed understand ourselves in relation to a truth is not in the icon but in what is introduction of the Revised Common prayers and meditations. Again, they divine Other. Through a balanced yet not seen, only in what is imagined". Lectionary, a deluge of "essential" or may prove useful to worshipers in a pacy argument, Williams identifies This truth is not lost at all, and indeed, Ill Bible Society TransM ssion autumn 2000

never can be. It is found in the (1982), the Revd Martin Luther King for the Black Pentecostal Becktord draws from the presence of the ever-present "Other" (1963), and Pope John Paul II (1983) - Church in Britain, a theology which painful history of Black religion­ - the Other who does not compete or all excellent choices. reflects on the Bible in the light of inspired attacks on slavery in bargain, the Other who is beyond With its many other shorter Black experience and socio-political that included violent rebellions, but violence and seeks no advantage - quotations and anecdotes, the book is issues, and leads to liberating also less obvious resistance. Behind the Other who is so recognisable in testimony to decades of noting and and reconciling action (emancipation­ the persona of the docile, compliant our cultural losses. keeping these. Most work well, with fulfilment) in the world: a Dread slave was oftena skilled saboteur, This gifted master of some supplemented by Rogers' wry Pentecostal Theology. and elements of African culture and contemporary Christian thought has remarks. All this makes the book very Beckford quotes Joseph religion went on proving a basis for succeeded in drawing his wide readable. But it is also often Owens' definition of "dread". "Dread such resistance which continued into audience into a deeper understanding unsatisfying, as large issues receive is an experience: it is the awesome, the post-slavery, colonial era. In of the society in which it lives. I believe only cursory discussion and a fearful confrontation of a person with particular, various forms of his book is immensely important to thought-provoking quotation or two. a primordial but historically denied Ethiopianism idealised Africa and any agent that seeks to reawaken the Rogers comments, "[In] most racial selfhood." "Dread", adds identified God and Christ with the

Christian soul and restore the image of discussions in public life there are Beckford, "is the Black experience1of struggle of the Black oppressed rather a divine influence upon our culture. masses of hidden agendas" (p.132). finding one's 'true' identity, than the domination of the white Linsi Simmons His own only half-hidden agenda is consciousness and place in the oppressor. Rastafari, in particular, the cause of the Church of 's world." Originating within drew heavily from the Ethiopiani�m of Linsi Simmons is Mission & Theology disestablishment, to which he gives Rastafari(anism) the concept of dread Marcus Garvey. In Rastafari, however, Development Manager at Bible more than cursory treatment. The has moved into Black British culture God was not just theologically black in Society. book as a whole may even be seen as and the Black Church. Dread is a terms of his identification with the an argument that, for the sake of both multifaceted phenomenon that oppressed, but physically black in the the Church and what they pray for includes: the encounter of Black person of Haile Selassie, emperor of week by week, CofE members should experience with the divine; a critique Ethiopia. Perhaps at this juncture we Politics, Prayer campaign urgently for its freedom of racial subordination and capitalist should digress for a moment to reflect and Parliament from centuries of state control. exploitation; cultural resistance to on the causes of such a "blasphemous" In a book with a generally oppression; psychological development. The reader may wish to by David Rogers conservative flavour, this stance is emancipation and Black think about the effect on Black self­ (Continuum, 2000; ISBN 0-8264-5156-X; surprising, and welcome -this advancement. For Beckford, dread is worth of racism in the white­ p/b, 166pp; £12.99) reviewer for one does not need also a theological construct, drawn dominated church, and the impact of For thousands of Church of England persuading. But could we imagine the from the Black experience but having images of God and Christ as remote, members who have campaigned for Anglican Jubilee 2000 supporters a universal dimension. transcendent and white. Jubilee 2000, this book could prove a going on to work for Previous researchers who The birth of the Pentecostal very good guide and spur to disestablishment? Possibly so, if they .• wrote about the Black Pentecostal movement at the start of the twentieth continuing political involvement. could see that their cause of justice Church in the Britain of the 1970s, '80s century-in the racially and socially Rogers makes the case, rather gently, for the poor and the oppressed could and '90s, failed to appreciate its inclusive Azusa Street Mission of the that Christians who pray in church on be pursued much more effectively by potential for prophetic active Black Holiness minister William pressing political issues should also a liberated Church. The instance of radicalism, or perhaps they simply Seymour- was itself a response to campaign for what they ask in prayer. which the book reminds us of Bishop encountered it at an earlier stage in racism. From the history of Black He then explains straightforwardly George Bell, who scuppered his its pilgrimage towards a political resistance, Beckford identifies tools how to do so. chance of Church leadership by theology which takes the incarnation for the development of a Black In a sense, his aim is to speaking out for justice at one seriously. Either way, Beckford's political theology: demystify. He describes decision­ examples of active radicalism in Black moment when this was urgently an African-centred epistemology making processes in both state and Pentecostal congregations suggest ■ needed, is itself enough to prove the which reflects on the Black the Church of England, and so how to that, at best, there is still a mighty case that Rogers makes here very experience and the Bible from the influence these. They are, he long way to go. The relationship moderately. perspective of Africa and the African suggests, more readily accessed than between the spiritual and the socio­ Nicholas Townsend Diaspora, rather than from the many people would suppose. political is not yet strong enough for hegemony of a European perspective; It is a book born of decades of Nicholas Townsend is Course Director Black Pentecostals to challenge the close observation of both Westminster of the Faith, Politics & Policy distance structural oppression that limits their ■ a theo-cultural analysis which politics and the Church of England. learningcourse at Sarum College, lives. This book is about raising identifies those aspects of Black Rogers is an Anglican layman and a Salisbury. For information on this, consciousness and empowering such expressive cultures which enable longstanding parliamentary adviser, contact [email protected]. challenges. the liberation of Black people in mainly to Conservatives - from Beckford provides a useful, Britain; and Macleod to Major. The book is written critical summary of the historical and ■ liberation theological praxis (LTP) specifically from a Church of England ideological development of pseudo­ -a theological method which perspective and for Anglicans. Dread and scientific racism and he warns of the, purposes to liberate and reconcile Rogers brings out the Pentecostal: a much more subtle but equally oppressed and oppressor. This similarities between the ways of damaging, new racism in Britain, includes theological reflection on working of parish clergy and Political Theology which no longer talks of race but of God's self-disclosure in history on constituency politicians. He devotes a for the Black Church culture and is colour-blind in its behalf of the oppressed, and on chapter to the dependence of those in in Britain maintenance of a status qua where the experience of Black people. both spheres on the spoken word. He Black people remain disadvantaged. Such analysis and reflection must, by Robert Beckford addresses how to speak in public, and Black Pentecostals need a dread however, lead to action if it is to be (SPCK, 2000; ISBN 0-281-05136-4; to illustrate this he reproduces lengthy theology of resistance, but resistance more than an intellectual 224pp; £15.99) passages from four very different as a theological category needs to be reworking of the limited radicalism "political speeches by religious In his latest book Robert Beckford seen as a temporary state because it of the Black Church. leaders". These are by Bishop George makes an impassioned argument for must lead ultimately to reconciliation The range of issues addressed by Bell (1944), Archbishop Robert Runcie the development of a political with the former oppressor. Beckford is extensive and will ► m Bible Society TransMission autumn 2000

perhaps be a bit over ambitious for the great poets of the twentieth the Gospels. It asked viewers to some readers. His arguments are century speaking directly to us, and to Screening salvation identify with the characters in their clear and critical and he provides the future". It's not every day that critics get brief but compelling encounters with helpful definitions of the major Selected from his complete excited about biblical subject matter, . theological, philosophical and works that spanned the 40-year period but a series of original and powerfully For those who missed them or sociological concepts he uses. from his acclaimed first major volume performed dramas that Bible Society want to see them again, Bible Society Concessions are made for the white Song at the Years Turning,published will release on video has bucked the will release a video version of the reader for whom terms such as in 1955, to No Truce with the Furies, trend. "Brilliant, moving stu.ff," The series in January, under the title Tales overstanding, funky and ltal are that came out in 1995, the poems give Express enthused, "perfectly from the Madhouse. One bonus will explained. Drawing on Black, a wonderful account of Thomas's portrayed, with a twist'", opined The be an extra unscreened programme liberation and womanist , struggles with the stuff of life. Sunday Telegraph, and "powerful and featuring Claire Bloom as Pilate's wife. he has produced an impressive Hugely irascible and passionate ... intense and absorbing," The eight fifteen-minute programmes seminal work aimed at encouraging forbidding, the Reverend Mr Thomas the Evening Standard raved. are sure to fuel debate in house the development of a political sent many an inquiring journalist The cause of this frenzy was groups, arrest the imagination of theology for the Black Pentecostal packing. He wrote his memoirs in seven atmospheric monologues t armchair viewers. illuminate sermons Church in Britain. The ultimate test of Welsh (calling them Neb, meaning featuring actors such as Jonathan and push openings wider for this book and its theological Nobodyl in order to deter would-be Pryce, Helen Baxendale and Tony discussion with interested non­ methodology, however, will be in the biographers. His poems were to Robinson, and screened by BBC1 as Christians. field. Black Pentecostals, the wider speak for him; and speak eloquently Tales. Each offered an eye­ Also with the impact of film in Black community, the wider Church, they do. witness version of the Easter events mind, Bible Society has published history and the God of history- not "Poetry is that which arrives at from one of the Gospels' supporting Reel Issues 2000, an update to its the reviewer - will ultimately be the the intellect by way of the heart," cast- people like Barabbas, Judas Reel Issues book. The turn of the judge of its success in transforming said Thomas. The daily concerns of Iscariot and the servant girl in millennium has shown an increased theological reflection and action in the his faith and his ministry in rural Caiaphas· household. With their number of films with spiritual themes Black Church. Wales were the frequent content of identities disguised in Victorian dress or undercurrents, while others reflect lain MacRobert his poetic output. No glib certainty and the unlikely location of a contemporary concerns, hopes and was granted him, but questions posed crumbling asylum, series director beliefs. The supplement looks at five The Revd Dr lain MacRobert works often force readers to confront their Norman Stone (the BBC Shadowlands of these, including The Matrix, for the Scottish Executive and is a own "uncertainties, ambiguities and film, Ain't Misbehavin1 lured an American Beauty,and Gladiator. Like non-stipendiary minister of the Priory the equivocal and paradoxical nature intrigued audience to empathise and Reel Issues itself, Reel Issues 2000 Scottish Episcopal Church, South of our experience of life". identify with his characters even offers stimulating ideas for groups to Oueensferry. He writes in a private Thomas·s spare, brilliant before the allusions to the Easter discuss the films and issues raised capacity which is unconnected with poems come from one who held on to story struck home. from a biblical perspective. The book his employment. his living faith, but who spent much· Since it is one of Bible also covers areas such as the power time arguing with a God who at times Society's aims to help our culture and influence of film; guidance on seemed as absent from him as he was have fresh encounters with the Bible, how to plan and structure a film RS Thomas to the psalmists of the Old Testament. the Society was involved with the discussion session; and ten further The poet was doing theology series that was seen by an estimated detailed guides on individual films. two million people per episode. reading the poems through his art and often found More people than ever are watching Essential to the process was that top (triple CD/Cassette recording; himself doing his artthrough his the movies and these resources will and emerging scriptwriters and CD Sain SCD 2209 £19.99 / Cassette theology. In a world losing its give Christians an ideal opportunity to directors, both Christian and non­ Sain C2209 £14.95; mail order Sain, connection with God and with discuss shared concerns with others. Christian, engaged with the Gospels in LL54 5TG, Wales; 01286 831111 l poetry, RS Thomas, the theologian­ Reel Issues including the Reel creating the programmes. The result poet, did much in his twenty plus Issues 2000 supplement is available Starting on the day of his 86'" birthday was a set of monologues which were volumes to re-connect his readers from Bible Society price £4.00. The last year, RS Thomas spent four contrasting and gripping and, in the with the great truths. supplement material can also be seen on sessions in a recording studio reading Daily Telegraphs words "thoughtfully This recorded selection is an the web at www.biblesociety.org.uk. 145 of his poems: Just in time, translated into language for our time" absolute delight, to be savoured and Previous purchasers of the book can because he died earlier this year. (a nice echo of Bible Society's historic enjoyed along with RS Thomas's obtain the supplement free of charge Issued on three CDs/ aim of making the Bible accessible "to books of some of the most astonishing by sending a large S.A.E. to Morva cassettes, we now have what can people at a price they can afford and and touching poems ever written. White at Bible Society, Stonehill truly be called a definitive recording in a language they can understand'l .Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 70G. of this great poet who has such a John Lloyd Through examining the Lindsay Shaw distinctive voice. As his producer motives and emotions of its Damian Walford Davies says, here John Lloyd is an editor at characters, Easter Tales gave hints of Lindsay Shaw is an editor at "we hear the unique voice of one of Bible Society. the powerful human dramas behind Bible Society.

Cover illustrations and headlines from:

Jonathan Clarke Cilia Lloyd The nmes The Sunday Telegraph Church nmes The Daily Telegraph Church of England Newspaper Royal Academy of Arts Apocalypse exhibition National Gallery Seeing Salvation exhibition II PBPM 000489