A Churchless Faith and Journeying in Faith by Alan Jamieson. SPCK
Review by Trevor Miller
I cannot recommend these two books highly enough. Indeed I would say that they are a Godsend to us as they explain in a way I have not come across before a foremost part of the context for our ‘Reason to Be’ as a Community.
Here is an author with a very positive outlook, with no axe to grind and no need to be negatively critical but with a deep love for the Church, addressing the issues related to the many who now find themselves on a real journey of faith discovery but who are not attached to a local church expression for whatever reason. Hence the sub-title of the first book being, ‘Faith journeys beyond the Churches’. His assessment of the situation, using the real stories of real people who are allowed to speak for themselves makes fascinating and challenging reading. He is sympathetic, brutally honest and yet helpfully offers valid practical responses to how we can connect in Community, Alone and Together.
The second book, which takes up the themes in ‘A Churchless Faith’ is entitled ‘Journeying in Faith’, and like its predecessor is a must read for all who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the context of our ‘Reason to Be’ as a Community. Taking the major themes of the Christian Faith he takes us on a journey 'in and beyond the tough places'. These include the experience of the desert and darkness, the understanding of Bible and Myth, the role of evangelism and Church and with pastoral sensitivity and great insight captures the essence of what we mean by 'building the new on foundations of old.' Neither of these books is an easy read but both will provide great reward for those who take the time to read and reflect on the vital issues raised.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
