Culture

Edited by Warren Bonett Scribe Publications, 2010 RRP $35.00 Reviewed by Merv Bengston. As a member of the Lay Forum I was interested to read how the book would promote atheism. It is an anthology, perhaps overly long at 440 pages, and comprises widely varying essays by 33 authors. The first essay gives an account of the achievements of some ...

By William T Miller Paulist Press, 2009 RRP $35.95 Reviewed by Karyl Davison. One of a growing series, The Bible: Question by Question, this book is a user-friendly guide to reading and understanding the second book of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Exodus by William T Miller, who teaches Old Testament courses at St Mary’s Seminary and the University of ...

By Debra K. Reid and Martin Manser Lion Hudson, 2010 RRP $24.99 Reviewed by Karyl Davison, a lecturer at Pilgrim Learning Community. While there is nothing particularly new in this book, The Compact Guide to the Bible brings together information often found in disparate sources about the Bible. Complete with colour illustrations on many pages, great timelines (for example setting ...

Zeus Publications, 2010 RRP $31.95 (online $26.95) Reviewed by Jim Page, a member of Indooroopilly Uniting Church. Ray Barraclough is a respected New Testament theologian and his most recent book Why? is a foray into the world of what systematic theologians used to call the problem of theodicy – explaining the ways of God to humankind. In particular, Dr Barraclough ...

By Nathan Foster, IVP Books 2010, RRP $21.95 Reviewed by John Ruhle. WISDOM CHASER is a candid look at what life was like growing up with a famous father. The book follows the true journey of father and son as they set out on an ambitious plan to climb many mountain peaks and ranges within their home state of Colorado. ...

By Benignus O’Rourke, Darton Longman & Todd, 2010 RRP $27.95 Reviewed by Sandra Jebb, a minister with Kairos Uniting Church who is drawn to the practice of silent prayer.AUTHOR BENIGNUS O’Rourke shares with us a way of connecting with God through silent prayer that has been lost down the centuries or at best well hidden. Finding Your Hidden Treasure is ...

By Lynne M. Baab, The Alban Institute, 200, RRP $33.95 Reviewed by Karyl Davison. EVERYTHING ABOUT a congregation speaks of its values. Imagine walking into a church you know nothing about. If you see children’s artwork posted on the noticeboard, hear children singing and playing, and see posters for youth camps or outings you will know that this church caters ...

Lion Hudson 2010 RRP $17.99 Linda Hanson worships at Pomona Uniting Church and has three children. My First Holy Communion is a well presented hard cover book that will make a lovely gift for someone celebrating their first communion. The first page allows for the details of the gift giver and the child’s baptism and first communion dates. The book ...

Darton, Longman & Todd, 2010RRP $25.95 Reviewed by Paul Clark.At a recent synod visioning meeting those present lamented the fact that ‘Christ Crucified’ did not define our church’s proclamation. So it was with great interest that I read the eminent theologian, Stanley Hauerwas’ latest offering, A Cross Shattered Church over the holidays. The book is a collection of sermons that ...

Skylight Paths Publishing, 2009 RRP $26.95 Reviewed by Julie Barns who has a passion for dance and education (and has a Master Ed, BA Dance, and is an Associate Commonwealth Society Teachers of Dancing). So often in life we struggle to express what is going on inside of us, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. Ms Winton-Henry’s book, Dance – the sacred ...