'The Mystery of Faith is a
worthy successor to (John-Francis’) highly acclaimed previous book, Enfolded
in Christ. This book explores a wide
range of topics to do with how we grow in the understanding of our relationship
with God. It addresses head on many of
the issues of Christian discipleship that can puzzle both newcomers to the
faith and believers of many years standing.
Bp. Nicholas Holtam sums up the scope of the book very well in his
foreword, by quoting St. Augustine: ‘People travel to see the world and pass over
the mystery of themselves without a thought.’
(p.xvi). This book is a chance to
start to redress the balance.
The Mystery of Faith is intended for anyone interested to know more about the Christian faith and how it relates to them. A glance at the list of chapters gives an idea of the sheer range of topics covered, though the length may prove a little daunting to some. (John-Francis) is constantly calling us back from our daily occupations to consider how these affect our inner life. An example is when he says: ‘We begin to retreat behind barriers rather than learning how to reach out to the other who requires respect because they too are made in God’s likeness.’ Fortunately, each chapter is divided into small, manageable sections, and the author draws on an impressive range of writers from the early days of the church up to the present day to support his arguments. These quotations are often supplemented by prayers. At the end of each chapter or group of chapters there are some practical suggestions for taking the topic's further.
The book is written from an Anglo-Catholic perspective then some evangelical and non-conformist readers may feel uncomfortable with or struggle to engage with some of the concepts raised. For example, the chapter on the Seven Sacraments or the one on the Virgin Mary.
This is a book that could be used as Lent reading, as a basis for group discussion or for private devotion and will provide opportunities to expand the readers experience of and thinking about their Christian faith.'
The Mystery of Faith is intended for anyone interested to know more about the Christian faith and how it relates to them. A glance at the list of chapters gives an idea of the sheer range of topics covered, though the length may prove a little daunting to some. (John-Francis) is constantly calling us back from our daily occupations to consider how these affect our inner life. An example is when he says: ‘We begin to retreat behind barriers rather than learning how to reach out to the other who requires respect because they too are made in God’s likeness.’ Fortunately, each chapter is divided into small, manageable sections, and the author draws on an impressive range of writers from the early days of the church up to the present day to support his arguments. These quotations are often supplemented by prayers. At the end of each chapter or group of chapters there are some practical suggestions for taking the topic's further.
The book is written from an Anglo-Catholic perspective then some evangelical and non-conformist readers may feel uncomfortable with or struggle to engage with some of the concepts raised. For example, the chapter on the Seven Sacraments or the one on the Virgin Mary.
This is a book that could be used as Lent reading, as a basis for group discussion or for private devotion and will provide opportunities to expand the readers experience of and thinking about their Christian faith.'
Beatrice King
Salisbury
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