Friday, August 10, 2007
Unexpected treats
I have been unexpectedly and richly blessed by the following two books in recent months.
Seeing things helps me understand things. In the midst of words and concepts, I often find a simple diagram brings clarity and fresh insight. After the Spirit, by Eugene Rogers is a theology book that in the midst of some sophisticated reflection on the Spirit as revealed in the ministry of Jesus, managed to draw on some art. This is the type of book that has sat by my bed for the last 9 months, and I have found myself turning to as Christmas, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday approached. And the art pieces – on Jesus birth, baptism and ascension – clarified and then enlivened 3 sermons and 2 lectures.
Behind a boring cover, this book has been fantastic. It’s brought Ezekiel to life for me in recent days. What I thought was a dusty old prophet has become a deeply inspiring and encouraging friend. There’s a huge vision of God and the gospel for the whole of life hidden in Ezekiel that is accessed by this commentary. I have been toying with doing a series on the 12 minor prophets and reading this book has made up my mind.
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It’s a great book. I’m pleased you’ve discovered that to be true too. If you do your series, see if you can sight Brueggemann’s recently published collection of essays on Jeremiah – “Like Fire in the Bones”. His insights on OT Prophets and the prophetic posture in today’s context is stunning in places.I picked it up at “Sharpening the Edge.”
Wright’s big book on Mission is also well worth a read (in part or in full).
Comment by Paul Fromont — August 10, 2007 @ 11:47 am
I agree with Paul: Wright’s 2006 book on The Mission of God is superb, well worth a good read. It’s a long book, but take your time. He spends over half the book in the Old Testament, which is such a refreshing change for a book that talks about mission. I’ll be reviewing it for Stimulus, once I’ve finished reading it!
Comment by Andrew Butcher — August 11, 2007 @ 9:40 am