Books, Films and Music
REVIEWS
Living with the Planet - Making a Difference in a Time of Climate Change
by Catherine Von Ruhland, LionHudson, £10.99
Living with the Planet takes a step back from immediate, local matters to remind us of our global interconnectedness. Beginning with an overview of the Earth, its atmosphere and oceans, Catherine von Ruhland takes a detailed look at each continent, covering pertinent issues such as global warming, deforestation, resource exploitation and threatened wildlife. A 'Taking Action' section at the end of each chapter offers a wealth of suggestions for what we can do to make a positive difference.
Complete with colour illustrations throughout, this book is a vital read for anyone who wants to learn more about the state of our world and the already visible effects of climate change.
Catherine von Ruhland has been a journalist and writer, especially on green issues, for over 20 years and has worked on the editorial teams of Tear Fund and HarperCollins. She has contributed to many magazines and newspapers including The Church Times and Third Way. She has also featured on BBC national radio including spots on Woman’s Hour, The Jeremy Vine Show and World Service
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The war on terror - how should Christians respond?
By Nick Solly Megoran, IVP, £7.99
Airports are in chaos as a terror plot is uncovered. Suicide bombers bring cities to a standstill. Schoolchildren are massacred in their classrooms.
The rules of war are changing. Across the globe, terror strategies strike cold fear into the hearts of ordinary citizens, as innocent people become legitimate targets for bloodshed. George Bush and Tony Blair have launched their counter-attack, but for many the 'war on terror' throws up troubling questions:
• Who really has right on their side? • How far should we go in protecting innocents?
• How can ordinary Christians influence for good a world dominated by tarnished politicians and brutal terrorists? And, crucially, how can God's message of love and reconciliation be heard?
Nick Solly Megoran combines an acute political knowledge with a rich appreciation of the Bible and true stories of hope to demonstrate how Christians can live courageously through the war on terror.
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AFTER MCDONALDIZATION –
Mission, Ministry and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty
By John Drane, Darton, Longman and Todd, £11.95
The decline in church attendance continues in the US and Europe, yet increasing numbers of people are turning to ‘spirituality’; the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth.
In this sequel to the hugely influential The McDonaldization of the Church, John Drane considers what must come next for the Church. He presents the case for a more ‘practical theology’, a reinvigorated style of ministry and the restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the 21st century; not just as ‘things to believe’ but ‘values to live by’.
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Black voices - the shaping of our Christian Experience
By David Killingray & Joel Edwards, IVP, £9.99
Through the lips of black British Christians, we hear the stories and experiences first hand. Hostility, prejudice and cruelty were not uncommon, but there are also many glimpses of warmth and oneness, welcome and acceptance, as they arrived in a foreign land.
Black people of African origin and descent have lived in Britain for many centuries. By the late 18th Century an increasing number were active Christians. Long before the SS Empire Windrush arrived in Tilbury in mid-1948, black Britons worked as missionaries, evangelists, doctors, ministers and political activists, as well as in non-professional roles.
Many black Britons are little known and largely forgotten. Here they touchingly describe their lives, faith, work, families, their hopes and ambitions, all part of a fascinating seam of British history that has been generally ignored.
This intimate portrait will inform black Christians today of their heritage, while helping white Christians to understand more about the diversity of Britain's cultural background.
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Goodnight Prayers - Prayers and Blessings
by Sophie Piper, LionHudson, £5.99
A book of sweet bedtime reflections to remind little children of God's love and care all through the night. Sweet illustrations of moons, stars, night-time creatures and child angels make this a sentimental treasure.
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50 Favourite Bible Stories - selected and read by Cliff Richard
by Brian Sibley, LionHudson, £14.99
This year Cliff Richard is celebrating 50 years in show business. As part of these celebrations, Lion Children's Books has been specially commissioned by the Cliff Richard Organisation to produce a book and CD package of Cliff Richard's 50 favourite Bible stories, which have been brought together in this colourfully presented hardback to make not only a special commemorative item but a book that can be enjoyed every day
These stories are retold by acclaimed writer and dramatist Brian Sibley and read aloud by Cliff himself for a whole new generation of young ones to enjoy. Stylish and witty illustrations by Stephen Waterhouse make the book a visual treat to enjoy while reading or listening.
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The Lion Book of Wisdom Stories from around the world
by David Self, LionHudson, £8.99
Each of these stories focuses on some of the key issues that face humankind and on how they can be resolved wisely. Drawn from a variety of different cultures around the world, this book offers a glimpse of people of every background and how we can learn from one another.
Issues include: sharing resources justly; how people of good faith outwit the spiteful; pride before a fall; and the nature of true riches. The illustrations from Christina Balit are fittingly ethnic in nature and bring the stories to life with brilliant hues and stylish detailing.
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Growing Together – 2nd edition
By Andrew Body, Church House Publishing,
Church House Publishing, £6.99
So you've decided to get married . . . the dress, flowers, reception and a million other things are organized. But have you looked further ahead to the day after the wedding, when suddenly there's nothing left to plan, and it's just the two of you again?
Growing together is a practical guide that will help you to develop a shared understanding of your future together through exploring your dreams and expectations of married life and by highlighting some of the key issues that being married can raise, from children to communication, conflict to faith, money to roles, sex, and starting again.
How do you define a ‘domestic chore’? Do you believe in God? What inscription would you like on your gravestone? You'll be surprised how much more there is to learn about the person you want to spend the rest of your life with!
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