RELIGIOUS ROUND-UP
Thomas Kala
The English Spirit Compiled by Paul Handley and others (Darton, Longman & Todd, £9.95)
The compilers, all members of the Little Gidding Community, have put modern Christians back in touch with their lost spiritual roots. Dr Johnson, John Betjeman, C S Lewis and many others are part of this fascinating tradition of English spirituality placed before us. Prayer in a Troubled World by George Appleton (Darton, Longman & Todd, £3.50) Bishop George Appleton addresses the problems of today's world and shows how Christians can help themselves and others through prayer. Peace, unemployment, the Welfare State, money, secular society are some of the topics you will find discussed in the book.
God, Miracle and the Church of England by David Jenkins (SCM, £4.95) The Bishop of Durham believes in God, miracles and the Church of England, but all terms and concepts are qualified by his aspirations for an ecumenical Church with a universal concern for the whole of humankind. Sign & Promise by John Thornhill SM (Collins, £4.95) In this theology of the Church for a changing world we are given a clear and confident statement of the nature of the Church according to the mind of the Second Vatican Council. The Gospel of Folly by Patrick Forbes (Angel Press, £4.95) The author helps us to find faith in foolishness, love in a good laugh. He gently invites us to risk being Holy Fools for Christ in the Church and in the world. Inner City God by Geoffrey Ahern & Grace Davie (Hodder & Stoughton, £7.95)
Opinion polls suggest that over 70 per cent of people in Britain actually believe in God, yet barely 10 per cent attend church with any regularity. Inner City God throws light on this apparent discrepancy through its sociological study into the extent and nature of belief in the inner city.
Power to the Powerless by Laurie Green (Marshall Pickering, £5.95) The author, who was vicar at Spaghetti Junction for 10 years, challenges our understanding of what theology is, who it is for and questions the whole pattern of theological training. He traces what happens when theology is lifted out of its academic confines and is placed in the hands of ordinary Christians in a working class parish in Birmingham.
Public Theology and Political Economy by Max L Stackhouse (Paternoster, £7.35) This book on Christian stewardship in modern society stresses that to be a steward is not merely to support the church, but it is also to lead a responsible economic life in society and the world.
Better Together by Derek Worlock 84 David Sheppard (Penguin, £3.99) The Anglian and Roman Catholic bishop of Liverpool formed an alliance of genuine Christian unity in a city of strong sectarian loyalties and bitter deprivation. Here is the story of their fight for their city.