Colin Kerr
CRK Books, 194 pages
Reviewed by Nicole Childress Ball
Remember Etch A Sketch? That red, plastic box that was full of aluminum powder and had two white knobs? The Etch A Sketch creates lineographic images — artwork made without lifting your pen, pencil or brush. The left knob draws horizontal lines, while the right knob draws vertical lines. However, if you move the two knobs simultaneously, and with just the right amount of skill, parallel lines and right corners can be transformed into swirls and curves. What if you want to start over? Simply turn it over, give it a good shake and the grey screen will produce a fresh canvas for the imagination to run wild. But the Etch A Sketch of my childhood did not always erase my creation completely. Memories of my original work would remain, reminding me that some things always stick.
If an Etch A Sketch could depict my faith journey thus far, it would be a beautiful mess of clean lines and swirling loops. This book etched more lines of connection to my evolving work of art. “Faith Hope Love” guides the reader on a journey through the basics of Christian belief with refreshing clarity and in a non-argumentative tone. Colin Kerr admits his personal bias on the matter while offering an informed, grounded theological lens through which to learn about, challenge and wrestle with what it means to be a Christ follower. He tackles, what I might call, the big-ticket items such as the creation narrative, the Triune God and atonement with palatable language for cradle Christians and new converts alike. Sprinkled throughout the discussion of these big-ticket items are concise and honest counterpoints to Christian belief, providing breathing room for doubt and critique of the material presented.
I was skeptical of this book when I was first introduced. I admit the same bias Kerr describes: one can find lots of theologians, pastors and congregations producing material defining who they are, what they believe and what it means to be a true Christian. This dilutes the essential tenets of faith for those curious, questioning and skeptical to social stances, political leanings and dangerous theology. Instead, Kerr defines the basic tenets of the Protestant, Christian faith with rational discussion, historical credit and curiosity. With skill, he expertly weaves swirls and curves around seemingly linear and defined Christian belief.
Maybe you come to this work with faded memories of a church that once was. Maybe you’re guarded from a painful past experience. Maybe you have a robust faith yet wish to unpack some items with practicality and honesty. This book is for you! Shake up what you’ve always known of your faith journey after reading and see what sticks. As a result of your reading, what new lines have you woven around your sacred faith? What needs new swirls and curves? What needs clean lines of connection?
I would encourage any reader to explore the plentiful scriptural footnotes. Moreover, a handy glossary of terms can be found in the last few pages of the book. I can imagine serious conversation in a Zoom room over a happy hour cocktail! Or under a shady tree on a cool afternoon, socially distanced from your small group friends. Gift it to your neighbor. Who knows what may bloom as a result?
Nicole Childress Ball is a teaching elder in the PC(USA) and serves at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.
