Kenneth E. Kovacs Parson’s Porch Books, Cleveland, Tenn. 160 pages Kenneth Kovacs is a seasoned pastor and a theologian who writes like a poet. What he offers in this collection of sermons and essays is prophetic, in the finest sense of that word. Since his days studying with practical theologian James Loder, Kovacs has dared to explore the importance of authentic experience in the Christian life. He has done this while understanding the suspicion of human experience prevalent in the Reformed tradition. That exploration brought him to engage in profound readings of Scripture, theology and the writings of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. Few pastors have engaged in this dialogue with Jung as skillfully as Kovacs who retains his loyalty to the Reformed theological tradition. Remarkably, he brings this insight to his sermons preached for his own suburban Maryland congregation. In an essay that interprets Jung as trying to reform the church, Kovacs asks, “What if the church saw itself … [Read more...]
On Looking: A Walker’s Guide to the Art of Observation
Alexandra Horowitz Simon and Schuster, New York 321 pages I nominate Alexandra Horowitz as spiritual companion for anyone who desires to see the world in the fullness of its glory. Not that Horowitz would accept the role – certainly not with a religious title. Nevertheless, she is gifted scientist and writer who renders the richness of the world through the ordinary practice of close observation. Yogi Berra famously said, “You can observe a lot by watching.” Horowitz proves that to be true in this collection of 11 essays describing the walks she takes accompanied by a variety of experts in fields ranging from urban sociology to geology. Most of the walks are in her neighborhood where she observes closely everything that is to see and hear. As a result of this close observation, the beauty and complexity of the world is revealed in all its glory. It’s this illumination that makes her a reliable companion for those who venture into what John Calvin said was the “theater of God’s … [Read more...]
Jesus and the Disinherited
by Howard Thurman Beacon Press, Boston. 124 pages It’s important to return to the classics for grounding in theology and practice. That is certainly true in this turbulent time. Some pastors resist preaching their sermons multiple times, but we should not resist repeated readings of the sermons of Martin Luther King Jr., Barbara Brown Taylor, Fleming Rutledge or Augustine. We return to them for wisdom, guidance and, sometimes, sheer courage to keep on keeping on. This is why Howard Thurman’s classic is so important now. When this book was written, Thurman was no longer an academic. He had become the pastor of the intentionally interracial Church for the Fellowship of All People in San Francisco. There he developed his theology that was profoundly “inward” without sacrificing the “outward” advance of the reign of Christ in the world. One might think of him as the unsung founder of liberation theology. In this work, he addresses the spiritual plight of the “disinherited” … [Read more...]
Courage to do the impossible: Building bridges to a shared society
There are bridges that need to be repaired. Some are too worn out to be safe; yet every day we depend on them. They must be replaced sooner rather than later. Of course, I’m not only speaking about the infrastructure of our country’s highways; I am talking about the moral infrastructure of our common life in civil society. The relational fabric of our lives is in deep need of repair, restoration and rebuilding. The damage of the election cycle is serious and deep, creating a great need to construct new bridges and repair existing ones. The church that is sustained by the crucified God whose reconciling love for all people was manifest in Jesus Christ can be a witness in these turbulent days – and not by speech alone. Bridge building is necessary – not only in this country but around the world – and it is certainly not the work of Christians alone. The work belongs to all people of faith and goodwill. One such group is Interfaith Partners for Peace, an organization to … [Read more...]
Light When It Comes: Trusting Joy, Facing Darkness & Seeing God in Everything
Chris Anderson Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich. 181 pages This is a remarkable book. Part memoir, part prose poetry and part theological reflections, Chris Anderson offers an introduction to the spirituality of St. Ignatius. Early in this extraordinary book he describes an experience of seeing stars against a glittering back sky. The bright belt of Orion is shimmering. The beauty is palpably present. Anderson says, “we all have moments like this, moments that move us somehow, but we can’t quite put into words” and so we let the moments pass. Thankfully, Anderson does find words to describe the occasions of light and darkness that serve as portals to experiencing God. Anderson, who is a Roman Catholic deacon, poet and professor of English, explores of the way of St. Ignatius using examen. At the end of each day: “we remember the light and give thanks we remember the darkness and ask for forgiveness, refuge and strength and we let it all go; we ask for grace to follow … [Read more...]
Spring books: Briefly noted
The Sign and the Sacrifice: The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection Rowan Williams WJK, 128 pages Rowan Williams speaks clearly and succinctly to the great theme at the heart of the Christian faith. Few do theology for the people as well as Williams. It includes study questions making it perfect for group conversation. Reading John for Dear Life Jaime Clark-Soles WJK, 198 pages This is unique commentary on John’s Gospel by a scholar who calls upon all the senses of the reader. She does exegesis alongside poetry and guided meditations. The gospel is meant to touch your life and Jaime Clark-Soles intends that to happen, too. Race: A Theological Account J. Kameron Carter Oxford, 504 pages This is an older book (2008) that deserves a fresh reading given the current culture. We need a better theological understanding of racism and this book does it in an extraordinary way. Hidden in His Own Story: Discovering Jesus in the Parables of the Gospels Andrew Walton Wipf … [Read more...]
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