Kendall Vanderslice, Eerdmans, 176 pages Reviewed by Henry G. Brinton When Jesus gathered his followers for the Last Supper, he broke bread and said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He commanded his friends to do something at a table, not to think something in a sanctuary. Because this action of breaking bread and eating together is so central to Christian worship, Kendall Vanderslice embarked on a year of visiting dinner churches across the country — communities of faith that have a shared meal at the center of congregational life. Such churches are a growing trend in the United States, as Vanderslice discovered when she watched their number grow from five to more than 50 over the course of three years. In fact, as I sat down to write this review, I came across an article from the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church that reported on “Fresh Expressions,” a dinner church initiative gaining ground across Florida. With a focus on simple meals and … [Read more...]
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
David W. Blight Simon & Schuster, 912 pages Reviewed by Donald W. Shriver A great life deserves a great biographer. In Yale historian David Blight, Frederick Douglass has one. Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass’ life spanned the tumultuous years of 19th century America (1818-1892). At age 11, he began to listen carefully to the reading of the Bible aloud by Sophie Auld, wife of his owner Hugh Auld, who warned her of the dangers of that gift. “There will be no keeping him,” said Hugh, once he hears of that ancient liberation of Hebrew slaves and complaints to God by the distressed Job. Eventually, Douglass planned his escape from the Wye Plantation at age 18. A fugitive at risk of being hauled back into slavery and now aided by abolitionists, he reached a whaling port in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where – thanks to his obvious talent for Bible study – he became a teacher and preacher in the AME Zion Church. He felt safe there because of the many Quakers in town — … [Read more...]
Walk Humbly
Samuel Wells Eerdmans, 112 pages Samuel Wells is well known for his preaching and works of practical theology. Not as many people know of his pastoral ministry, guiding the congregation he serves to be fully present with the most vulnerable of their parish that includes the wealthy and the powerful. In this small book, Wells brings his wise counsel to those seeking to live fully alive with wonder and purpose. Wells encourages us to pay attention to our place in the universe, for that is when one discovers humility. The language here is direct. “Be a person of wonder,” he writes. “Every day, discover more about God’s goodness, truth, and beauty — in Scripture, in history, in the world, in the universe … and call that praise.” What is especially welcome is the appeal to all people, though he clearly grounds his reflections in Christianity. Wells writes with a winsome spirit that is compelling. Who would not want to discover the kind of full life that he commends? One comes away … [Read more...]
Preaching about Racism: A Guide for Faith Leaders
Carolyn B. Helsel Chalice Press, 128 pages Reviewed by Rachel Cheney As a predominantly white denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has the option to choose whether we want to think or talk about racism. Most people of color are not afforded this luxury. For many, talking about racism is not an abstract mental exercise, but a painfully lived out reality. Taking on this topic from the pulpit can be daunting. In “Preaching about Racism,” Carolyn Helsel lays out a format for pastors and faith leaders to engage the necessary task of talking about racism from the pulpit. She argues that for white pastors preaching to predominantly white congregations, it is crucial that we start with gratitude for the work that Christ has already done in our own lives. She explains: “The shame of sin does not motivate us to live new lives. Our gratitude for what God has done gets us excited to live humbly and work for justice” — especially justice for those most affected by the prevalence … [Read more...]
The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life
David Brooks Random House, 384 pages Reviewed by Linda Danney Britton The public man: Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times. Commentator on “PBS News Hour” and NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Author. The private man: “Something unexpected happens that knocks them crossways. … They are down in the valley of bewilderment or suffering. It’s never too early or too late to get knocked off your first mountain.” David Brooks, writing in “The Second Mountain,” uses the metaphor of mountains to tell his story. The first mountain is about climbing the ladders of success. The second mountain is “relationalist … where relation, commitment, and the desires of the heart and soul” bring meaning and purpose, “a better way to live.” In the book, he tries to show how people – and then societies – move from the first to the second mountain, “to show what the kind of deeper and joyful life looks like.” The first part of the book is Brooks’ story of getting knocked off his first mountain and living … [Read more...]
Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutierrez
“We can look at goals, or we can look at the impact in the community. I’m of the belief that when you form a community based in Jesus and the love of Christ, then you will get resources, and then things will multiply. It’s called faith — that it will grow, that people will come in, that they will become members. But that’s not the end goal; it’s to be a presence in the community.” – Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutierrez on reimagining St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia (reported by RNS) … [Read more...]
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