March 1, 1999 Church reinvents itself for mass consumption

A RECENT NEWSPAPER article pinpoints the audience of Bishop John Spong's new book. The headline read, Give Them Jesus, but Hold the Theology. "A revival is under way," I read. "but for a phenomenon with Jesus at its centre,...

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March 1, 1999 Lenten food for thought

JUST IN TIME for Lent reading come two new titles in the Random House Vintage Spiritual Classics series - handsomely produced in new translations and with useful introductory material. The Confessions are the spiritual...

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March 1, 1999 Church history probed by scholars

THESE BOOKS, both the work of English scholars, merit the attention of anyone interested in historical theology and church history. Both authors recognize that the issues of the present day must be placed within the context of...

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March 1, 1999 Book chronicals final year of theologian's journey of faith

HERE IS A RECORD, except for his remaining three weeks on earth, of the last 365 days of one of this century's most inspiring and fruitful spiritual guides. Here is frenetic activity, keen perception, and a profound, yet...

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February 1, 1999 Spirit Mourn, Spirit Dance

ALL BUT FOUR of the 56 contributors are female in this collection of poetry, hymns, liturgies, short essays, and playlets. Most are in English, some in French, written by Canadian women from a range of...

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February 1, 1999 Ministry to the Hopelessly Hopeless

THIS BOOK was written by and for Japanese Canadian Christians to preserve the record of the churches and chronicle the people's experiences. Others have the privilege of peeking in. It is sensitively compiled,...

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February 1, 1999 Heart of Flesh

THE TITLE, taken from Ezekiel 36:26, well reflects the sensibility of the feminist worldview which the author advocates. Joan Chittister is calling for a revolution of the heart, a new way of seeing and an...

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February 1, 1999 Daring to be United

THIS IS a worthwhile read for anyone, not just members of the United Church. The author shares the journey of the United Church with respect to "The Issue" (her emphasis) - the inclusion of gay and lesbian...

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January 1, 1999 Living life in voluntary simplicity made simple

The excesses of Christmas and a new year coming - even a new millennium - make this book a timely read. Voluntary simplicity is a term gaining wider recognition and practice among Canadians who yearn for a simpler,...

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January 1, 1999 Jim Packer biography looks at a life centred on knowing God

Without a doubt, the most God-forsaken period of my life as a Christian is the two months I spent studying for final theology exams. If someone had pointed me toward Jim Packer then, I would have thanked them. Mr....

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