The Pattern of God: David Jenkins’ theology in church and public space by Richard Truss (Sacristy Press, £16.99 (£15.29); 978-1-78959-411-9)
“In this compelling theological study, Richard Truss offers a long-overdue appreciation of David Jenkins-bishop, academic, public theologian, and provocateur. The Pattern of God explores Jenkins' dynamic Christology, his unapologetic engagement with politics and social justice, and his enduring belief that theology must speak to the real world. From the miners' strike to televised controversy, Jenkins brought theology into the public square with courage and clarity. Truss traces Jenkins' theological journey from Oxford's Bampton Lectures to his radical tenure at the World Council of Churches and his outspoken leadership as Bishop of Durham.”
John Chrysostom: An introduction to his life and thought by Samantha L. Miller (Cascade Books, £18 (£16.20); 978-1-6667-7033-9)
“The “Golden-Mouthed” preacher, John Chrysostom, was one of the most significant voices of his time. This introduction to Chrysostom’s life and thought invites readers to come to know the fourth-century bishop as a friend in the communion of saints. Covering both his biography as well as major themes in his preaching—pastoral theology, asceticism, virtue (Christian living), wealth and poverty, salvation, and some problematic beliefs—this book asks readers what they might learn from Chrysostom today. Anyone who has heard of the famous preacher and wants to know more, or anyone who is simply looking for a wise guide to lead them closer to Christ, will find wisdom in these pages.”
Pools of Grace: The gift and call of contemplative worship by Sarah Bachelard (Wipf & Stock, £15 (£13.50); 979-8-3852-3057-0)
“In recent decades, there has been a revival of the practice of Christian contemplative prayer in the Western church. Yet this contemplative renewal has not necessarily permeated the ethos and practice of regular worshipping communities. Though some parishes or congregations have a meditation group as one of their activities, fewer allow for a liturgy shaped and undergirded by contemplative silence in their main service; fewer still are committed to a contemplative approach suffusing the whole of their life together. What does contemplative common worship look and feel like? How might congregational leaders learn to shape and create contemplative liturgy? This book draws on the experience of Benedictus Contemplative Church, an ecumenical worshipping community based in Australia. It explores the gift and call of contemplative congregational worship and its power to connect us to what is deepest and most essential for our life in the world, and for the life of the world.”
Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.