David Runcorn

Firstly, a declaration of interest. I was given a copy of this book by the author as a gift to celebrate my ordination.

I found this book to be moving and provocative. It allowed me to explore ideas from new angles and gain insights into issues surrounding the way we make choices, and the way in which our relationships with God and with each other work. I first read it when I was taking part in a quiet day at our local church, and I think that is perfect for this kind of setting. When you have space and time to think and chew over what you are reading, to sit for some minutes allowing the impact of phrases that jump out at you to mull over in your heart and mind. This book will go on my pile of, "books to read again on retreat", joining others such as, "Celebration of Discipline".

One of the reasons that it is so engaging is the conversational style, just occasionally however I found that this does make the flow of the argument difficult to follow. At other times I think that the arguments made are inconsistent. For instance, at one stage the temptation of Jesus is used as a model for thinking about how we interact with temptation, but at another we are warned from using the models of the way in which God guided Moses and Paul as they are special Biblical cases that are too intimidating for us. To me, either Jesus, Moses and Paul are all special cases which we can't use as sources for models for own behaviour, all none of them are.

Whatever you think and feel about the way that God interacts with creation, I believe that this book will help you explore the boundaries of that belief and deepen your appreciation for the depth of the Father's love for you.… (mehr)