5 brief book reviews

Cletus Wessels: JESUS IN THE NEW UNIVERSE STORY

One of the central directions coming from the Christian Brothers 2008 Chapter was:

‘To reflect on the Jesus story in the light of our evolving understanding of the Cosmos’.

This is not an easy topic from a theological point of view but Cletus Wessels is one writer who is able to write on this in a clarifying way. He offers rich insights on how faith in the Risen Jesus is not merely congruent with the New Universe Story but indeed draws forth its deeper spiritual significance. This is a timely resource for the growing number of Christians who seek to integrate their Christian faith with the Cosmic story of God’s creation. It is published by Orbis Books.

Michael Godfrey cfc (Lusaka, Zambia)

Wangari Maathai: THE CHALLENGE FOR AFRICA: A NEW VISION

I have been reading this wonderfully stimulating book. It is written by the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and has some excellent chapters on Leadership, Aid and the Dependency Syndrome, Culture, the Environment, and Social Change. As I read some sections on social change, I could not help but think how close it was to what we in Africa are grappling with in our new model of Mission and Development. Her analysis of why things seem to go wrong in so many countries in Africa is balanced and thought-provoking. Of particular interest is her description of the lead-up to and the aftermath of the 2007 elections in Kenya. For those of you who can buy the book, the publishing details are: William Heinemann Press, Random House, London, 2009.

Gerard Ellul cfc (Nairibi, Kenya)

Judy Cannato: RADICAL AMAZEMENT

Judy Cannato blends wonder and contemplation into a refreshing and timely synthesis – the title of the book is an apt summary. With a sound understanding of the scientific discoveries of the past century, Judy offers a practical guide that reveals the harmony of science and spirituality, inviting us to explore the connectedness of all creation. Not a difficult read, and valuable suggestions for contemplation are included at the end of each chapter. It is published by Sorin Books.

Michael Godfrey cfc

Sebastian Painadath: THE POWER OF SILENCE

A book that I have fund very useful for prayer and meditation in the last few months is a book on meditations by the Director of the Jesuit Regional Theology Centre in Kaladay, Kerala. The book is available from the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Post Box 1585, 165 Madarsa Road, Kashmiri Gate, Delhi 11006, India.

Mark D’Costa cfc (Goa, India)

Veronica Littleton: ETERNAL MUSIC

Veronica Littleton for many years conducted a program in ecology, cosmology, and spirituality at a place called Tabgha Farm in NSW. Many who availed of this program found it to be a transformational experience. Now Veronica has put into a book her creative insights into this area of great topical relevance. Maintaining a theme around music, she asks: ‘Can we begin to hear Eternal Music within the great display and act accordingly?’ This little treasure is not readily available in commercial bookshops but can be obtained through Community Books PO Box 598, Darling Heights, Qld 4350, Australia.

Michael Godfrey cfc

February 2010