Book of the Month

A Religious Atheist? Critical essays on the work of Lloyd Geering. Raymond Pelly & Peter Stuart eds. 205pp. Otago Univ., NZ. $39.99

Internationally celebrated NZ thinker Lloyd Geering has published numerous books on the nature of religious belief and has also been tried for heresy (in 1967). This book critiques Geering’s now well-known religious atheism in terms of its philosophical underpinnings.

The contributors (who include Ken Booth, Neil Darragh, Christopher D. Marshall and Paul Morris) look at the justifications of Geeringism, in particular his rejection of the cognitive content of Christian belief. They also consider his approach to the age-old questions “How are we to live?” and “What are we to believe?” and also the wider set of ideas from which such issues have arisen.

Other featured titles

Wrestling With God: The Story of My Life. Lloyd Geering. 271pp. Bridget Williams, NZ. $34.99

The much-awaited auto­biography from this leading academic and writer. Geering continues to present new, challenging ideas about the spiritual life of the culture he lives in. After being found innocent at his 1967 trial for heresy, Geering became the foundation professor of religion at Victoria University, and continued a highly successful career as an academic and writer.

“A lucid and moving account of a lifelong quest characterised by intergrity, honesty and a passion for truth.” Karen Armstrong.

Order these other Geering titles – allow 4-6 weeks for delivery:

 And from the St Andrews Trust, NZ:

•  Greening of Christianity $12
•  Is Christianity Going Anywhere? $12
•  Fundamentalism $12
•  Who Owns the Holy Land $10.

Shaping a Colonial Church: Bishop Harper and the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, 1856-1890. Colin Brown, Marie Peters and Jane Teal eds. 315pp. Canterbury Univ., NZ. $45.00

Ten experienced historians tell the story of the setting up of a branch of the Church of England in a new colony. The story is set in a wider context of the evolution of provincial and colonial society and the development of the Anglican church, both in NZ and worldwide. Generously illustrated.

Igniting Worship: Advent and Christmas Worship Services. Incl. video clips on DVD. Dottie Escobedo-Frank 96pp Abindgon, US. $59.99.

Each of these 10 complete themed Advent & Christmas worship packages includes: a welcome, scripture reading, message for children, songs lists, a coordinated video clip, candle-lighting liturgy, sermon, call for offering and  prayer & benediction scripts. We like the thought-provoking, real life video clips.

Candles & Conifers: Resources for All Saints’ and Advent. Ruth Burgess. Wild Goose, UK. $55.00.

This collection of seasonal worship resources from the Iona Community covers All Saints’ Day to Christmas Eve, including saints’ days. There are liturgies for an outdoor celebration with fireworks, Advent candle ceremonies, personal prayer practices and a series of responses and blessings.

The companion resource book, Hay & Stardust $55.00, covering Christmas Eve to Candlemas will be available soon.

Preaching & Worshiping in Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Years A, B, & C. 248pp Abingdon Press, US. $29.99

This helpful one-volume lectionary resource provides brief preaching commentaries and prayers for worship from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany.

What is the Point of Being a Christian? Father Timothy Radcliffe. 218pp. Continuum, UK. $39.99

How should we be marked as Christians today? What is the difference made in us as individual Christians and as community?

Shot through with humour, friendship and wisdom, the pages of this book outline a manner of living which is at once faithful to the teachings of Jesus and rooted in the tradition of the Church, and at the same time responsive to the turbulence of the modern world.

The Season of Hope: a Companion through the Days of Advent and Christmas. Cathie Talbot. 128pp. Woodlake, Can. $39.99

The 40 personal meditations contained in this compact book provide a wise and insightful guide through the days of Advent and Christmas, encouraging an opening of self to a deeper intimacy with God, and fresh insight into God’s promises and faithfulness. 

Unseen Footprints: Encountering the Divine Along the Journey of Life. Sheridan Voysey. 176pp. Scripture Union. Aus. $29.99.

Australian Christian Book  of the Year 2006

This is more than just a book, full of pictures and quotes, it’s a journey about opening our spiritual eyes to see the activities of the divine around us. Could we have had encounters with the divine that we haven’t yet recognised? What if unseen footprints walked before us, behind us and beside us?

Gift Calendars 2007

For God So Loved The World. Wall calendar, 300 x 300mm, printed on museum quality linen texture paper. Dayspring, US. $19.99

This calendar, featuring devotional thoughts by Roy Lessin and artwork by Brian Jekel, will enable you to journey through the events in the life of Christ. The eloquent words of Scripture (from the King James Version), meaningful devotionals and beautiful artwork will encourage your heart as you reflect on what God has done for us through Christ.

Order these other Dayspring 2007 calendars:

•  Just Think. $17.99. Floral artwork, uplifting messages and scripture.

•  The Lord is My Shepherd. $17.99. Moving pastoral scenes and scripture.

 Iona 2007. Wall calendar. 148 x 210mm Island Blue, UK. $14.95.

12 stunning colour photos of scenes from Iona, Scotland.

 Also from Island Blue:

Celtic Inspirations 2007 wall calendar. $14.95.

Colourful images from around rural Scotland.

Family Advent Calendar. 240x400mm. Scripture Union, UK. $14.99

Easy-to-use advent calendar with unique peel away sticker windows. Can be used on many levels; a simple calendar or a way to draw families closer to God. Each day reveals part of a bigger picture, including the annunciation and the arrival of the wise men to the birth of Jesus. The back of the calendar has extra fun activities. Available mid-November.

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