PT Media Picks: Books

Bringing Presbyterians together

Dreams, Where Have You Gone? Clues for Unity and Hope

by William G. McAtee (Witherspoon Press, 2006; 434 pages; $24.95, paper)

This compelling account of how the union presbytery movement came to be gives the historical background of the movement along with a detailed discussion of the societal and ecclesial dynamics that contributed to its formation. As McAtee — retired Presbyterian minister and former presbytery executive — explains, initially union presbyteries were “full members of both the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.” In 1970 there were nine union presbyteries, yet this number would almost double 13 years later when the two denominations reunited.

On one level, the significance of McAtee’s book lies in its telling of an important chapter of American Presbyterianism. But possibly more important is the hope he offers to the church as it continues to confront and wrestle with issues as divisive as the racial tensions that originally gave rise to the union presbytery movement. Broadening the scope of the “dream” from that of the reunification of two denominations in the late 20th century to a call for full inclusion of all points of view, McAtee offers a memorable analogy. He reminds us that in word processing, when the text orientation is set from one margin or the other, the text itself looks different from any other orientation. But when it has center justification, then room is made for “all comers; no character is left out.” It is thus through McAtee’s creative vision that we are provided with a new sense of hope.

—Nick Phillips, student at Memphis Theological Seminary

Redemption defined

Redemption

by Alister McGrath (Fortress Press, 2006, 87 pages, $15.00, Hardcover)

Redemption, a theological principle surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, is the primary focus of this work. McGrath, a historical theology professor at Oxford University, takes the reader through the various aspects of redemption and how it relates to the Christian faith. Using artwork by Amedeo Bocchi, Edward Poynter, Jacopo Bassano, Caravaggio, Antonio Ciseri, Salvador Dali and El Greco, McGrath studies each painting for the message the artist is conveying. In these works redemption is found as humans return to God, are delivered from bondage or are being judged.

In addition to the artwork, the author uses Scripture, poetry and other writings to explore the individual’s relationship to God. As Christians we travel with Jesus through his arrest, trial, death on the cross and burial in the tomb. We endure the suffering with Jesus. From this comes the redemption we need. Tying together theology, art, literature and Scripture, this book offers a beautiful way to understand the Christian faith.

—Judith Klamm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kan.

Taking the Sermon on the Mount seriously

Living the Sermon on the Mount: A Practical Hope for Grace and Deliverance

by Glen H. Stassen (Jossey-Bass, 2006; 222 pages; $21.95, hardcover)

The challenge in writing a book on a well-known Bible passage is presenting a fresh perspective that causes the reader to gain new insights. Stassen has met that challenge in Living the Sermon the Mount, a part of the “Enduring Questions in Christian Life” series.

While many Christians may view the Sermon on the Mount as a list of largely unattainable virtues, Stassen explains that close examination and study of the passage actually reveals that it is about God’s presence and deliverance. Stassen provides interesting historical and Biblical background as he breaks down the various sections such as the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, which he calls Jesus’ Prayer.

Tying in Old Testament verses and explaining how they support the various aspects of the sermon, Stassen builds his case that God’s presence and deliverance have been overriding themes throughout the Bible and are still foundational in the Christian life. If the reader is willing to look at the passage in this context, then the seemingly high ideals instead become glimpses into God’s love and care. The chapters on reconciliation, forgiveness and loyalty to God are particularly insightful.

—Jeff Friend, Largo, Fla.