REVIEWS
35
MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
Being human in the Christian Tradition
Michael Fuller and David Jasper ( Sacristy Press , 2021 ) 280pp , paperback , £ 24.99
Is it unspiritual to be depressed ?
Loved by God in the midst of pain
by Paul Ritchie ( Christian Focus Publications , January 2022 ) 112pp , paperback , RRP £ 7.99
This scholarly book from the Scottish Episcopal Church is not for the fainthearted , but your time and effort in studying it will be well rewarded . The twelve chapters , by different writers , explore what it means to be truly human . The authors have impressive theological backgrounds , with church connections e . g . some serve as rectors and another is a university chaplain . Inevitably , some chapters are more academic than others , evidenced in the lengthy footnotes . A few writers are more interested in the liturgical or pastoral implications of ‘ made in the image of God ’. Each chapter is broken up into sections with helpful sub-headings , and finishes with some thought-provoking questions for discussion . A useful Introduction by the editors gives a brief summary of each chapter for those who want to dip in .
The first essay is essential reading , as it explores the biblical background of being made by God ‘ in the image of God ’ [ Genesis 1:27 ], unpacking both the Old and New Testament texts . It finishes on this note of hope : ‘ there remains , in Christ , the potential for the human being to fulfil God ’ s purposes , and for the divine image , however tarnished or distorted , to be restored ’ ( page 29 ). Another interesting essay introduces the Eastern Orthodox perspective , drawing on the Anglican-Orthodox Buffalo Statement of 2015 : ‘ In the Image and Likeness of God . A Hopeful Anthology .’ It lists six positive capacities of the human person , such as God-awareness , self-awareness , and inspired imagination . It also discusses the key orthodox doctrine of ‘ theosis ’ or divinization , which may sit uncomfortably with some Western readers .
Anyone drawn to science and philosophy of religion will find the second part of the book of particular interest . It includes chapters by the two editors . Jasper ’ s essay summarises the seismic shift in theological thinking from medieval to modern times , from unconditional belief in God to humankind being the centre and driver of all things . Fuller ’ s expertise in science and religion leads him to challenge the broad ways in which ‘ in the image of God ’ has traditionally been understood in the Christian tradition . There are also contributions on contemporary issues such as the relationship between human and other animals , artificial intelligence ( AI ) and transgender . Some of these writers may leave us , as Christian preachers , with more questions than answers , but it is important that we wrestle with such issues .
Jan Thompson
Jan is a Church of England lay reader and part of the ministry team in a benefice of three rural parishes in Kent .
Richard Frost
‘ We live in a fallen world , where our brains , like the rest of our body , suffer brokenness and illness .’
Those words by Paul Ritchie , pastor to Limerick Baptist Church , sum up the foundation of his approach to the sensitive subject of mental ill health . Throughout the book ’ s hundred or so pages , he is open and honest about his own experiences of anxiety and depression , and provides some personal and helpful insights .
Although majoring on the link between mental health and one ’ s spiritual relationship with God being closely connected with the fall , sin and forgiveness , the author does acknowledge that other causes and influencing factors come into play in this complex topic . He is clear to point out that anxiety and depression are not the result of unconfessed sin , but his assertion that ‘ Satan is a factor ’ will be of concern to those of us who do not hold to such ‘ clear cut ’ theology and pastoral concern . Helpfully , Ritchie also writes , ‘ Depression and anxiety can have a significant influence on how we feel about God , which is very distressing for the Christian … times of mental crises are not good times for wrestling with the most faith-stretching issues .’
Paul Ritchie explores the value of the psalms ( indeed each chapter ends with a prayer based on one ) and gives examples from other biblical passages which are helpful in times of difficulty . He is reassuringly pragmatic in encouraging people not to feel guilty when finding it hard to pray , and encourages journalling and rest as helpful practices .
He also explores the place of medication and the importance of talking to other people , citing some helpful examples of those he knows . The chapters on supporting others and talking to others are the best in the whole book and there would be some value in reading the conclusion first .
So , is it unspiritual to be depressed ? No .
Richard is a lay minister , former mental health professional and writes a blog at
workrestpray . com .