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REVIEWS
Just Living:
Resilient:
Ruth Valerio, Hodder and Stoughton (2016)
Sheridan Voysey, Discovery House (2015)
Ruth Valerio’s vision is for a world where we live as simply
and justly as possible, given the constraints placed upon us by
our contemporary environment. She sees this approach to life
as giving some of the answers as to how we can live well as
Christians in our consumer society.
Resilient is a book of reflections on Jesus’ Sermon
on the Mount. It was written out of a three-month
period in which Voysey read the sermon daily as
he adjusted to the major transition of a move from
his native Australia to England and the knowledge
that he and his wife would not be able to have
children. His emersion in the sermon proved
formative, giving him a renewed sense of purpose
and a deepening awareness of the constant
presence of God.
faith and community in an age of consumerism
Her treatise is divided into three parts, dealing first with
the context in which we live as Christians – globalisation,
consumerism and church. The economic, political and
technological effects of globalisation are felt by us all. Should
we resist the enormous pressure to buy what we don’t strictly
need? A number of different paths are coming together in
church life now, which consider the importance of life style
and global issues alongside worship, evangelism and spiritual
disciplines.
Secondly, she delves into the theology of just living – retreat
versus engagement, wealth and Thomas Aquinas. This is
a demanding section, especially the last chapter, which
looks at the relationship between temperance and justice
as expounded by Aquinas. However, there is great benefit in
persevering, because this chapter explores ‘eudaimonia’ (wellbeing and happiness) from a Christian perspective.
The third section is all about the practice. She cites seven
areas where we might consider changing our lifestyle, in order
to live well in response to our globalised, consumerist world.
If you don’t want to be challenged, don’t read this section! Her
main aim is to send us away with practices and habits we can
form in our lives to equip us in our walk with God.
There are a number of books on this subject, but this one is
valuable because of the author’s aim to link up the context,
the theology and the practice in such a detailed way. It isn’t an
easy read, but it is a very challenging one. Have a go, and see
how God will lead you!
JENNY BENFIELD
your invitation to a Jesus-shaped life
The reflections are grouped thematically, and
explore ideas of calling, choices, and practices as
well as the everyday grit of relating well to each
other. Voysey has a real gift for remaining faithful
and close to the biblical text while bridging the gap
between first century Palestine and the twentyfirst-century concerns and worldviews of today’s
readers.
Each reflection begins with a verse or two from
Scripture, followed by an unpacking of its meaning
and application and another verse linking the
sermon to the wider biblical context. It ends with
discussion questions.
I’d recommend this book for two purposes. The first
would be for personal devotional reading. Voysey
is a wise and convivial companion with whom to
journey through the Sermon on the Mount. The
second would be for preachers embarking on a
sermon series on this section of the gospels. There’s
a wealth of illustrations, quotes, and the fruit of
Voysey’s exegetical diligence to be mined.
JO SWINNEY