The
Best Christian Writing 2006
edited by John Wilson
Jossey-Bass, 2005
review
by Katie Cogan
Today’s news is so full of tragedy and despair with the prolonged
war in Iraq and the recent devastation in the Gulf States, I often
find myself wanting a reprieve from all of the heaviness that surrounds
me. Reading The Best Christian Writing 2006 was a lot like
a mini-retreat—it offered a chance to restore and replenish
my spirit through essays that highlight the reality of God’s
abundant grace and presence.
The 2006 edition, the fifth volume of the series, represents a wide
variety of subjects, style, and form. In the preface, editor John
Wilson points out the diversity of the selected authors, while explaining
that they are united in a belief that “the universe was created
by God…and that we ourselves, bags of bones with an insatiable
longing for the true, the good, and the beautiful, were made in
God’s image.” He is right on the mark in stating, “this
collection is for anyone who acknowledges the dilemma of being human.”
The anthology is composed of personal essays, scholarly articles
on current topics, commentaries on film and art, a fascinating interview,
and an unusual yet compelling translation of one of the writings
of Augustine. Together they articulate an intrinsic drive to understand
a transcendent reality that gives meaning and purpose to life.
The jewels of this collection are many. Powerful stories of the
Christian life lived in the midst of today’s complicated world,
like “Thanksgiving at Fair Acres” by Virginia Stems
Owen, inspire readers to notice the still, small voice of God in
their own lives. In addition, heart-warming tales, including “High
Fidelity” by Bill McKibben and “To Skellig Michael:
Monastery in the Sky” by Daniel Taylor, offer simple beauty
and love revealed through the discovery of spiritual meaning in
everyday, ordinary events.
Controversial topics are
addressed as well, with clarity and insightful analysis.
“On Reproduction and the Irreproducible Gift: Christ, Conception,
and Biotechnology,” by Amy Laura Hall, discusses the many
scientific interventions into human conception and weaves current
thought and research with haunting, genuine life stories. An especially
riveting essay by Paul Marshall responds to militant extremism in
Islam. The problems of interpretation in Islam are correlated to
similar difficulties in the Fundamentalist Protestant religions.
The author is insightful and honest as he calls for a Muslim renewal
and the need for non-Muslims to respond with a respect for autonomy
in the decision-making process.
My only complaint is the inclusion of too many essays about Mel
Gibson’s film The Passion that feel repetitive in
nature, and a couple of theological articles that seem to belong
more in the world of academia than in this collection of clear and
purposeful prose. But, all in all, The Best Christian Writing
2006 is a welcome diversion from the current harsh realities
we witness, and at the same time, a journey towards healing and
spiritual renewal.
Copyright
©2005 Katie Cogan
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