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Introduction:
Ministry in a Divided Society
Ruth Hutchinson
Comment:
Conscientious Objector
Adam Turkington
From
the Director
David Porter
Christian
Perspectives on Reconciliation
Norman Taggart
Ministry in a divided society
1. Pastor John Dickinson
2. Priest Ken Clarke
The
Laughing Minister
Graham Cheesman
Forgetting
to Remember
Peter Stevenson
Ministry in a divided society
3. Prophet Derek Poole
4. Peacemaker David Porter
Review:
A New Start
Heather Morris
REVIEW: A New Start
Hopes and
Dreams for the new Millennium
Rob Frost and David Wilkinson
Hodder and Stoughton, 1999
Price £6.99
Predictions about the fast approaching new millennium abound, with prophecies ranging from global annihilation by an asteroid, to global meltdown courtesy of the millennium bug. Rob Frost and David Wilkinson attempt to deal with the question of how the Church can respond to trends, challenges and needs of the next millennium. In the preface to the book a basic premise is stated: “Christian faith has the ability to transform individuals, communities and the world in the new millennium, just as it has done in the past.”
Frost and Wilkinson discern a degree of uncertainty and pessimism about the future. They cite Walker Perry, writing in The Thanatos Syndrome. He claims that ‘... for the first time in three centuries the young people of today don’t believe that we’ll be able to solve the problems of the planet. They don't even dare to hope that their lives will be better than those of their parents’. (p.15) Within such a climate the Church can be viewed in different ways. It can be seen as completely irrelevant, and out of touch with a rapidly changing world. Alternatively, and equally dangerously, it can be understood as ‘a life-raft in the storm of life, giving traditional stability’. It is the conviction of the authors however, that even in the uncertainty about the future the Christian faith gives hopes and dreams, and that ‘in these hopes and dreams there is the opportunity for a new start that will transform society and ourselves’. (p. 5)
The two authors write from different perspectives. Although both are English and both Methodist ministers, Frost comes from an artistic and Wilkinson from a scientific perspective. In the light of their expertise in their own fields they describe future possibilities with regard to society, the environment, patterns of work, science and technology, medicine and genetics, the Arts, poverty and spirituality. They then draw out theological perspectives and responses to each area.
While recognising the dangers implicit in attempting to gaze too deeply into the future, this book is helpful in facilitating Christian reflection on a changing society. At the end of each chapter questions are provided for group discussion, and at the end of the book an appendix suggests practical ideas for action. This book would therefore be a useful starting point for individuals or small groups who wish to reflect on the role of the Church in the next century..
Dr. Heather Morris - minister of Dundonald Methodist Church, Belfast. She is also a member of the ECONI Steering Group
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