Buy this book...

...if it's ever published.

The Trials of Theology is a collection of essays written for people studying theology; it's edited by Andrew Cameron and Brian Rosner (both from Moore). Essays from Martin Luther, B B Warfield, Charles Spurgeon, and heaps of other big-names are included.

The book outlines some of dangers that theological students face because of their constant exposure to the things of God, and it recommends attitudes to adopt to guard against sliding into a barren spiritual life.

How did I come across this book? Well, here's the clincher to today's lesson: I had the privilege of writing an essay on it for Congregational Ministry - one of the subjects in the Bachelor of Theology degree. I've really got to applaud the authors and the people who put it into the syllabus. It's such a great kick-in-the-bum toward humility; it's such a great reminder of the privilege I have in studying theology for these years.

Pray that God gives us all the perspective described by Rosner in his epilogue: 'Students do well to remember that the goal of our theological study is not to figure out God, but rather awestruck incredulity and joyful confidence in God'.


P.S. One of the essays is by Andrew Cameron on C. S. Lewis' concept of the Inner-Ring. He's got a related essay available online here. Although I haven't read this particular article, if it's anything like the one in the book you will want to re-read it and then blab about it to everyone you see.

How did it come to this??

"How could it have come to this???" You may ask.The answer: One beautifully executed practical joke.

Des, Nick and I were the suckers; Luke and Dan, the victors. Suffice it to say that when the frocks came out we knew we we'd been 'had'. But who could resist robing-up in the name of a great gag? I'd like to think that being the butt of a practical joke is a very Australian way of welcoming people to a new place.

Kate and I have been really blessed with people showing love toward us in all sorts of ways. The settling-in process, though it's taking a while, is definitely happening. We're planning on keeping you posted here on things that really stick out in our lives: events, people we love, new discoveries, things to pray about, changes... all that sort of stuff.

Stay tuned for more on our life in Newtown.