Great big book giveaway (6)

It's been a while since I did one of these but it is time to get them going again. The spur has been the wonderful new slot I've been given on the Times faith page to review books each week. The first lot are now up and I'm offering four of those, including this one, below. (Update: see the latest reviews, of Stephen Bates and Katharine Jefferts Schori.) I'm hoping to expand it to movies and films as well, and will be enlisting work experience people who come here to help with that. I'm also changing slightly the way I handle requests, because last time it coincided with a change to our email system at The Times. It degenerated into chaos and I lost control and never got half the books out. (Apologies everyone for that!) This time, please request your book as a comment on the blog. If the comment appears, you can assume the request has been successful and can then email me your postal address. Please don't put addresses in the comments. This means you can check comments to see if a book has gone or not before requesting it. Book giveaways below, this has been compiled by a recent work experience trainee, Tom Kent. (ps: when emailing me your addresses, please don't forget to state which book it is I'm sending. rg)

Tom is a student who read reading history as an undergraduate and has remained at Sheffield uni this year to study for a masters in print journalism. He will have little time for anything but journalism because he is the comment editor and web arts editor for Steel Press, the student newspaper. He enjoys football and comedy, he idolises Peter Crouch and Armando Ianucci and doesn’t like writing in the third person. Check out Tom's Facebook profile.

Review - ‘The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity’

By Tom Kent

In ‘The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity’, Philip Jenkins illuminates the growing trend among academics, politicians and the media of underestimating the importance of religion in shaping twenty-first century. He aims to provide an insight into likely religious developments in the future and their worldwide implications. He argues that Christianity will play a powerful religious and political role in the twenty-first century as the adherents in the Southern nations of Africa, South America, and Asia grow in numbers while those in the Northern nations decline. Jenkins points out that Christianity was actually founded in the Near East and stronger in Asia and North Africa before the centre of Christendom shifted to Europe in the fifteenth century. He notes that the growth of Christianity in Southern regions has advanced to a remarkable degree. For example, Christian population in Africa dramatically grew from about one-quarter to one-half of the overall population between 1965 and 2000.

By the 2050 the most populous nations are projected to include many of these Southern nations. However, while eight of the most populous nations by the mid-twenty-first century will be predominantly Christian, an additional nine will be wholly or mainly Muslim.

Jenkins ominously warns that this situation could spell danger for global Christianity if the United States and Europe try to establish good relations with the Muslim oil producing nations. Can the Christian and Muslim nations and the other religions of the world peacefully coexist?  For Jenkins, this question is of fundamental significance for how the twenty-first century is set to advance.

Jenkins suggests “a worst case scenario” would include a wave of religious conflicts reminiscent of the Middle Ages. He proposes that such a situation is not unlikely since Christians and Muslims of the Southern and Northern nations have a long history of dealing with disputes through political action.

Jenkins suggests that for the sake of the survival of humanity that Christians, as well as Jews, of the Northern nations must gain a better understanding of Islam. In addition, Northerners must appreciate the unfamiliar and emerging Next Christendom of the Southern nations because it must be carefully watched for signs of the directions it will take.

Although his projections are based on historical trends, his approach is highly problematic. Past events should be analysed in their own right. Using them to provide predictive power through scientific procedure is very speculative. In spite of the highly subjective nature of Jenkins’ position, this book is a good read, well written and thought-provoking.

Other books to be given away are:

Non-Fiction

(gone) Allen, John, 'Rabble-Rouser For Peace' (London, 2006)
The authorised biography of Desmond Tutu

Annette Allen, 'An Ethiopian Odyssey' (Oxford, 2006)
After having spent two years in Ethiopia as a child, 40 years ago, Annette Allen returned to the country after a dream in which she felt directed by God to help provide permanent clean water for the country’s poorest citizens. The book details her experiences.

Bayes, Paul and Sledge, Tim, 'Mission-Shaped. Parish. Traditional Church in a Changing Context' (London, 2006)
Analyses whether day-to-day responsibilities can be enhanced in the light of God’s mission.

(gone) Beckett, Wendy, 'Sister Wendy on Prayer' (London, 2006)
The memoirs of Sister Wendy Beckett, including how she came to be a nun in an enclosed order, living in isolation in a caravan,  while at the same time one of the art world's most popular and successful religious commentators and TV personality.

(gone) Booker, Alison and David Eds., 'Young People and Mission. A practical Guide' (London, 2007)
Various contributions on a number of practical areas of mission, as well as provocative reflections on the tensions that continually need to be addressed by those engaged in youth work.

(gone) Booth, Philip, 'Catholic Social Teaching and the Market Economy' (London, 2007)
Taking account of recent developments in both political economy and Catholic Social Teaching, Philip Booth examines the extent to which Catholic teaching about economic and political matters can be used to justify the free market, or alternative forms of taxation, welfare, foreign aid, labour markets and business.

(gone) Brierley, Danny, 'Growing Community. Making Groups WOrk with Young People' (Carlisle, 2003)
Provides principles and practices needed to get yoound people involved in groups.

(gone) Brookes, Andrew, Ed. 'The Alpha Phenomenon' (London, 2007)
Leading theologians and missioners from across the Christian spectrum assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Alpha Penomenom.

(gone) Butler, Alan and Ritchie John, 'Rosslyn Revealed. A Library In Stone' (Ropley, 2006)
Descriptive guide to the Rosslyn Chapel.

(gone) Butler, Alan, 'The Goddess, The Grail and the Lodge. Tracing the Origins of Religion' (Alresford, 2004)
Reassessment of traditional interpretation of the Holy Grail as a symbol.

(gone) Campolo, Tony, 'Letters to a Young Evangelical' (New York, 2006)
In letters to two fictional young evangelicals, Campolo aims to challenge and encourage young Christians.

(gone) Cassidy, Sheila, 'Made For Laughter' (London, 2006)
The author writes about her struggle to overcome depression and insomnia as well as her unsuccessful attemp to establish a new type of religious order for women.

(gone) Court, Gillian, 'Heart of Flesh' (London, 2007)
Gillian Court examines the prophetic nature of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and work.

Peter Cresswell: Censored Messiah

(gone) Dawkins, Richard, 'The God Delusion' (London, 2006) Argument against the existence of God based on psychological analyses. He contends that belief in a supernatural creator qualifies as a delusion. He defines it as a persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence.

(gone) Evans, G. R., 'The Church in the Middle Ages' (New York, 2007)
A new history of the early development of the Church and how it came to shape the modern world.

Frost, Rob, Destiny (Milton Keynes, 2004)
Three generations of one family share their experiences of lessons learnt in their life qas Christians.

(gone) Frost, Rob, 'Freedom Fighters' (Milton Keynes, 2005)
Includes a number of contributers examining the threats that technology, rights-based law, political correctness and the 'tyranny of tolerance' of Britain today pose to traditional religious and civil liberties.

(gone) Greene, Mark, 'Imagine How We Can Reach the UK' (Milton Keynes, 2004)
A portrait of the UK today and an inspiring practical way forward for how Christians can make a difference in society.

(gone) Gubbay, Lucian, 'Sunlight and Shadow. The Jewish Experience of Islam' (London, 1999)
This book examines the treatment of Jews living in the world of Islam, through good times and bad times, from the age of Muhammad to the present struggles between Arabs and Israelis.

(gone) Harding, Nick, 'Better Haloween. Bright Alternatives for Churches and Children' (London, 2006)
Fun ideas for activies for Churches and Children during Haloween.

Harrison, Ted, 'Diana. Myth and Reality' (London, 2006)
Explores the post-death Diana and her religious and cultural significance since 1997.

(gone) Hellier, Graham, 'Is God a Delusion?. A Christian Response to Richard Dawkins' (Hereford, 2007)
This response offers grounds for challenging Dawkins' scientific aethism from a liberal Christian position.

(gone) HH The Dalai Lama, 'The Tibet Book of the Dead' (London, 2006)
The Tibetan Book of the Dead edited by Graham Coleman, Thupten Jinpa, translated by Gyurme Dorje (Viking) is by far the most popular example of indigenous ibetan Buddhist treasure literature.

(gone) Hill, Jonathan, 'The Big Questions' (Oxford, 2007)
The focus of this book is how Christian thinkers, some philosophers and other religious leaders have addressed key theological issues.

(gone) Hill, Jonathan, 'The New Lion Handbook. The History of Christianity' (Oxford, 2007)
With contributions from 50 inernational experts, this book tells the story of how Christianity began and developed into the major world religion it is today.

Hoffman, Natasha  and Hill, Hamilton, 'Let the Standing Stones Speak' (Alresford, 2004)
Provides new analysis of the messages encoded in the standing stones of Carnac in Brittany.

Hood, Neil, 'God's Wealth, Whose Money Is It Anyway?' (Carlisle, 2004)
The author seeks to challenge readers to consider the Christian perception of wealth.

(gone) Jacobs, Alan, 'The Spiritual Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' (New York, 2004)
The author selects all of the essential and inspirational portions of Marcus Aurelius' philosophical thesis, providing it in an accessible verse translation.

(gone) Jenkyns, Richard, 'Westminster Abbey' (London, 2006)
An in-depth profile of the London church.

Kemp, Daren, 'New Age. A Guide' (Edinburgh, 2004)
An examination of the whole range of descriptions of New Age, from various angles.

(gone) Knight, Jonathan, 'Jesus' (London, 2004)
An Historical and Theological Investigation of Jesus

(gone) Logan, Pat, 'A World Transformed. When Hopes Collapse and Faiths Collide' (London, 2007)
This book is based on a series of ecumenical seminars held annually at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park, from 1990 to 2004.
Within these meetings new possibilities of social transformation were discussed in the light of the transitional problems from  the fall of Communism in 1989, advances in technology, and the radical rethinking of Christian social Theology.

(gone) Montgomery, Mark, Eds. 'Young People and Worship. A practical Guide' (London, 2007)
Encourages churches to rethink the way that they engage young people in worship.

(gone) Miller, Keith, 'St Peter's' (London, 2007)
Detailed study of the great baroque basilica.

(gone) Morris, Jeremy, 'The Church in the Modern Age' (New York, 2007)
This book provides three major perspectives on the Christian Church in the modern era; political, regional and institutional.

(gone) Pagels, Elaine and King, Karen, 'Reading Judas' (London, 2007)
The author aims to enable modern readers to decode the message in the Gospel of Judas, which presents a provocative view of how Jesus'
followers tried to make sense of his death.

(gone) Plass, Adrian, 'The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass On Tour' (Michigan, 2004)
Humourous diary of Christian speacker, Adrian Plass.

(gone) Radcliff, 'Timothy, What Is the Point of Being a Christian?' (New York, 2007)
The author argues that religion should not be seen as merely 'useful'
because that would reduce it to another consumer product. He asserts that a Christian is pointed towards God, who is the point of everything. This should make a difference to how Christians live.

(gone) Reddie, Richard, 'Abolition! The Struggle to Abolish Slavery in the British Colonies' (Oxford, 2007)
The author, who is an African Caribbean British subject, focuses on the story of the African slaves themselves, showing how they worked alongside their European counterparts in the battle to end slavery.

Who was Jesus? Kamal Salibi

(gone) Schori, Katharine Jefferts, 'A Wing and a Prayer' (London, 2007)
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US, Schori, presents her views on the ole of the CHurch, personal relationships with God, the importance of building communities of peace and presents her social justuce views.

(gone) Scott, Kevin, 'At Variance. The Church's Argument Against Homosexual Conduct' (Edinburgh, 2004)
This book provides a concise investigation of the traditional Christian arguments against homosexuality.

Seed, Michael, 'Nobody's Child' (London, 2007)
Moving autobiography detailing abuse he suffered as a child and more.

Willan, Phillip, 'The Last Supper. The Mafia

Shaw, Peter, 'Finding Your Future. The Second Time Around' (London, 2006)
Life guide for people in search of a positive outlook for future.

(gone) Spong, John Selby, 'Jesus For the Non-Religious' (San Francisco, 2007)
Finding it hard to agree with many aspects of Chrisitanity, the author calls for a modern, liberal interpretation of Christianity.

The Case for the Real Jesus: Strobel

(gone) Sudworth, Tim, 'Mission-shaped. Youth. Rethinking young people and the church' (London, 2007)
This book examines challenges Christians to make the Church relevent to the lives and culture of young people. The authors emphasise not merely an evangelist mission but one that supports young people pastorally and spiritually.

(gone) Swinburn, Richard, 'The Existence of God' (Oxford, 2004)
The leading figure in contemporary natural theology and part of the long tradition of Christian evidentialism aims to provide
rational reasons for belief in God.

(gone) Tyrrell, Peter, 'Founded on Fear' (Dublin, 2006)
The author recounts his memories of the Second World War and the development of his religious views.

Van der Weyer, Robert, 'Zen Economics. Save yourself and the World By Saving' (Alresford, 2004)
The author gives practical financial and personal advice to deal best with glocal social and economic change.

(gone) Walker, Paul, 'I still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. God For Agnostics' (Ropley, 2006)
Provides a Christian perspective on the human search for the meaning of life on Earth.

(gone) Williams, Rowan, 'Tokens of Trust. An Introduction to Christian Belief' (London, 2007)
Examines the key themes of the Christian faith and the reality of what it is like to hold such beliefs.

(gone) Wills, Garry, 'The Rosary' (London, 2005)
This book explains the meaning behind the rosary as an aid to Christian prayer, identifying the events
in the lives of Jesus and Mary that the beads are supposed to signify.

(gone) Wilson, Eric. G, 'Secret Cinema' (New York, 2006)
This book analyses  the significance of the genre of Gnostic cinema in terms of its theoretical origins and the esoteric traditions, Kabbala and alchemy, that have emerged from it.

(gone) Yallop, David, 'The Power and the Glory. Inside the Heart of John Paul II's Vatigan' (London, 2007)
Critical biography of John Paul II.

Fiction

D'Arbeloff, Natalie, 'The God Interviews' (London, 2006)
Comic strip in which God is interviewed by a cartoon character named Augustine, which started as a highly graphic blog Blaugustine,  written by artist Natalie D'Arbeloff.

(gone) Page, Nick, 'The Church Invisible. A Journey Into the Future of the UK Church' (Michigan, 2004)
The author looks forty years into the future, to discover a society where the church is effectively non-existent.

Willian Phillip, the Last Supper. The Mafia, the Masons and the Killing of Roberto Calvi' (London, 2007)
The author tries to unravel the mysterious hanging of Calvi under London's Blackfriars Bridge on June 18, 1982.

Comments

[Jason Goroncy]

Hi Ruth.

Happy new year. Just wondering what was happening with these books. They are yet to arrive.

Jason

(rg writes: good point Jason, they are one of my new year res's, some have gone, still some to do, I'm assuming you emailed your address?)

[andy jones]

Please could I have -

Booker: 'Young People and Mission',and

Montgomery: 'Young People and Worship'.

Many thanks

[Norman]

I stumbled across thsi site this evening. It is great to see that you are again giving away books.

I would like:
Reddie, Richard, 'Abolition! The Struggle to Abolish Slavery in the British Colonies' (Oxford, 2007

Tyrrell, Peter, 'Founded on Fear' (Dublin, 2006)

Thanks

[Duane]

Hi Ruth,
Would I be able to have 'The Church Invisible' and/or 'Letters to a Young Evangelical'?

thanks
Duane

[Shaun Clarkson]

Ruth,

I don't want to be greedy, but as no one has asked for 'Imagine How We Can Reach the UK' yet and I've long been impressed by Mark Greene's work I'd love to have that too if possible.

Thanks

[Fr. Thomas Rowland]

Dear Ruth,

Please put me in the running for a book. Thank you very much.

Pax et bonum,

Fr. Thomas

[Oliver]

Dear Ruth

A very kind offer, thank you. If possible I'd appreciate any or all of:

Butler, Alan, 'The Goddess, The Grail and the Lodge. Tracing the Origins of Religion' (Alresford, 2004).

Cassidy, Sheila, 'Made For Laughter' (London, 2006).

Hill, Jonathan, 'The New Lion Handbook. The History of Christianity' (Oxford, 2007).

Scott, Kevin, 'At Variance. The Church's Argument Against Homosexual Conduct' (Edinburgh, 2004).

With thanks

[Jeremy King]

Ruth, if they are still available could I have Hill, Jonathan, 'The New Lion Handbook. The History of Christianity' (Oxford, 2007)
and / or
Scott, Kevin, 'At Variance. The Church's Argument Against Homosexual Conduct' (Edinburgh, 2004)

Thanks,
Jeremy King

[Jenny Holden]

Dear Ruth,

Could I possibly have Logan, Pat, 'A World Transformed. When Hopes Collapse and Faiths Collide' (London, 2007) please?

Really enjoy reading your blog.

Thanks

[JOhnny Douglas]

I'd really love either
Gillian Courts, 'Heart of Flesh' or
Rowan Williams, 'Tokens of Trust.

lovely idea and generous spirit in doing this!
Thank-you

(I am really sorry Johnny, both have gone, I've updated the post now to show all that are gone so it should be easier to see what is still available. rg)

[Kester Kong]

Dear Ruth

Could I ask for "Sister Wendy on Prayer"? Also, any Rowan Williams book still available? (My mother is a big fan.)

Kester

(Kester this has already gone - do choose something else -Ruth)

[Sian Williams]

Could I have "Sister Wendy on Prayer", please ?
Many thanks :-)

[Lars-Gunnar Sommarback]

Dearest correspondent:

Wilson, Eric. G, 'Secret Cinema' (New York, 2006), will be a real treat.

I've been doing a bit of collaboration now with a cineastic clergywoman in my parish who's at the moment preparing a film lecture on Gore, Splatter and the Resurrection of the body. Nice combination, I think.

Thanks, Ruth, for being out there on the net

[Chris]

Hello Ruth,

I'm not sure what is still available, there are so many comments now!

I'm just starting a course run by my Diocese (called "Living Theology Today"). It's designed to increase students' understanding and enable them to grow in faith, and help them enhance the life of their local congregations / locality / diocese; and also to provide an introduction to theological study for those who might be considering some sort of authorised ministry.

Rather than request a particular book as so many have gone, I would simply ask that if you have any books still available which you feel might help me in my studies, I'd be very grateful to receive one. If I had to name a title which I think might still be available, then I would say the Lion History of Christianity, but really anything you think would be useful would be very kind!

Best wishes,

Chris

[Clare Amos]

Can i have

Gubbay, Lucian, 'Sunlight and Shadow. The Jewish Experience of Islam' (London, 1999)

please

Clare

[Jason Goroncy]

OK Ruth. I'm trying again. How about Alan Jacobs', The Spiritual Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' (New York, 2004), and Gillian Courts', 'Heart of Flesh' (London, 2007)? (Though I think Rosemary may have beat me to the post - pun intended - on the past one).

[Rosemary]

I'd love to read this one ..Court, Gillian, 'Heart of Flesh' (London, 2007)Gillian Court examines the prophetic nature of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and work.

But does this apply to Kiwi's .. New Zealand is a long way to send a book.

(as everyone well knows, nowhere in the world is beyond the reach of News International! Anyway, I am looking forward hugely to giving our postal strikers huge amounts of work as a result of this blog. rg)

[Lou Davis]

Hi Ruth,

Is Danny Brierly's book 'Growing Community' still available?

Thanks

[ash]

Hi Ruth,
Could I please have either/ both of:
Gubbay, Lucian, 'Sunlight and Shadow. The Jewish Experience of Islam' (London, 1999)
and
HH The Dalai Lama, 'The Tibet Book of the Dead' (London, 2006)

if they are still availible?

many thanks,
Ashley

[MargaretG]

Hi Ruth

Can I please pick two books:
Hill, Jonathan, 'The Big Questions' (Oxford, 2007)

and

Frost, Rob, 'Freedom Fighters'

If two is too greedy I would be grateful to only get the Hill, Big Questions book.

Margaret

PS Do you still want us to review the ones we get as in the past?

(rg writes: only if you feel like it Margaret, Ruth)

[David Ould]

Ruth, would love a copy of Dawkins, Schori, Spong and Williams.

(rg writes: you can have Dawkins, don't think that's gone yet.)

[Mike Homfray]

Ruth - can I have Morris' The Church in the Modern Age, please

Thanks

Mike

[Jason Goroncy]

Hi Ruth. Wow. What a list! Is Rowan Williams' 'Tokens of Trust. An Introduction to Christian Belief' still going? If so, I'd love a copy.
Also, Richard Swinburne's 'The Existence of God'.Many thanks. Fingers crossed.

Jason

(sorry Jason, both gone, do try something else, ruth)

[Sue Huyton]

Dear Ruth
You said I could have the Timothy Radcliff What Is the Point of Being a Christian?'
whenever there is some post!
See this- as a mother you will love it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ati3k32-NXI

[Scott Prather]

Hi Ruth,

Is Philip Booth's 'Catholic Social Teaching and the Market Economy' still available?

I study theology and economics, so that would be most helpful.

You did say your out of Archbishop Williams stuff, right?

Thanks so much,
Scott

(Ruth writes: am afraid both have now gone but do try something else)

[Shaun Clarkson]

Ruth, if Catholic Social Teaching and the Market Economy is still available I'd be interested in it.
Thanks.

[Hamish Sneddon]

Please could I have either

The Case for the Real Jesus: Strobel,

or

the book on Rosslyn Chapel? Sorry for the cheeky double request, but felt it was worth an ask! I'm aghast at the way Rosslyn has been treated post the Wretched Da Vinci code, so an interesting and care-ful book would be a treat.

Thanks a lot.

[Doug Chaplin]

Coud I have either Adrian Plass' Sacred Diary on Tour, or Andrew Brookes' Alpha Phenomenon? Thanks for this giveaway.

[matt]

Hi Ruth,

Could I have Jonathan Knight: Jesus? or anything you might have available by Rowan Williams.

Thanks,

Matt

[John]

Ruth,

I would be interested in Tim Sudworth's "Mission Shaped Parish", or "Tokens of Trust"

(rg says: the first is yours, second gone)

[Lars-Gunnar Sommarback]

O my, Wilson, Eric. G, 'Secret Cinema' (New York, 2006), would be a real treat. All the best,
Summarbrook

[Jason Taylor]

Ruth, please could I have

Harding, Nick, 'Better Haloween. Bright Alternatives for Churches and Children' (London, 2006)

Thank you

Jason

[Edward Martin]

I think I missed the Abbey book, how about...

Radcliff, 'Timothy, What Is the Point of Being a Christian?'

Ed Martin

(I'm afraid that's gone too, sorry)

[Edward Martin]

Hi Ruth,

Do you still have: 'Jenkyns, Richard, 'Westminster Abbey' (London, 2006) An in-depth profile of the London church'?

Ed Martin

(no sorry!)

[Robert]

Ruth,
Could I please have the copy of Once More With Feeling? I have read extracts of it in The Daily Telegraph!
Congratulations on the expansion of your site.

[David Smith]

Ruth

I would be very grateful for:
Yallop, David, 'The Power and the Glory. Inside the Heart of John Paul II's Vatigan' (London, 2007)

Many thanks.

David

[Robin Bather]

Hi Ruth
Could I please have:
The Existence of God by R Swinburn
or if that's gone:
Westminster Abbey by Richard Jenkyns

Thank you

(The abbey book is yrs, first one gone already)

[john ed]

Hi Ruth,
I've been enjoying your blog for a couple of months now. Not sure how this free book thing works but would be delighted to have a copy of Brookes, Andrew, Ed. 'The Alpha Phenomenon' (London, 2007) if it's going.
Thanks, John ed

(of course, plse send email as above, stating which title it is I've agreed to send and with address included, thnx ruth)

[Peter Attenborough]

Williams, Rowan, 'Tokens of Trust. An Introduction to Christian Belief' (London, 2007)
Examines the key themes of the Christian faith and the reality of what it is like to hold such beliefs.

(rg writes: I am so sorry it is gone, but I have several other books of his, shall I send you one of those instead? Send me an email and let me know. )

[Sue Huyton]

I would have liked the Jefferts Schori book too - but if there is only one copy, please might I have Radcliff, 'Timothy, What Is the Point of Being a Christian?' instead?

(of course! plse remind me of title in address email, rg)

[Rick]

Ruth,
Like you I lost my Father this year, however, he did not share my Christian faith. I'm struggling with doubt just now and need something to strengthen my faith.

Could I have 'The Existence of God' by R. Swinburne or 'I still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. God For Agnostics' by P. Walker please?

If you think there is something else more appropriate I would happy to recieve a substitute of your recommendation.

Rick.

(rg writes: have them both with my blessing, I hope they are a help. Incidentally, Swinburn and my father were great friends at one time. I remember long weekend afternoons in Swinburne's house at Keele university, while he and my father discussed philosophy, his wife played the clarinet and my four siblings and I wandered the deserted university campus, discussing the meaninglessness of life. It was a great time. I am not sure why those times came to an end, except it might have been something to do with the existence of God..... or not! I kept my faith in God but totally lost my faith university education and although I gave it a go at Leeds, I didn't in the end stay to get a degree!)

pps plse remind me of the two book titles in your address email

[Ernest Abbott]

Either
Evans, G. R., 'The Church in the Middle Ages' (New York, 2007)

or

Hill, Jonathan, 'The New Lion Handbook. The History of Christianity' (Oxford, 2007)

(rg writes: you can have the latter, plse remind me of this in your address email)

[Simon Richardson]

Can I be very bold and ask for two books? 'Jesus for the non-religious' (Spong) and 'The Rosary' (Wills) Thank you!

(rg writes: Spong has gone - proof that some liberals are still reading my blog hooray! - but you can have Wills. In your address email plse remind me of this. ruth)

[Bill H.]

Ruth, congratulations on your expanded responsibilities!

I'd very much appreciate ‘The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity’

(Bill, sorry, thanks for the congrats, the book has gone, do try for another, Ruth)

[Mattheus Mei]

Hi Ruth, I'd like to get a copy of Evans' The Church in the Middle Ages. Thanks!

[Brian Harvey]

Could I have The Next Christendom, please?

[Adrian Roberts]

Hi Ruth

I would love John Spong's Christianity for the non-religious.
I haven't seen the name Spong on your blog for some time.

Adrian

[Andrew Whitehead]

I would be grateful for a copy of Graham Hellier's 'Is God a Delusion?.

Cheers
Andrew

[Peter Owen]

I'd like St Peter's by Keith Miller.

Thanks

[Ben Edson]

I would like tokens of trust by rowan williams

cheers

ben