Announcing a new arrival: Holy Bible, Human Bible: Questions Pastoral Practice Must Ask by Gordon Oliver.
The following review was written by Myka Kennedy Stephens for Congregational Libraries Today, the bimonthly publication of the Church & Synagogue Library Association. Used with permission. Copyright 2007 by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (www.cslainfo.org).
Second in the Using the Bible in Pastoral Practice series, Anglican priest Gordon Oliver examines eight different questions about the Bible and its relation to the Christian community. It is an attempt to engage pastors and church leaders in thoughtful reflection on the nature of the Bible as it is actually used by congregations and in individual practice. Lay people often pose questions to pastors such as, “What is the Bible?” Instead of trying to have the answers, Oliver offers the pastor an opportunity to ask and contemplate the same questions. The core of his argument lies in an examination of what it means to be biblical, or live according to the teachings of the Bible, and what it means to be human. Are these two natures at odds in Christian life?
The conclusions he draws about the Bible and its place in Christianity are helpful and provide a good starting point for further discussion. While many of the examples come from Oliver’s context as a priest in the Church of England, this book can also resonate with American and Canadian audiences. Written with pastors and other church leaders in mind, educated and interested lay people will also find it easy to read and engaging.
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Call number: BS538.3 .O45 2006
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