Church and Countryside:
Tim Gibson, a tutor at STETS (the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme in Salisbury), has done us a favour with this book. I believe it is the first extended attempt in the UK to weave together a sound theologically reflective approach with the mission and ministry of the rural church.
The book has two main parts. The first part explores reflective rural theology and its underlying assumptions and emerging principles. The second part has four chapters working out how rural theology may be applied in key areas of: food and farming, rural service provision, landscape and leisure, and participation in the life of the rural church itself.
insights from rural theology Tim Gibson SCM Press 2010, £16.99 • ISBN 978-03340-42037
Two key principles inform this book throughout: the centrality of the Eucharist and its relevance beyond the church; and the significance of community within and outside the church.
Although both theological and reflective, this is not a difficult book to read or use. I read it at one sitting (and not because of a review deadline). It is also essentially a practical book. Tim Gibson’s overall aim is to help rural church members “build community in their local areas”. I believe he succeeds admirably.
Simon Martin
Climate and Christ:
Climate and Christ follows on from Edward’s previous book The Cosmic Circle: Jesus and Ecology, where he sets out a practical ecological theology based on the life, teaching and redemption of Jesus Christ. In this new book he concentrates on the particular issue of climate change and what response ordinary people can make in faith to mitigate its effects.
It is this linking of the theology and practical response told from a perspective of personal experience which sets this book apart from some of the others I have read. Edward describes his life with his wife Barbara in their home in Bexhill and the work of some of the local and national groups they are involved with. There are also theological and spiritual insights of theologians such as Teilhard de Chardin (who I was
26 www. countryway. org. uk
A prophetic Alternative Edward P. Echlin The Columba Press 2010 £9.50 • ISBN 978-1-85607-690-6
fascinated to learn spent time in my home town of Hastings).
As this book says in its title it is from the prophetic tradition, speaking out against the injustices humanity performs on God’s creation and also speaking up for those signs of hope witnessed. I find myself disagreeing with some broad brush views expressed against industrial agriculture and sustainable
development for example, but I cannot help but admire the personal faith and commitment which is echoed from every page of this book. It is certainly a challenge to answer some of its questions about our culture and lifestyle.
Mark Betson
Rural Officer and joint Environment Officer, Diocese of Chichester
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