book reviews
A Heart of Compassion Philip Clarke
Authentic Media 2006 £7.99 Pb 179pp ISBN 1850786631
his book is powerful, challenging and inspiring; at the same time a short and easy read. Though focusing on
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abortion, the main message is about practical love and exploring more deeply God’s heart of compassion - learning to see people as he does.
Philip Clarke takes the sometimes abstract command ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Matthew 22:39), and shows us how to make it real in our everyday lives. In recounting his experiences as a GP in Southampton, he explains that showing compassion can be challenging. However, it is in the difficult people that compassion proves the most powerful witness, where God works most radically.
The author highlights the need to love the lost and broken before expecting them to understand the concept of a loving saviour. He illustrates the importance of us, Christian medics, fighting valiantly for God’s will whilst not rejecting those who go against it. When advising a female patient against abortion, this may mean ensuring that communication channels remain open so that she can return for support and counselling even if she went ahead with the procedure. A Heart of Compassion renewed my excitement and enthusiasm for facing the challenges of being a Christian doctor.
Helen Reay is a third year medical student at Cardiff University
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Walking with Gay Friends Alex Tylee
IVP 2007 £6.99 Pb 160pp ISBN 1844742121
much debate. But we often forget about individual
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Christians, our friends, for whom this struggle is a daily reality. Alex Tylee convinces the reader of the need for compassion, honesty and uncompromising holiness in relating to ourselves and others.
Tylee affirms her commitment to salvation as God’s way of dealing with sin and explores sensitive areas such as identity and evangelism in the homosexual community. She encourages her readers with a firm biblical basis to walk lovingly with friends, whether gay or straight; earning the right to introduce Jesus without assumption or pre-judgement, with understanding and humility. Her well researched arguments are based on personal experience and interviews; the case studies illustrate how Christian friends can make a life-changing impact on others at university.
This book is genuinely worth reading. It is not formulaic in its approach or derogatory in any way. It places Jesus at the centre, challenging us to think, change, and obey his command to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
TiJesunimi Abiola is a foundation year one doctor in Mersey
he issue of sexual orientation generates
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