Abstract
What is the role of our faith in apocalyptic times? What are the resources of our religious traditions that instill hope in an era when all human systems are in decline? For those of us in the Anglican-Episcopal tradition, what does our way of living the Christian faith have to offer a world groaning under the weight of global pandemic, escalating violence, resurgent racism, increasing gender oppression, rising nationalism, and environmental catastrophe?
Clearly, these are challenging questions that reach beyond the church and our immediate families and communities. And yet, as Robert Boak Slocum and Martyn Percy, the editors of Fearful Times; Living Faith, attest, people of faith and the church have resources that offer meaning, consolation, and community in a time of dreadful fear. The editors gathered twenty-two diverse voices to bear witness to the meaning of faith, the power of love, and yes, even hope for the future, during these days of vulnerability and crisis.
Within theological circles, the COVID-19 pandemic and social and environmental crises have encouraged a cycle of deep reflection. Within the subfield of pastoral theology, there is a growing and evolutionary collection of work focused on questions related to the needs of people and communities impacted by the pandemic, as well as practical responses generated through ministry, pastoral care, advocacy, spiritual direction, and formation. In this way, this book not only provides insightful theological reflections but also serves a concrete purpose in contributing to the dialogue about the role of faith today, and in so doing, providing a catalyst for transformation.
It is impossible to convey the many nuances and insights of each chapter in this brief review; however, the diversity of the international list of authors alone is evidence of the insights contained in this book. In the first chapter, Slocum recounts the examples of four historical figures as examples of living faith in fearful times. In his chapter, Gulnar (Guli) Francis-Dehqani relates his story of finding hope as an Anglican in the church in Iran. Activist Bill Wylie-Kellerman writes on the spiritual and structural wounds inflicted by white supremacy. Ellen Clark-King examines the themes of incarnation, community, and the Jesus Prayer as resources for faith and hope. In another chapter, Jim Forest of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation reflects on his encounter with Thomas Merton. “In Search of Kindness,” is the title of Emma Percy’s chapter on the connection between kindness and resilience. Love for neighbors as demonstrated by our Jewish and Christian forebears is the focus of the chapter by scholar Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatowski. The role of prophecy during the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus of the chapter by Ronin Gibbons, a priest of the Greek Catholic Melkite (Byzantine rite) and an ecumenical canon in Britain. Episcopal chaplain and author Sam Portaro writes about the importance of empathy and facing into death honestly. Journalist Christina Rees writes on the importance of keeping God’s vision of a healed and liberated world alive.
The second group of chapters also provides evocative commentary on the book’s central questions. Practical theologian Altagracia Perez-Bullard encourages the whole church (and beyond) to look to the vital faith of the African diaspora (and other marginalized peoples) as examples of faith and courage in difficult times. Scholar Lucinda Allen Mosher refers to the resources of John Donne, Julian of Norwich, and other Anglican spiritual teachers as sources for radical incarnationalism. Roger Govender from South Africa writes of Alan Boesak, Desmond Tutu, and John de Gruchy as transformative voices from the global majority. Thomas Hughson, SJ, advocates for the importance of building human global solidarity. The hope of a celebration of ethnic diversity in the Church of England is the focus of the chapter from chaplain and educator Shemil Mathew. Alan Jones frames his chapter around the theme of the interrelatedness of all humanity. The relevance of liberation theologies and the central themes of poverty and inequality are the focus of Sarah Cotes’ chapter. Educator Victoria L. Garvey focuses her reflections on themes from scripture. The impact of liturgy to the sense of community is the focus of Rosie Harper. Alan Wilson explores the ways local churches can be present to people and cultivate radical inclusivity. Retired Sewanee professor Robert D. Hughes explores the resources for troubled times provided by Christian mystics. A poignant afterword from Martyn Percy on “good grief” points to the importance of processing trauma as a foundation for a more hopeful future.
These essays are best read a few at a time to ensure that the nuances are fully present to the reader. The book is written in a style accessible for parish discussions, as well as for academic settings. While the challenges addressed here will not be concluded anytime soon, this book is an insightful example of ongoing theological reflection and pastoral theology during uncertain times.
