Abstract
It was a privilege to read this book which is rich in wisdom, experiential insight, and helpful practical suggestions for ‘interactive dialogue’, encouraging progression of the conversation of nurturing faith beyond the pages of the book, into real-life encounter. This 430-page textbook has an engaging tone, seeking to unpack the mysteries of how faith is nurtured through education, formation, and discipleship. Whilst the book has a predominantly white, North American tone, which is acknowledged at the outset, the writers have sought to interweave a more diverse discourse through their use of female, Liberal, and muti-cultural voices as ‘sidebars’. It is still a little disappointing to note, then, that most of the quotes employed at the start of each Chapter, and ‘setting the scene’, are from men. For those who want to nurture faith in all aspects of society, this section feels a little dated and out-of-touch with the current narratives of a post-modern, post-Christendom world.
However, despite this initial minor annoyance, it is heartening to recognise the authors’ breadth and depth in terms of engagement, with an incredibly wide range of Christian tradition, from Moses to Methodism, Peter to Percy, and beyond. The clear layout and pattern of each Chapter is useful in guiding the reader through weighty subjects such as ‘Jesus, Sin, and the Grace of Cruciform Resurrection’. As a guide for theological students, this book offers a broad overview of the main issues facing those seeking to nurture the faith of others. For those in theological education, it brings a richness of tools and resource to the intricate and detailed subject of formation and discipleship, as well as a range of pedagogical techniques that might be employed if one has the time to fully absorb its contents. It also brings into question pedagogical and theological practices previously employed that have perhaps had their day. ‘Nurturing Faith’ consequently asks the reader to investigate and critique their own assumptions and methods in terms of theological education, formation, and discipleship. If you are willing to do so, then I warmly recommend this book to you.