THE GUILT BOOK
4 STARS
This is a book which is exceptionally helpful in unpacking the area of guilt from both a spiritual and psychological angle. This book focuses on two key areas of guilt - true guilt and false guilt. It talks through various techniques to help the reader overcome false guilt and release themselves from the paralysis that guilt can bring to a person’s life. The extra angle of Christianity in both - acknowledging and resolving guilt - makes this a self-help book with a difference.
What this book does well is open up guilt in a jargon-free, easy to understand way. It doesn’t do this abstractly but forces you to explore your own experiences and feelings. Be prepared to dig deep and go on a journey with this book; it is not to be read passively. It is clearly written , the chapters are a reasonable length and it doesn’t feel like a chore. The book is interlaced with illustrations, stories and space for reflection and analysis, which help with understanding and readability.
A few words of caution before buying this book: firstly, I don’t believe this is a journey that should be undertaken alone. In dealing with and tackling the issues it will raise, a companion on the journey would be supportive and helpful. Secondly, as the authors state, this book is really intended for those who feel trapped by guilt. If you want to explore the ideas and concepts of guilt, this book may give you some pointers but may not go into the depth you need.
There were a few niggles with this book but they are minor - the areas for writing and reflection which I found quite small.
The Guilt Book is easy to read with a good blend of professional psychological advice and Christian theology that will be helpful to those facing this sensitive, difficult issue.
NICK FRANCIS IS A FULL-TIME YOUTH PASTOR FOR AN ANGLICAN CHURCH IN THAME.
FIRST
3 STARS
Drawing on personal stories of current students, and Matt’s own experience as a student worker, First presents the significant issues for students at university. Students will be encouraged and equipped by Matt’s practical tools.
First begins to address many of the big issues of student-dom like housing, porn and finding time to spend with God. It’s a useful starter for new students wanting to live for Jesus on campus.
The rather insular perspective on faith at university does detract from the book, and First could appear overly cautious, and in places, basic.
WILLIAM LEE LEADS YOUTH WORK AT KINGS CENTRE IN SHEFFIELD, AND WORKS FOR GOLDDIGGER TRUST.
WOO
5 STARS
Schmidt may be a new voice, but she is not new to youth ministry, having been a youth pastor for over ten years. Her experiences have clearly shaped her thinking as she shares stories - throughout Woo. Early in the book, Schmidt says: ‘Youth ministry should be about caring about what teenagers want and connecting their desires to Jesus. Schmidt graciously challenges the culture which has been created in youth ministry.
Schmidt is not claiming to have all the answers, she simply desires that young people continue to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives. If you do too, read this book!
NATHAN SHIPLEY IS ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS AT SOUTH PARADE BAPTIST CHURCH IN LEEDS.
THEOLOGYGRAMS
4 STARS
Theologygrams is a book full of visual descriptions of theology. Yes, that does sound incredibly boring, but believe me: this book is brilliant. Theologygrams uses pie charts, Venn diagrams, graphs and tables to illustrate a whole heap of Biblical stories and principles. Passages such as Ecclesiastes 3 and Amos 5 are snappily represented while the author also manages to include diagrams on the ‘Millenium’ and Apophatic theology. On a more down-to-earth note, church life is ruminated upon via charts with titles such as ‘Breakdown of time spent during a hymn’, and, ‘What people take away from my sermons’.
Author Rich Wyld, an Anglican priest, clearly has a love of theology and charts and his passion for both is evident throughout the book. Perhaps by the end some of the gags fall a little flat and some of the concepts mean you’d need a theology qualification to get the joke, but these are the exception rather than the rule. This book is a treat, but if none of this made any sense, head to theologygrams.wordpress.com and see what I’m going on about.
JAMIE CUTTERIDGE IS THE JOURNALIST AT PREMIER YOUTHWORK
