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 PrintableVersion The suffering bodyResponding to the persecution of ChristiansThe horror and triumphTHE SUFFERING BODY This book is an attempt to address the problem that classical Pentecostalism and charismatic renewal have with the place of suffering in the church. It is the write-up of the 2004 triennial International Charismatic Consultation held around the theme of ‘The Suffering Church’. Here we have ‘up-to-date global reflections on the different ways in which Christians suffer’. So, the horror and the triumph of martyrdoms are mentioned, but there is also a lot of detail concerning various other forms persecutions may take. Added to this, there is a focus on the reasons why Christians suffer, and the responses different churches make to persecution. The book has two parts. Part one considers persecution from a theological and a historical standpoint; in part two case studies are given from countries around the world. The book is always interesting and informative, and, at times, inspiring and moving. However, the writers are an ecclesiastical and theological mixed bunch. For example, this is the first book I’ve come across that quotes both Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Pope John Paul II with equal approval! Maybe the book can be compared to a multi-course dinner cooked by many chefs. Some of the courses (chapters) linger on your taste buds leaving you wanting more. Other courses, (the ones with liberation theology and ecumenism liberally stirred in) you must chew carefully, and probably spit out. However, just because you disagree with the cooks doesn’t mean to say you can’t enjoy their food; except for the last course, which is best avoided as it is a horrible ecumenical fudge pudding. Paul Pease, © Evangelicals Now - July 2007 |
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