January 2023 MBR The Christian Studies Shelf

The Christian Studies Shelf

On Death and Eternal Life
St. Gregory of Nyssa, author
Brian Daley, translator
SVS Press
575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, NY 10707
www.svspress.com
9780881417098, $28.00, PB, 328pp

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Eternal-Life-Gregory-Nyssa/dp/0881417092

Synopsis: Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c. A.D. 335 - after 384) was bishop of Nyssa and a prominent Christian theologian of the fourth century. The seven works by Saint Gregory comprising (some of which, ably translated by Brian Daley, are available in English for the first time) explore the great human mystery of death and the promise of eternal life.

The writings included in "On Death and Eternal Life" (along with On the Soul and the Resurrection (PPS 12) provide a vision that is consistent, philosophically profound, and characteristic of Gregory's wider theology.

The first three works (On the Dead, On Infants Taken Away before Their Time, and On the "Final Subjection" of Christ) might be termed thematic essays; the fourth is a sermon celebrating Christ's resurrection (On the Holy Pascha); and the remaining three are funeral homilies given for prominent people in Constantinople (Meletius, Pulcheria, and Flaccilla).

Of special note is that this volume, "On Death and Eternal Life", also includes the critical Greek text.

Critique: A part of the simply outstanding 'Popular Patristics' series from SVS Press, this compact paperback edition "On Death and Eternal Life" is an especially recommended addition to personal, ministerial, theological collections for Orthodox and Catholic Christians in general, and seminary students studies lists in particular. It should be noted that "On Death and Eternal Life" is also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Editorial Note: Brian Daley, S.J. (https://theology.nd.edu/people/brian-daley-sj) did his undergraduate work at Fordham University and a subsequent M.A, (classics and philosophy) at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He then entered the Society of Jesus, taught for a year at Fordham, and studied theology for ordination in Frankfurt, Germany. He returned to Oxford in 1972 for doctoral studies, focused on the Patristic Christological tradition, and completed a critical edition of the works of the sixth-century theologian Leontius of Byzantium in 1978. He then was a faculty member of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, in Cambridge, MA, until 1996, when he moved to Notre Dame's Department of Theology as the Catherine Huisking Professor. He considers himself a historical theologian, studying the thought and practices of the first seven or eight centuries of Christianity as expressions of the developing common faith of the Church, especially as it is focused on our understanding of the person of Christ, the Trinity, and the hope for eternal life.

Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task
Daniel Overdorf
Kregel Publications
2450 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.kregel.com
9780825447228, $20.99, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Simple-Approach-Sacred-Task/dp/0825447224

Synopsis: Preaching with power and conviction is too important to be left to chance. With the publication of "Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task", experienced preacher and teacher of preachers, Daniel Overdorf, leads his readers through a tested process for sermon preparation that takes proclaiming God's Word seriously yet does not overly complicate the task or overwhelm the preacher.

Overdorf describes and demonstrates consistent, manageable steps to effective preaching, including: Clarifying the convictions that drive your preaching; Identifying the main idea of a Scripture text; Forming memorable word pictures; Reducing reliance on notes; Connecting with the congregation throughout the sermon; Speaking authentically.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task" is an ideal combination of instruction guide and how-to manual that will be of immense interest and value for readers charged with a ministerial responsibility within the Christian community. While especially and unreservedly recommended for church and seminary collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of ministers, seminary students, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject of Christian Preaching, Christian Church Leadership, and Christian Pastoral Resources, "Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).

Editorial Note: Daniel Overdorf (www.DanielOverdorf.com) grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and southern West Virginia, where he experienced the value of the blue-collar work ethic, the wonder of Appalachian storytelling, and the joy of being raised in the home of a preacher who loves the church with all his heart. These early influences continue to shape his perspectives of life and faith. He graduated from Johnson University, then spent the next ten years ministering with churches in Illinois and Georgia. In the meantime, he earned a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. At Gordon-Conwell, he had the joy of studying for four years under Haddon Robinson, a patriarch in the field of preaching. Robinson's influence significantly shaped Overdorf's philosophy and approach to preaching, both as a preacher and as a professor.

One Church
Charles C. Camosy
Ave Maria Press
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
www.avemariapress.com
9781646801527, $17.95, PB, 192pp

https://www.amazon.com/One-Church-Rekindle-Negotiate-Difference/dp/1646801520

Synopsis: Vatican II baby boomers, trad millennials, zealous converts, Christmas and Easter Catholics -- these are some of the humorous stereotypes theologian Charles Camosy uses to explain the points of view that divide today's Church.

In the pages of "One Church: How to Rekindle Trust, Negotiate Difference, and Reclaim Catholic Unity", Professor Camosy says that in spite of our differences, unity and healing can be found through the fullness of the Gospel and an authentic understanding of the Catholic faith. With the publication of "One Church", Professor Camosy offers a hopeful and practical field guide for the here and now by sharing what it takes to listen and love those whose views are different than ours and to understand how we are united in the Body of Christ, the Church.

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church there have always been fundamental differences about how the faith should be expressed -- for example, between Peter and Paul, Jerome and Augustine, Franciscans and Dominicans, left and right, "Rad Trads" and Vatican II Catholics.

In today's climate of polarization, getting to unity-in-diversity has never been more difficult. Where Sts. Jerome and Augustine shared their differences by letter, social media is the place where division is most noticeable (and vitriolic) today.

In "One Church" Professor Camosy, founder and director of The Catholic Conversation Project, offers five principles of dialogue to build on our unity as the Body of Christ: Maintain a humble attitude; Avoid binary thinking and dismissive name-calling; Affirm and build on common ground; Make Christ the center of everything; and Lead with what you are for, not what you are against.

Critique: A timely contribution toward supporting the Catholic church in these especially trying times, "One Church: How to Rekindle Trust, Negotiate Difference, and Reclaim Catholic Unity" is an eloquent and 'real world practical' call to reform and reconciliation. Erudite, informative, inspiring, and also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.49), "One Church: How to Rekindle Trust, Negotiate Difference, and Reclaim Catholic Unity" is especially recommended to the attention of Catholic clergy, seminary students, congregants, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject of Popes, Social Issues, and Spiritual growth from a Catholic perspective and history.

Editorial Note: Charles Camosy is a professor at the Creighton University School of Medicine and the Msgr. Curran Fellow in Moral Theology at St. Joseph Seminary in New York. He is also a columnist for Religion News Service, the Angelus, and the Pillar, and the author of eight books, including the award-winning Too Expensive to Treat?,Peter Singer and Christian Ethics, and Beyond the Abortion Wars. Camosy's book, For Love of Animals, was featured in the New York Times. He is the founding editor of The Magenta Project series and founding director of the Catholic Conversation Project.

His writing has been featured in publications including the American Journal of Bioethics, the Journal of the Catholic Health Association, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New York Daily News, the Los Angeles Times, Church Life Journal, Commonweal, America magazine, Crux, the Tablet, and the National Catholic Reporter. Camosy serves as a moral theology consultant for Busted Halo. He is an advisor the faith outreach office of the Humane Society of the United States, the pro-life commission of the Archdiocese of New York, and Holy Name Medical Center. He received the Robert Bryne award from the Fordham Respect Life Club and the 2018 St. Jerome Award for scholarly excellence from the Catholic Library Association.

How Can I Take My Life Back From My Phone?
C.J.S. Hayward
C.J.S. Hayward Publications
https://cjshayward.com
9798354818877, $19.99 Hardcover/$11.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/How-Take-Life-Back-Phone/dp/B0BHL5X8CN

"We have created a situation where it is possible for ordinary people to casually and without malice kill innocent lives. If we return to the three ethical questions, namely how ships can avoid bumping into each other, how they can internally stay shipshape, and what destination they are meant to reach, we are seeing terrible collisions that sink ships because unrestrained and trusting use of cell phones has devastated what little was left of their being shipshape."

How Can I Take My Life Back From My Phone? A Guidebook for Orthodox and Others is about pursuing life outside of technology. It is highly recommended reading for any modern person who would link theological thinking to the dilemmas of managing modern devices that both distract and offer a form of engagement that's often the antithesis of spiritual reflection. What do ethical and religious questions have to do with technological use? They translate more reasoned purpose into device usage, creating a dialogue that stems from Hayward's exploration of "What kind of guidance would someone like St. John Chrysostom offer in using technology, if our technology were around in his day?"

From philosophical and historical citation and reflection to guidelines for employing technology in a more positive, purposeful manner that doesn't put it in the driver's seat of decision-making, Hayward provides a thought-provoking discourse that will especially lend to book club and discussion group pursuit. Chapters tackle everything from Internet porn to missed connections and the altered states of mind and soul created by addiction to all kinds of screens: C.S.J. Hayward has produced many a thought-provoking work, but How Can I Take My Life Back From My Phone? may arguably be one of his best. This is because he links a modern social, psychological, and spiritual issue to guidelines on how better to take charge of that technological lure that too often creates in its user an emotional and spiritual void.

These topics wind neatly into Biblical passages, analytical reflections on the Scriptures, and notes and footnoted references to a wide range of religious thinking that contrasts nicely with the ethical and spiritual topics under consideration. Hayward also adds autobiographical notes into the inspection. This personalizes his citations and the experiences of loosening technology's allure and distractions. The result is both a how-to guide and a spiritual work of Christian Orthodoxy which holds the rare power to reach beyond Orthodox audiences alone and into the general public.

This topic should hold widespread interest, and ideally will be debated and discussed among many circles. Christian libraries, in particular, will find How Can I Take My Life Back From My Phone? a thought-provoking reflection and a "must have" addition.

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