2008: Books, Essays and Movies

Paul writes – Canadian blogging friend, Len Hjalmarson reflects on 2008 and includes his selection of books he most enjoyed. He includes three essays. I’d include all three too – interestingly Len sent me two of the three essays, and I sent him one of them.

 

 

I’d add three by Rowan Williams (‘The Deflection of Desire: Negative Theology in Trinitarian Disclosure’, ‘Richard Hooker: Contemplative Pragmatism’, and ‘Richard Hooker: Philosopher, Anglican, Contemporary’), one by Elisabeth K. J. Koenig, ‘Julian of Norwich and the Drama of Christian Discernment’), and one by Stanley Hauerwas (‘A Story-Formed Community: Reflections of Watership Down’). There were lots and lots of others, but these are the ones that have journeyed with me over the year. There were also a few very good novels read, though not as many as I would have liked... to much interesting non-fiction to explore.

 

Books (for me) would include:

·              Oliver O’Donovan, Church in Crisis: The Gay Controversy and the Anglican Communion.

·              Rupertt Shortt, Rowan’s Rule: The Biography of the Archbishop.

·              Colin Greene & Martin Robinson, Metavista: Bible, Church and Mission in an Age of Information.

·              Mary Margaret Funk, Thought’s Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life.

·              Parker J. Palmer, The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life.

·              John Drane, After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty.

·              John Drane, Do Christians Know How to Be Spiritual? The Rise of New Spirituality and the Missionof the Church.

·              Joseph Ratzinger, New Outpourings of the Spirit.

·              Kathleen Fischer, Transforming Fire: Women Using Anger Creatively.

·              Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.

·              Kathleen Norris, Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life.

·              Kenneth Leech, Subversive Orthodoxy: Traditional Faith & Radical Commitment.

 

Movies

·              Lars and the Real Girl.

·              The Visitor.

·              Juno.

·              The Darjeeling Limited.

·              There will be Blood.

·              Atonement.

 

Documentaries

·              The Big Picture: A History of New Zealand Art.

·              The Abbey.

·              Control Room.

·              Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen.

·              Making Sense of the Sixties: An Examination of the Decade that Forever Changed America…

Comments

[len]

I still haven't seen the Visitor.. hoping soon..

[Mike Crowl]

Lars and the Real Girl definitely deserves to be on the list. I've seen it twice. Love the performances, love the warmth and gentleness, and the way in which a Christian message is put across without hitting you over the head. Great movie!

[Becky]

Hi Paul
Happy New Year. Just wondering if you read Mark Vernon's blog: www.markvernon.com/friendshiponline/dotclear/
Seems like your sort of guy. Recently read his book After Atheism which was full of solace and he's editing a series of books mostly being published next year on Art of Living.
Have a good year. Becky