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SPRING 2004
Vol 38 No 3


Editorial
SPIRITUALITY FOR EARTHLINGS

Frank Andersen MSC
THE LONG JOURNEY HOME: SEARCHING FOR EUCHARIST TODAY


Kerrie Hide
THE LONG JOURNEY HOME: SEARCHING FOR EUCHARIST TODAY

Tony Kelly CSsR
REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUALITY AND THE CHURCH

Michael Trainor
ON THE RISE AGAIN: NEO-FUNDAMENTALISM IN AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICISM (PART TWO)

Andrew and Liz Chatelier
MARRIAGE: GROWING IN LOVE

Denis Uhr MSC
KEEPING ALIVE THE MSC TRADITION

REVIEWS

Kevin Mark
NEW RELIGIOUS BOOKS BY AUSTRALASIAN AUTHORS




 

New religious books by Australasian authors

KEVIN MARK

Carl Jung: Wounded healer of the soul: An illustrated biography; Claire Dunne; Continuum, UK, dist. by Allen & Unwin; PB $39.95 [082646307X]; 251pp; 265x205mm; 2003.

Highly-illustrated biography of pioneering psychologist Carl Jung (1875-1961), who promoted the concepts of individuation, archetypes, and the collective unconsciousness. The book is focused more on Jung’s personal process of individuation, or inward journey of self-discovery, than with the external events of his life. The book presents lengthy quotes from Jung’s own writings, and those he was involved with, interwoven by Dunne’s commentary. Many photos, artworks and other illustrations are also presented, many in colour. Jung’s (and Dunne’s) interest in religion and spirituality pervade the book, and there are specific chapters on ‘Jung and Christianity’ and ‘Jung and God’. This is a large-format paperback release of a volume first published in hardcover in 2000. Introduction by Jean Houston; notes; sources. Irish-born author has been a long-time resident of Australia and writer, lecturer, broadcaster and producer. She has received an Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to multiculturalism, Celtic culture and ethnic broadcasting. Other books include People Under the Skin: An Irish immigrant’s experience of Aboriginal Australia (1988) and Mary MacKillop: No plaster saint (1991/1994).

A Concise Dictionary of Theology: Revised and expanded edition; Gerald O’Collins SJ & Edward G. Farrugi SJ; T&T Clark, UK, dist. by Allen & Unwin; PB $47.95 [0567083543]; 316pp; 235x155mm; 2003

Introductory dictionary of theology first published in 1991. This UK edition reproduces the second edition, published by Paulist Press (USA) in 2000. Presents terms used in contemporary theology, including numerous significant biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical and philosophical terms that theological students are likely to encounter. Each term is accompanied by brief translations of the Greek or Latin terms that are its basis (if applicable), followed by a concise definition of the term’s meaning(s). Further explanation follows as required, ranging from a single sentence to a whole page. Most entries conclude with a series of cross-references to related terms in the dictionary. For the second edition some entries were expanded and corrected and around 50 new entries added, including greater coverage of the ecumenical aspects of Christianity. Entries include references to Denzinger’s Enchiridion Symbolorum and its English-language equivalent, The Christian Faith, by Neuner and Dupuis (1996). Index of names. O’Collins is an Australian-born Jesuit priest and Professor of Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome. His other books include The Bible for Theology (1997) and Easter Faith (2003). Farrugia is Professor of Dogmatic Theology and Eastern Patrology at the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome.

The Environment and Christian Faith: An introduction to ecotheology; Robert Barry Leal; St Pauls; PB $19.95 [1876295783]; 104pp; 215x140mm; 2004

Third of the ‘Windows Into…’ series, providing concise introductions to contemporary issues, encouraging thought, conversation and informed action. This volume focuses on ecotheology, at the intersection of theology and environmental concern. Following an introduction to ecotheology and its issues, successive chapters examine reading the Bible with ecological eyes, ecotheology and the Christian tradition, recent writing in ecotheology, ecotheology in an Australian context, and ecotheology and indigenous peoples. Each chapter concludes with questions for discussion; suggested activities; further reading list. Endnotes. Author is a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Macquarie University, and Vice-Chancellor, University of Southern Queensland. In 2003 he graduated Doctor of Theology from the Sydney College of Divinity and is Leader of Earth Ministry in the Uniting Church congregations of Northbridge and Castlecrag, Sydney.

From the Murray to the Sea: A history of Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat; Jill Blee; Catholic Education Office, Ballarat/Indra Publishing, dist. by Rainbow Book Agencies; HB $49.95 [1920787097]; 181pp; 270x220mm; 2004

Authorised history published to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat, Victoria. Author made use of the archives of dioceses and religious congregations and interviews with participants. Foreword by Peter Connors, Bishop of Ballarat; photos throughout; footnotes; bibliography; index. Author is an honorary research fellow of the Australian Catholic University and has a doctorate in history from the University of Ballarat. Her previous books include the historical novels Brigid (1999) and The Liberator’s Birthday (2002).

Fully Human, Fully Divine: An interactive Christology; Michael Casey; John Garratt Publishing; PB $29.95 [1920721053]; 368pp; 210x140mm; 2004

Spirituality text that explores the humanity and divinity of Jesus, and the divinization of our human nature. Every second chapter considers Jesus, specifically as depicted in the Gospel of Mark; the chapters in-between ponder the human condition, hence the ‘inactive Christology’ of the subtitle. Author draws extensively on Cistercian spirituality, and also provides an introductory note on it, including brief profiles of the principal authors cited. Notes; index of biblical texts; index of authors. Author is a Cistercian monk of Tarrawarra Abbey, Victoria, and an international expert on St Benedict. His other works include Toward God: The ancient wisdom of western prayer (1995) and Sacred Reading (1996).

God’s Next Big Thing: Discovering the future church; Scott Cowdell; John Garratt Publishing; PB $34.95 [1920721061]; 246pp; 210x145mm; 2004

Learned account of the Church and its prospects in contemporary western society, by an Anglican priest and theologian. Argues we live in a post-modern culture, in which we are anxious, obsessive consumers. In this context communities of Christian faith can provide radical alternatives that offer vision and purpose. Cowdell also examines negative options facing the Church, focusing on the dangers of fundamentalism, escapist therapeutic spiritualities, and institutional survivalism. He believes the emerging Church will consist of people who are world-affirming yet committed to their Christian distinctiveness, and presents ways in which our lifestyle, relationships and work can be transformed by Christian belief. Author is Rector of St Paul’s, Manuka, in Canberra. He teaches theology at St Mark’s National Theological Centre, serves on the Doctrine Commission of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia, and is Editor of St Mark’s Review. Previous books include Is Jesus Unique? A study of recent Christology (1996) and A God for this World (2000).

The Gospel of Mark: A commentary; Francis J. Moloney SDB; Hendrickson, USA, dist. by W. A. Buchanan & Co.; HB US$56.95 [1565630505]; 416pp; 240x170mm; 2002

Scholarly commentary on the Gospel of Mark. The volume begins with a general introduction to the Gospel and its author, before the detailed commentary proceeds. Moloney presents Mark as a unified, theologically driven narrative, seeking to marry the contribution of traditional historical scholarship with the contemporary focus on narrative as such. Footnotes; bibliography; scriptural index; index of modern authors; index of ancient sources. Author is a Salesian priest who was appointed the first Professor of Theology at the Australian Catholic University. He is now holds the Katherine Drexel Chair of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC. His many other works include A Body Broken for a Broken People: Eucharist in the New Testament (2nd ed., 1997), The Gospel of John (Sacra Pagina commentary series, 1998), and Experiencing God in the Gospel of John (with Anthony J. Kelly, 2003).

The Gospels for Prayer; Michael Hansen SJ (editor); Ave Maria Press, dist. by John Garratt Publishing; Leatherette cover $39.95 [0877939861]; 733pp; 225x145mm; 2003

Presentation of the texts of each of the Gospels, formatted specifically for use in prayer. On each page a ‘prayer text’ of the Gospel is presented, which may be, for example, a single saying of Jesus or a page-length narrative or parable. Translation is the New Revised Standard Version. At the start of each Gospel is a list of the divisions and headings of the text. An index lists texts of a certain type (eg. healing stories, or parables) or theme. Volume begins with an extended introduction in which the editor offers guidance praying the Scriptures and presents ten prayer methods. Editor is a Jesuit retreat leader, speaker and spiritual director at the Campion Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Melbourne. Other books include The Land of Walking Trees: Meditations for the seriously ill (2nd edition, 2004).

Mean Streets, Kind Heart: The story of Father Chris Riley; Sue Williams; HarperCollinsPublishers; PB $24.95 [0732274729]; 382pp; 195x125mm; 2004

Reissue in smaller format paperback of the inspirational biography of Chris Riley, a Salesian priest, first published in 2003. Fr Riley is founder of Youth Off The Streets projects in Australia. More than 45,000 children have passed through these projects, which include farms in the country, a detox centre, a food van delivering hot meals to the hungry and homeless, schools, and a mentor program. Presents Fr Riley’s life story, focussing on his work with youth, and including stories of many he has helped. Includes foreword by Sir William Deane, Former Governor-General of Australia, and acknowledgements by Riley and by the author. Colour and black-and-white photos. A percentage of profits from the book will go to Youth Off The Streets. Author’s previous book was Peter Ryan: The inside story (2002).

The Passion: Lessons from the life of Christ; Ken Duncan & Philippe Antonello (photographers), & Christine Friend (illustrator); Ken Duncan Panographs, www.kenduncan.com; HB $54.95 [0958054487]; 176pp; 290x220mm; 2004

Tie-in book to the movie The Passion of the Christ (2004), directed by Mel Gibson. Presents a series of Christian themes such as forgiveness, faith, prayer, mercy, freedom, truth and grace, through the reproduction of key biblical texts and still images from the movie. Also reproduces additional captioned stills from the movie, including many behind-the-scenes images, as well as interviews with the director, cinematographer and principal cast. Concludes with the text of the Passion from John 17–21 accompanied by images from the movie. Giftbook presentation including gold-edged pages, white leather-like cover, and ribbon market. Publisher/photographer Duncan is an Australian best-known for his panoramic landscape images, and took photos on the set of the movie at Gibson’s invitation. Rome-based Antonello was the movie’s official still photographer.

Praying a New Story; Michael Morwood; Spectrum, dist. by Michael Morwood, PO Box 613, Carnegie 3163, www.morwood.org; PB $19.95 [0867863579]; 145pp; 185x130mm; 2001

Collection of prayers based on the author’s belief that the modern scientific worldview requires a radical rethinking of the Christian faith. The prayers are based on the concept of the ‘everywhere God’ (rather than God being a person in heaven we pray to). Among the themes of the prayers are Christmas, Pentecost, family, Eucharist, marriage, death, reconciliation, generosity, and prayer itself. Each prayer is preceded by some exposition. Photos. Author was formerly a Missionary of the Sacred Heart priest, lives in Melbourne, and continues to work in adult faith education in Australia and the United States. His other books include God Is Near (1992), Tomorrow’s Catholic (1997), and Is Jesus God? (2001).

Religions and Beliefs in Australia; Justin Healey (editor); Spinney Press, www.spinneypress.com.au; PB $18.95 [1920801065]; 44pp; 295x210mm; 2004

Volume 197 in the ‘Issues in Society’ series of educational resources. This volume reproduces materials under two broad themes: religious diversity, and religious tolerance. Texts are taken from a range of sources, including newspaper reports and features, magazine articles, the internet, and government publications. Numerous statistical tables and charts; illustrations; glossary; page of facts and figures; internet resource list; index.

Sacred Space: The prayer book 2005; Jesuit Communication Centre, Ireland; Michelle Anderson Publishing, www.michelleandersonpublishing.com, dist. by John Garratt Publishing; PB $24.95 [0855723483]; 382pp; 210x135mm; 2004.

Daily prayer book for the 2004–2005 liturgical year. It is based on the website www.sacredspace.ie, established in 1999 by Alan McGuckian SJ and Peter Scally SJ of the Jesuit Communication Centre, Ireland. The site has had over 10 million visits and is translated into 17 languages. The book presents the same process of prayer: each week begins with ‘Something to think and pray about each day this week’, then six brief ‘stages of prayer’, which include a scriputure reading that differs each day (and is reproduced in full, along with brief pointers for reflection). It is intended that a new prayer book be published each year. The Australian connection is that local publisher Michelle Anderson has produced the book, published it here, and licensed it to other publishers for international release, including Ave Maria Press in the USA and Veritas in the UK and Ireland.

Toward God: The ancient wisdom of western prayer; Michael Casey; John Garratt Publishing; PB $34.95 [1920721088]; 189pp; 215x140mm; 2004.

Guide to the western tradition of prayer and contemplation, drawing particularly on the Church Fathers. First published in 1989, it was revised and republished in 1995 with a new concluding chapter as Towards God: The western tradition of contemplation (CollinsDove). This is a reissue of the revised edition, as published in the US by Liguori/Triumph (1995). An appendix provides brief accounts of the chief Fathers. Notes. For author details, see his Fully Human, Fully Divine, above.

Why the Mass Matters: A guide to praying the Mass; Gerard Moore SM; St Pauls; PB $15.95 [1876295570]; 92pp; 215x140mm; 2004

Introduction for the general reader to the Catholic Eucharist, with an emphasis on how participants can better pray the Mass. The first six chapters explain each part of the celebration from the Introductory Rites through to the Rites of Dismissal. There are additional chapters on posture and gesture, music in the liturgy, and a brief overview of the major periods in Catholic liturgical development. Glossary; guide to resources for further exploration. Author is a Marist priest and coordinator of liturgy at the Catholic Institute of Sydney. He has a doctorate in theology from the Catholic University of America, Washington DC, and is a member of the National Liturgical Commission of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Other publications include Eucharist and Justice (2000)..

Kevin Mark manages the Australian Books in Print database and is a former religious publisher for HarperCollins Publishers.