Fingerprints of Fire Photo: Photo: Kevin Dooley / flickr CC.
A very Quaker Jesus
Alice Yaxley considers a new book on the life and message of Jesus
Noel Moules has written his new book with several purposes in mind. In Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace: A spiritual manifesto from a Jesus perspective, he writes for anyone wanting to explore fresh possibilities, for those who are seeking and for those who are just looking for common ground to work together in the world with people who love Jesus. Noel is not a Quaker, but is rooted nearby in the wider group of the historic peace churches. Noel has taught at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and draws on several Quaker authors, amongst others, whom he quotes throughout the book.
Noel’s writing has the Biblical vision of Shalom at its centre. Shalom is a Hebrew word for an indivisible whole composed of physical and material wellbeing for all, relational justice in everything and spiritual integrity. The chapter titles under which Noel has organised his material (radical mystic, creation companion, messianic anarchist, and so on) each describe a facet of his understanding of Jesus and the message of Shalom.
I think Noel’s faith allows him to fearlessly tackle some of the really hard questions that arise from sincere engagement with scripture. His deep knowledge and love of the Bible give a sense of solid ground in this book. There are a glossary of terms at the back and endnotes to each chapter with suggestions for further reading, and the book is written in a very accessible style that invites reflection.
Many Friends, including those who haven’t engaged deeply with Jesus and scripture before, might enjoy reading this book not least because Noel helps make the Bible ‘safe enough’ for many of us (for example, women and people who are not heterosexual) for whom the Bible is scary in the wrong hands. One of the book’s few drawbacks is that it is printed on high acid paper, so this edition won’t last for centuries. I understand the solution to this is for the book to sell enough copies to make it viable to print in higher quality. So, I encourage Friends to consider buying it.
Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace would be a valuable resource for anyone struggling to find their own solid ground to resist the consumer values of the culture that surrounds us in the industrialised world. It both facilitates access to the deep wisdom of scripture and supports a reader in finding their own truth. I think Meeting study groups would enjoy discussing the text. Interactive materials for studying are promised. The spirit of this book is, I think, one that will seem familiar to many Friends who love Jesus: overflowing with the freshness of the Living Waters.
Further information at: www.workshop.org.uk/fingerprints
Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace: A spiritual manifesto from a Jesus perspective by Noel Moules. Circle Books. ISBN: 9781846946127. £12.99.
