Culture Articles
The Jesus Myth: A psychologist’s viewpoint, by Chris Scott

This short book is an accessible, non-scholarly exploration of who Jesus was, and what his life and death can mean for us. It challenges what it regards as the Anglican Church’s interpretations or misinterpretations, offering a fresh look at Jesus and the myths that surround him. It looks at â€...
Hefted

to the scittery paths down, up, slant-ways, in a heart race that longs for height, for much more than just ground underfoot
Once upon an early spring morning

It was Blackbird who saw it first, Woke to the gold that told of a change in the air. No-one said to unwrap the song That for long dark days had lain unsung. No dress-rehearsal needed, Note-perfect from the first performance.
All is One Love by Stephen Sayers

All is One Love: Reflections upon the transpersonal psychology of time and eternity The title All is One Love certainly attracted me, but what in heaven’s name is ‘transpersonal psychology’? Stephen Sayers, with his decades of experience, defines it as ‘setting out to develop the rich synergistic opportunities promised...
Prisons of the World, by Andrew Coyle

This is a remarkable tour de force by Andrew Coyle, an enlightened, experienced governor of prisons, and professor of prison studies.
Crossing the border

Here at the gap a concrete hut, a flag, bored men with guns, the barking of a dog; to either side the barbed wire and the signs BEWARE OF MINES!
An Enchanted Place, by Jonathan Stedall

Our Friend Jonathan Stedall is best known as a documentary maker. But after retiring he began writing. His first book was a spiritual autobiography, Where on Earth is Heaven?, followed by No Shore Too Far, poems after the death of his wife. This is his first fiction.
Sowing Seeds for the Future: Exploring the power of constructive nonviolent action, by Andrew Rigby

This is an important book and merits a place in every Meeting house. It is an exploration and evaluation of techniques and concepts by which nonviolent protest can become most productive – or, as Andrew puts it, ‘the intention to bridge the gap between what is and what ought to be’.
A Sudden Mirror: Collected poems, by Roger Iredale

This well-crafted collection of poems is a distillation of its author’s experience and reflection acquired through travels all over the world. The poems conjure up images of people and their plights that are especially relevant for Friends concerned with truth, peaceful relationships, and the alleviation of poverty.
The Gospels: A new translation, by Sarah Ruden

Online searches for ‘Quaker Bible’ tend to find Anthony Purver, who spent thirty years translating both Testaments. He struggled to find a publisher until the Quaker physician John Fothergill bought the copyright and published it in 1764. It was not a success.