Books

'Soul Survivor' - Philip Yancey book launch at Thomas More Centre

Bill Muehlenberg

Contents - Dec 2001 - Buy a copy now Editorial: A Christmas reflection - Peter Westmore Tenth Synod of Bishops' statement - Michael Gilchrist News: The Church Around the World Church leaders say 'No human cloning' - AD2000 Report East Timor: how the Church is rebuilding a shattered nation - Peter Westmore Obituary: Thomas Kendell (1929-2001) R.I.P. - The passing of a great Catholic educator - Nicholas Kendell St Vitus Cathedral, Prague, and Europe's Christian heritage - Stephen W. Carson Books: 'Soul Survivor' - Philip Yancey book launch at Thomas More Centre - Bill Muehlenberg Books: De Lubac's writings in English translations - Tracey Rowland Letters: 'Familiaris Consortio' 20th anniversary - John Barich Letters: Huge response - Dolores Lightbody Letters: St Thérèse - Fr Jim Dunne CSsR Letters: Pipe-dream - Arnold Jago (Dr) Letters: Refugees - John McLean Books: 'Meaninglessness: The Solutions of Nietzsche, Freud and Rorty' by Michael Casey - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) Books: 'Thomas More On Statesmanship' by Gerard B. Wegemer - Michael Casanova (reviewer) Books: AD Books 'Top Ten' Books: 'Desire Of The Everlasting Hills' by Thomas Cahill - Michael Daniel Books: The Prayer Of Jabez' by Bruce Wilkinson - Bill Muehlenberg (reviewer) Books: Daily Gospel 2002, Bible Diary 2002 - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) New Titles from AD Books Reflection: St Thérèse's 'little way' - Kate Cleary

Soul Survivor: How My Faith Survived the Church
by Philip Yancey

American writer, journalist, lecturer and evangelical Protestant, Philip Yancey, visited the offices of the Thomas More Centre on Tuesday, 23 October, 2001. Coinciding with the release of his newest book, Soul Survivor, the best-selling author spoke about this and some of his earlier works.

Paul Gray, Herald Sun columnist and Yancey fan, chaired the meeting. Paul said he was deeply influenced by Yancey, and his book What Is So Amazing About Grace? had especially impacted his life and faith.

Many in attendance said the same thing, noting how his books had stimulated their thinking, challenged their preconceptions, and deepened their faith.

Yancey said his newest book was about his own spiritual pilgrimage. The 13 individuals profiled in the book were spiritual mentors for Yancey, and had altered forever his understanding of the faith and the object of faith, God Himself.

The book, subtitled How My Faith Survived the Church, picks up a theme found in many of his books. His own church upbringing seriously misrepresented God, as do many other churches. A big part of his spiritual journey has been to shatter those distorted images in the attempt to see God for who He really is.

The 13 spiritual teachers featured in the book taught Yancey how to reflect more accurately on God, on faith, and his Christian interaction with the world. These spiritual leaders include Chesterton, Donne, Tolstoy and Gandhi. Each one taught Yancey to see God anew. Each one led to a deeper understanding of the Christ he worships and the Christ he serves. For example, John Donne taught Yancey how to think about pain, while Chesterton taught him how to think about pleasure and beauty.

This process of spiritual rediscovery is one in which we all are - or should be - involved. It is part of what C. S. Lewis wrote when he described God as the great iconoclast who must forever shatter our false images of Himself. Idolatry is seeing God as anything other than who He really is.

After a brief talk, questions were fielded. It was obvious that many had enjoyed Yancey's earlier books and looked forward to benefitting spiritually from his latest offering. The ecumenical spirit of the meeting was noticeable, and all came away refreshed and inspired to pursue God afresh.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 14 No 11 (December 2001 - January 2002), p. 11