The next book we are exploring in Theology Book Club is written by Cathy Bird, Superintendent of the Stockport Circuit. Here is the blurb from Cathy's book "the Divine Heart of Darkness: Finding God in the Shadows":
"There is a universal assumption that associates darkness with fear and evil. Why is it that light has come to be exalted, venerated—worshipped even—whilst darkness has become demonised and feared? As a devoted lover of the dark, Catherine Bird seeks to ask how we can use the experience of darkness to lift our spirits, challenge our hearts and minds, and draw us closer into the heart of God.
Drawing on material not only from Biblical and religious studies, but also from anthropology, biology, sociology and the creative arts, The Divine Heart of Darkness offers a new way of understanding darkness and invites you to enter a new realm in which light and darkness co-exist and complement each other, both with beautiful and life-affirming qualities, and both with challenging and negative qualities—not reflecting a dichotomy of good and evil, but rather a balanced universe in which God’s nature is revealed in all things which are healing and affirming of life."
You can purchase the book from here.
Each session is a mixture of input and conversation as we explore the main theological themes in the book and begin to ask how this book might affect our own faith and Christian living.
Don't worry if you do not feel confident talking about theology - all you need is an inquiring mind! If you need anymore details contact Simon Sutcliffe on sutcliffes@methodistchurch.org.uk