Re-enchanting Christianity: Faith in an Emerging Culture

by Dave Tomlinson, SCM Canterbury Press, 2008

It is surely a great irony to realise that many people who stand outside the church believe that we believe things that we don’t believe. Theo Hobson in the Guardian asserts, “We demand a new way of proclaiming Jesus Christ, one that feels authentic, contemporary.”

Here in rural Dorset, longing to speak with those on the threshold of faith – especially young adults who were baptised but mostly not confirmed yet come to the church for weddings and baptisms - I was thoroughly pleased to find Dave Tomlinson’s book Re-enchanting Christianity – faith in an emerging culture. “Re-enchantment is …finding a realistic faith that reconciles heart and head, that offers a positive, engaging spirituality, that is unafraid of grappling honestly with even the most difficult questions.”

Two of the 15 people I’ve introduced the book to have this to say -

“I thought this was a blast of fresh air through the church. There is so much common sense in it that I wondered why it hadn’t been written before. I’m sure many people who feel sad to be on the ‘outskirts’ will take heart from Tomlinson’s views that they are not alone, and are quite normal.” (Lay person recently returned to Church)

“Tomlinson shows how a modern rationalist can and must continue to wrestle with the dialectic between the gospel and the world if he or she is to retain integrity. He meets head on all the difficult issues, and coming from a conservative and charismatic background, he has a CV which more than qualifies him to speak on the issues he discusses….this would make an ideal parish study – especially if those invited came in part from outside the traditional church boundary.” (Parish priest)

Tomlinson has challenged me to stop being so subtle in admitting what it is I really believe yet encouraged me to be bolder in talking with others about the wondrous things that Christ has to offer!

Reviewed by The Revd Janet Smith, Rural Dean Dorchester Deanery

Published in the January 2010 issue of the Sarum Link

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