reviews
Still more Truth in a Nutshell
Small bites of Bible wisdom for daily nourishment
John Mollitt
■ Onwards and Upwards, 2022, £5*, 170pp
■ ISBN: 9781788159814
■ Reviewed by Ruth Eardley, retired GP, and member of the Triple Helix Editorial Committee
This is the third in a series and would make a great gift. With sixty short stories illuminating biblical truth, John Mollitt covers many doctrines foundational to the Christian faith. His manner is warm and his illustrations accessible – trouble with car insurance, helping at a cricket match, getting lost on a walk, and even finding the till £20 short on his last day at the bank (a lot of money in 1970).
A wonderful resource for Bible teachers, there is a handy index at the front and the contents are in alphabetical order (from ‘Backsliding’ to ‘Worship’). Succinct, easy to pick up and dip into, here is sustenance for the soul: for busy Christians who struggle with daily Bible study, this might be a lifeline. It could even be a blessing to a friend of another faith, because the Bible verses speak for themselves, and the exposition is so relevant, powerful, and brief.
I would also recommend it for new believers: I have given a copy to someone baptised last year, and for whom English is a second language. It is easy to read (its Scripture quotes are from the NIV), and there is nothing harsh, berating, or preachy, even when the application contains a strong challenge.
* Discounted for Triple Helix readers; contact john.mollitt@btinternet.com
Playing God
Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity
Nick Spencer and Hannah Waite
■ SPCK Publishing, 2024, £16.50, 208pp
■ ISBN: 9780281090037
■ Reviewed by Steve Fouch, CMF Head of Communications
Compared to his magnum opus, Magisteria, Nick Spencer’s latest volume is a mere 200 pages. But like its epic predecessor, his latest book (co-authored by Dr Hannah Waite) is a deep-dive into the complex, sometimes fraught, sometimes friendly relationship between science and religion, and in particular the relationship between Christianity and many modern scientific developments – from vaccines to artificial intelligence to the quest for immortality or post-human transcendence.
Spencer’s thesis in his earlier work was that where science and religion clash most is in the understanding of what it means to be human. Each of the scientific and technological themes Spencer and Waite explore here poses questions about what defines a human being, what value we should put on our humanity, what is the proper end and purpose of human life, and what lies beyond. The authors are both honest and unflinching, occasionally offering a wink to let us in on the absurdity of some areas of scientific hubris and religious paranoia. Spencer, in particular, writes from a Christian perspective and asks us, as believers, to acknowledge our own fears and biases when it comes to science, while also highlighting the blind spots and overconfidence that can typify some of those working at the bleeding edge of scientific and technological progress. This is a helpful addition to the growing body of literature about the relationship between science and faith.
Walking on Water
Klaus-Dieter John
■ Instant Apostle, 2024, £13.91, 288pp
■ ISBN: 9781912726844
■ Reviewed by Sajan Khullar, a Wessex paediatric specialty registrar with an interest in global mission
Walking on Water is a compelling read, rich with numerous stories and testimonies recounting God’s provision throughout a couple’s continuing mission in Peru [see Triple Helix 87, winter 2024]. Dr John takes us through the incredible testimony of Diospi Suyana Hospital, a world-class Christian hospital deep in the Andes mountains.
The book emphasises the significance of relying on God, praying fervently, and believing that he will guide one’s path. Dr John illustrates numerous instances where divine intervention was unmistakable, turning what seemed like mere coincidences into substantial provisions and answered prayers. The narrative vividly portrays the challenges faced by the team, who, despite tumultuous circumstances, maintained their faith, metaphorically walking on water.
This book takes you on a journey through the obstacles faced when you are trying to do something good. The path is not easy, and unexpected barriers can cause confusion, making you doubt your efforts and goals. It is made clear how corruption, politics, and regional jealousy led to hatred and mal-intent towards this fantastic hospital. Dr John explains how these apparent setbacks are moments when God’s hand has been evident and become experiences that need to be shared. With persistence in prayer and trust in God’s provision, what do we have to fear?
So often, as Christian doctors, we can easily put our faith in things: the medicines, our efforts, and new technology, etc. But do we actually rely on God, first and foremost? How easy is it to forget the Ultimate Healer, who does all things good, and who gives us the things to do our work? Dr John models this belief by proactively knocking on many doors to see which ones God will open.
As a missionary now myself in Guatemala, I have been inspired by this testimony of knocking on all doors, with no fear of shame or worry because God will open the doors he chooses, in his perfect timing. As an example, our Guatemalan team has been granted meetings with the British Embassy, and we have started discussions regarding large donations of foreign aid to the charity. The testimony of Diospi Suyana Hospital has a ripple effect. That is God at work.
However, while the book underscores the fundamental need for prayer, it falls short in offering practical guidance for those currently involved in global health missionary work or intending to start. It lacks discussion on the common cross-cultural difficulties we face, nor does it explain how to empower locals using a sustainable, long-term model. The specific contexts and experiences shared may not always be applicable or transferable to every reader’s situation. With all of Dr John’s experience, it would be fantastic to be guided through how to embark on a similar journey.
In conclusion, Walking on Water is an encouraging read, filled with evidence that God is working through service in healthcare. We need to take down our mental barriers and resist the discomfort. God’s plan for us is rarely obvious or predictable. If we were to go back ten or twenty years, could we have truly predicted all that we’ve done or are doing now? Could we have predicted the path that God has put us on?
Mental Health and Your Church
A Handbook for Biblical Care
Helen Thorne and Steve Midgley
■ The Good Book Company, 2023, £9.99, 144pp
■ ISBN: 9781784987787
■ Reviewed by Sarah Germain, a CAMHS Speciality Doctor in Gloucestershire and member of the Triple Helix Editorial Committee
Helen Thorne and Steve Midgley’s bold vision is for churches to be places where all people who struggle with their mental health feel welcome. This approachable book combines many years of clinical experience with Biblical wisdom and a deep pastoral heart, seeking to equip the whole congregation, not just leaders, to play their part.
They recognise that the Christian response to mental illness can be well-intentioned but sometimes ill-informed, so the book starts with a section on understanding mental illness, with a summary of common psychiatric symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
We are then helped to think through how we raise awareness, relate compassionately, encourage refinement, offer help, and speak God’s voice into these situations with lots of practical suggestions.
The final section develops this further with some ‘fictionalised’ examples of how these principles could work out in specific situations from ‘Andy with depression’ to ‘Siobhan with addiction’, as well as considering how to support those caring for friends and family with mental illness.
Each chapter has some helpful reflective questions, and there are answers to common questions we might encounter, including handling confidentiality and the relationship between mental illness and spiritual warfare.
The authors’ challenge to us is to avoid the extremes of either doing nothing or trying to do everything, working alongside the healthcare professionals, whilst pointing to Christ. Their desire is to remove the ‘us and them’ attitude that may exist in the church when encountering mental illness, with the reminder that Christ reaches out to us all with our various needs, so that we can do the same to others.
