Light to Those in Darkness: ‘Total Pain’ and the body of Christ by Charlie Bell (SCM Press, £25 (Church Times SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £20); 978-0-334-06400-8).
“Now widely recognised within palliative care, the concept of ‘total pain’ is an intensely theological one at heart. In Light to those in Darkness clinician and theologian Dr Charlie Bell holds up the concept to theological scrutiny. Bell reflects on the ways that the doctrine of 'the communion of saints’, might be used to help the church understand how it can address “total pain” within individuals, and collective trauma within the wider community. As such the book offers both an important theological reflection for those in pastoral care roles and a broader challenge to the church to become a place of solidarity and accompaniment.”
A-Z of Mindfulness for Christians: A helpful, accessible, interesting book to help Christians explore Mindfulness and how it might complement and enhance your faith and spirituality by David Harper (Circle Books, £15.99 (£14.39); 978-1-80341-116-3).
“Drawing from personal experience and the experience of others, David Harper shows how mindfulness can make a positive impact on well-being and therefore on faith and spirituality, while countering some of the myths about mindfulness. Divided into 52 themes and spanning the alphabet, An A to Z of Mindfulness for Christians explores aspects of mindfulness and how they relate to being a Christian.”
Sacred Nature: How we can recover our bond with the natural world by Karen Armstrong (Vintage, £10.99 (£9.89); 978-1-529-11479-9). New in paperback.
“Karen Armstrong argues that it isn’t enough to change our behaviour to avert environmental catastrophe — we must rekindle our spiritual bond with the natural world. From gratitude and compassion to sacrifice and non-violence, Armstrong draws themes from the world’s religious traditions to offer practical steps to reconnect you with nature.”
Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.