Description
Book SynopsisWell known for his appearances on TV and radio, as well as for his books Finding Sanctuary and Finding Happiness, Christopher Jamison once again shows his ability to communicate spiritual insights in an accessible way. Finding the Language of Grace: Rediscovering Transcendence focuses on the transcendent experiences of grace that we struggle to talk about in today's very business-like culture. Abbot Christopher shows how the ways we listen and speak, read and write can all be channels of grace. This is illustrated through books as diverse as the medieval legend of the Holy Grail,
Silence by Japanese writer Shusaku Endo, the writings of Spanish mystics and the novels of Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson. The power and the pain of grace resonate throughout the book, offering a new perspective on healing the loneliness and mistrust experienced by many, as well as on the turbulence and political extremes of today's world. How do we restore trust? H
Trade ReviewChristopher Jamison demonstrates brilliantly how poetry and literature, whether St Teresa of Avila or Marilynne Robinson, open for us a language of grace, transforming how we listen and speak, read and write. * Timothy Radcliffe OP *
This tender book is not only intellectually sound, but also deeply emotionally literate… You are in for a treat. * Baroness Sheila Hollins *
Abbot Christopher’s gentle style and broad knowledge allow
Finding the Language of Grace to serve as an approachable, practical companion in discovering how to articulate not only grace itself but the virtues that proceed from a deep understanding of grace in gratitude, deep love and most pertinently, hope. * Benedict Plimmer, Catholic Student Network *
This brainy outing offers worthwhile insights. * Publishers Weekly *
In this wide-ranging, accessible, and engaging work, [Jamison] explores the language of grace, which he believes to be in danger of dying out… [an] inspiring and energising book. * Church Times *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Why transcendence? Why the language of grace? Language: a pathway to grace Language four way
1 What is Grace? Mistrust: graceless living Grace: trust restored 'Our minds are not our own' Reclaiming Our Minds
2 Listening What is language? Silence: Shusaka endo Listening to silence: contemplation Listening to words: discernment
3 Speaking The legend of not speaking Finding your voice Speaking with people along the road Jesus the storyteller Speaking well today
4 Writing What is writing? St John of the Cross:
The Spiritual Canticle St John of the Cross:
Dark Night St Teresa of Avila Being human, the way to the divine 'We do not write to be understood; we write to understand' (c. day lewis) writing exercises
5 Reading Ways of reading Reasons for reading Reading for grace Reading
Gilead 6 Reading the Situation Language beyond words Glorious language The language of song Language that builds consensus Authenticity The Past The Future
Conclusion Bibliography
