The idea for this book of essays came from a conversation between Bill Strawson and his son James. James asked his father how he would like to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of his ordination in the summer of 2004 and this volume is the result.
Cyril S. Rodd has edited this collection of essays by twenty-six former students and colleagues, covering a wide range of issues. The list of contributors is like a current who's who in British Methodism with notable Anglicans contributing as well. (Contributors include Trevor Rowe, Stephen Dawes, Geoffrey Wainwright, Brian Beck, John Simmonds, John Habgood, Graham Slater, Norman Wallwork, Chris Hughes Smith, John Munsey Turney, Peter Graves, Phillip Luscombe, Ivor Jones et al.)
The essays are grouped into three sections. The first is a series of reflections on ministerial training and the ecumenical model developed at Queens College, Birmingham. The second section entitled “Theology in Experience” contains personal testimonies of the writers describing how their theology has been worked out in their experience and ministry. The final section looks at theology and practice as found in more theoretical issues in church life. I am sure I will not be alone in the experience of resonating with some of the authors but finding that I was not on the same wavelength as others. The book ends with brief biographical details of Bill Strawson and a list of his publications. The editor has done a thorough job and each essay is clear and easy to read
This is a wide-ranging book with a deep, yet very accessible, scholarship. Bill's example encouraged his students to develop wisdom and vision by which to live and love and this collection of essays offers insights from his students and colleagues that search for the wisdom that is central to practical theology.
In the introduction the then president of the British Methodist conference, William Morrey (2004-5), said, “This book is a fitting tribute to Bill and his ministry.” It is a reasonable cross section of middle of the road Methodist thought from the last 40 years and is recommended.
