Speaking from the Heart
Thoughts on the Bible and about being a Christian believer today
by
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Speaking from the Heart then is about faith in changing times. It reflects the realization that a major characteristic of the present age is the absence of clear and definitive norms in terms of values and beliefs. The age can also be described as post-modern in the sense that nearly all institutions of authority, be they religious, political, medical, financial, legal or educational, have had their authority questioned and they no longer benefit from the trust they once knew. The age may also be called pluralistic and in that sense post-Christian because there is no one set of authority or one set of values driving the forward progress of the nations. In fact, many people are happy to be set free from what they would have perceived as oppressive Christian values and beliefs. It is also an age of vulnerability because in the absence of unquestioned authority a vacuum is created into which all kinds of authority rush to win themselves converts. However, with their disciples’ appetite for suspicion, it is not long before the new, self-made authorities find that they too come in for questioning and soon concede their new found status to other emerging authorities. And so the cycle is reinvented in which disciples with longing eyes and hopeful expectations embrace new authorities only to banish them through lack of trust. Speaking from the heart is about finding a course and a reliable pathway in a post-modern, pluralistic and post-Christian age.**... praising God is not simply a matter of religious fanaticism, as some people might think of it; praising God is matter if intellectual honesty; it is a reasonable and good thing. I do it not because of what I might gain as a result. Far from it! It is analogous being kind to children, kind to neighbour and protecting the poor and vulnerable in the society. We do not do these things because of what we hope to get. We do it because there is a certain quality and inward capacity to do what is good. I praise God not for blessing, not to boast but because it is a good, reasonable thing; because it is right.
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About the Book
Speaking from the Heart is a series of reflections designed for daily use by those who contemplate issues about the Bible and faith. Dr Thompson offers the world a rare gift in this work. He writes with the wisdom that comes from a long career as a pastor, a professor, and an advocate for religious reconciliation and human rights. Livingstone draws on his Jamaican roots to illuminate the meaning of Christ for people in many cultures. In beautifully accessible prose he invites readers to explore the meaning of Christian doctrine in the hope that they will glimpse the life-changing possibilities of the gospel. Like his spiritual ancestor, John Amos Comenius, Livingstone is a Moravian scholar who writes for the good of the whole world. Rev. Dr Craig Atwood, Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, USA In this book the author reflects critically on the implications of affirming the Christian faith but does so by writing from the heart and in a reader-friendly way. The book is rooted in changes going on in our world on many levels and offers a reliable pathway to live faith with courage, relevance, and integrity. Dr Michael O’Sullivan, SJ, All Hallows College, Dublin City University. Ireland
About the Author
Dr Livingstone Thompson is a Jamaican-born, Christian theologian and specialist in world religions and ecumenism. He studied at UTCWI/University of the West Indies, McCormick Seminary, Chicago and Trinity College, University of Dublin. He previously taught at St Patrick’s College and Trinity College in Ireland and now supervises postgraduate research at All Hallows College, Dublin City University. In addition to serving several years in the pastoral ministry, he served as President of the executive board of the Moravian Church in Jamaica. Dr Thompson is married to Jean-Marie (nee Williams) and they live in Ireland with their children Lesley-Ann, JoAnna and Jordana, and grandson Jayden.