WALK THIS WAY:
Guided reflections on Christian faith, life, and
prayer for individuals and groups.
By Ash Carter, Ros Clarke, Lee Gatiss
Church Society. 216 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 999 327 057
The authors, Anglican evangelicals, helpfully unpack some key Biblical teaching.
First, they handle the Apostles Creed (Lee Gattis); second, the Ten Commandments (Ros Clarke); and third, the Lord’s Prayer (Ash Carter). Each is subdivided into short sections of about three pages. There are questions to ponder after an explanation, and they are followed by very thoughtful prayers which you are encouraged to make your own.
Though brief, all of these are full of clearly explained and sound doctrine, distilled wisdom, and thoughtful application. They are very readable and accessible to new Christians. They would provide a very good basis for a new believers’ discipleship course, as well as being useful for personal study.
Then comes a section on ‘The Church and Sacraments’. There is a great deal that is helpful, but I found the section on infant baptism unclear and unconvincing. I would be concerned that a young new believer would be confused by it.
The book concludes with a short catechism written by The Revd Dr W.S. Taylor of Liverpool in the 19th century. As well as explaining basic Christian doctrine, it also reflects the concerns of his day, and is especially countering the errors of Roman Catholic sacramentalism. I think there are better short catechisms to learn from.
So, a very useful book for new Christians to learn about some big Bible truths, but with some reservations.
