The Wind Blows Where it Chooses

There is general agreement that Christianity in the West is facing a major crisis, with research confirming that there is a rapid decline in church membership, especially among young people. Why is this happening? And does the crisis present opportunities for the church in its evangelising mission? Why has the life and teachings of Jesus - the way of Jesus - become so complicated? Based on a key New Testament text that the Spirit 'blows where it wills', the author argues that part of the problem is that so much of Church doctrine, structure and life is based on a world view that no longer makes sense. In faith, he reflects on how the Jesus tradition can be presented to a world where scientific discovery makes us aware of our planet within a vast universe and the interconnectedness of every living thing in the cosmos. He asks what are the implications of this new cosmic awareness for the Christian story in the third millennium? He well understands the experience of those many people who have abandoned traditional church communities yet express deep longings for spiritual sustenance and support to lead a good life; and to find meaning in their Christian heritage or recover something of a lost faith heritage. He calls for serious and sustained renewal in the church, attentive to the Spirit, learning to trust, listen, study, celebrate, act and above all, discern the most authentic paths to experience the presence of a living God in our ever-evolving world. This call includes a series of 'what if' questions to stimulate thought, reflection, discussion and planning. It includes spiritual renewal and meditation, the recovery of lectio divina, the strengthening of prayer and meditation, a renewed appreciation of the arts and music, an attitude of wonder and thanks for the beauty and complexity of our cosmos.

About the Author :
Kevin Treston graduated BA (Hons), MA (Hons), MEd, PhD (University of Notre Dame USA) and pursued post-doctoral studies in Washington, Chicago and Boston. He was Visiting Scholar at Boston College and is a member of the Association of Practical Theology Oceania. He has worked in ministry across Australia and several countries. Kevin was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to Catholic Education. He lives with his wife Kathryn in Brisbane, Australia.

Review :
The quest for a Christian story in our time - by Kevin Treston This is a text that is hard to put down. It is a powerful work addressing Christianity's crisis of authenticity and integrity. But once outlined effectively, it does not dwell on this crisis. Instead it offers ways to recover the authentic Jesus and presents a way to a lived spirituality based on hope and positive seeking that does not deny the reality of the secular world, nor modern scientific advances, or the evolution of humankind. The author has the right credentials (academic and experiential) to offer this guide to moving forward - practical and applied theology, work with learners and leaders in the churches and a wonderful knowledge of our Christian heritage beyond orthodox and traditional practices. This is an aid to facilitating a renewal of a faith that incorporates everyday living, rapid social change, evolving family and community structure, the process of aging, and dealing with the many challenges of life. For those who want it, it also offers a way forward for progressive church reform. To do all of this, one needs to have a helicopter view of society, a method for telling the Jesus story to inhabitants of an increasingly secular world, a way to eliminate the irrelevant doctrines and dogmas that obscure this story, and ways for enriching and living life 'in full abundance'. For me, it was good to read for my own learning. But the book is also useful as a guide for small group study. It is loaded with resource references. As a tool for church councils at all levels and across denominations in the Western world it is bound to provoke worthwhile discussion and action. While reading the book, I kept telling myself that this material is very timely - a post truth era, the diminishing identity of Christianity in our culture, the competition for people's allegiances, the proliferation of aggressive ideologies, the fragility of world peace. Where is Jesus in all of this? The author urges us not to retreat into secure enclaves to shut out the world, but to live among the cutting edges and paradoxes of life lived in reality - no more fantasy, just awake to what is happening and calling up the teachings of Jesus as a guide. Kevin Treston calls up new scholarship to recover the authentic Jesus story and helps the reader to unpack the accumulation of uncritical baggage that diminishes the real value of the cosmic Christ and links him into all of creation. In this, there are some strong messages for those leaders who have substituted clericalism for ministry and widened the gap between priest and people and reduced the people of God (laity) to passive observers. But there is much more ..... I won't tell you...go get the book and enjoy! Dr Paul Inglis 22 March 2018