REVIEWS
Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com
The Christmas Story Dr Keith McIlroy and Andrew Dickson AMBASSADOR INTERNATIONAL
£7.99
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This devotional book for Advent was created by two members of High Kirk Presbyterian Church, Ballymena. Dr Keith McIlroy, who is currently an elder in the congregation and is entering ministry training, has written 25 reflections for the month of December, in preparation for Christmas. Andrew Dickson has written a poem for each day, highlighting the specific theme of that day and giving readers a chance to ponder the message in a fresh way. The reflections don’t only cover the Christmas story in isolation, rather it is included in the perspective of the wider biblical narrative of why Jesus came to earth; beginning with creation and moving through the foretelling of his coming, set out by the Old Testament prophets. Keith writes in a down-to-earth and engaging style, picking out a specific message from the Bible passage for that day and weaving it together with some observations of life and Christmas traditions. Each one is short enough to make it a manageable commitment to read every day during Advent. Andrew’s poetry is thought-provoking, with words that are carefully chosen. This little book is perfect for anyone who is keen to fully embrace the season of Advent and prepare themselves more fully for the celebration of Christ’s birth. It provides a good opportunity to distance ourselves from the worldly distractions at this time of the year and instead focus on Jesus. SH
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Herald Autumn 2021
Sweaters Without Borders Jacqui Davey NOVUM PRO
£13.90
The Robot Will See You Now: Artificial intelligence and the Christian faith ««««« Edited by John Wyatt and Stephen N. Williams
The clue is in the title. This delightfully charming but also deeply challenging novel takes us into the mind and experiences of Jenny, a young, recently widowed nurse, who accepts the opportunity to take up knitting despite being unable to master it while at school. What starts as a hobby becomes the means of Jenny changing lives for the better around the world. Jacqui Davey clearly knows the eight countries to which she takes her readers. Her descriptions of some of the problems faced by people, in places which are only a few hours away by plane, put our complaints into a new perspective and make us count our blessings. She shows how a disaster can become an opportunity for a seemingly insignificant gift to transform a child’s, and therefore a family’s, life. It is easy to read. Optimistic in the face of tragedy and sadness, here is a book not just for knitters but for anyone who wonders if their life at home can make a difference to hurting people in the poorest parts of our world. This is Belfast author Jacqui Davey’s first novel. I look forward to reading more from her positive pen. Perhaps she’ll let us know what happened next to Jenny. She has certainly helped to lift the Covid-19 blues from my life! JL
SPCK
£14.99
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It’s important for theologians to think out loud as new areas of technology, policy and practice develop, rather than carping from the sidelines when it’s too late to stop the rot. Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction but is firmly embedded in our daily lives. Self-driving cars. Smart assistants in your kitchen or on your phone. Chatbots on bank websites. Drone warplanes steering missiles towards enemy targets identified without a human in the loop. Omniscient online shopping recommendations. Edited by a neonatal paediatrician and a professor of theology, this timely book gathers together 14 chapters from 12 authors to analyse the background to artificial intelligence along with some theological responses and some ethical concerns about AI’s potential roadmap. It notes that Christianity, along with other world religions, values authenticity, relationship, compassion. Can a mechanical or virtual presence truly offer compassion? Can human dignity be upheld in a world where algorithms decide who is deserving of service and who deserves and who is denied a drug treatment? While this book ponders whether we need a theology of artificial intelligence, the real question it provokes in the reader is whether we need to re-examine our theology of human beings, of valuing the living, breathing, made in the image of God, humankind. AM
