Book Review: ‘Burning Bush: 50 Biblical Meditations Author: Rev. Merin Mathew, Publisher: CSS, Tiruvalla “Take the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, and interpret newspapers from your Bible.” This was the advice that Karl Barth, the famous Swiss reformed theologian, gave young theologians. Rev. Merin Mathew, an ordained minister of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, seems to have followed these words of wisdom while penning his debut book ‘Burning Bush: 50 Biblical meditations’. The author uses a mix of current events and everyday testimonies to succinctly explain 50 biblical thoughts on the Old Testament, the Gospels, the Epistles and the fasts and feasts of the Mar Thoma Church. The book judiciously uses illustrations to capture the attention of young readers and provide a new perspective on being a disciple of Jesus in the 21st century. The simple language and meaningful illustrations help the reader encounter a God who is present in the current realities of life. The reflections on the Old Testament throw light on how God weaves a bond with human beings by assuring them of his love and faithfulness. The author also focuses on man’s covenantal relationship with God, where God is a fellow traveler, co-sufferer, redeemer and saviour. The Gospel facts are presented in a way that inspires the minds of young people. It gives them a new perspective on what it means to follow Jesus in the midst of present challenges and opportunities. Meditations on the life and ministry of Jesus are told with deep insights drawn from the author’s encounters in life and the life experiences of renowned personalities. The meditations on the Gospels also focus on the miracles and the parables of Jesus Christ. The section on the epistles provides practical instructions on life and faith in God. The book lays stress on the “need to be people who are comforters, healers, storytellers and a beacon of hope in a world that is groaning.” The meditations exhort the reader to relive and reaffirm their faith in God and dedicate themselves in being trained in godliness and faith. The book also analyses the feasts and fasts of the Mar Thoma Church in the light of the scriptures. The author has dealt with Christmas, the three-day lent, Nineveh lent, Passion Week, Lent of the Apostles or Sleeha Nomb, St.Thomas Day and the 15-day lent, where the Church recalls the life and dedication of the Virgin Mary. The author draws out the meaning, significance and usefulness of each fast and feast and makes it comprehensible to the readers. Author introduces the book by quoting Jewish Philosopher Martin Buber which binds the key theme of these 50 Meditations; “Reader should stand before the Bible as Moses stood before the burning bush, listening intently and preparing for a revelation that will force him or her to lay aside former preconceptions”. Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos in his foreword identifies the relevance of this book among the Diaspora youth who will be benefitted largely reflect upon the bible amidst various voices of the contemporary society. The brilliance of the book lies in author’s effort to interpret biblical texts exegetically, devotionally and pastorally in the backdrop of challenging socio-cultural-political contexts. These meditations will be benefitted to a wider community apart from those who follow religiously Merin Mathew’s writings on facebook and blogs where these devotions have been published. In a world of busy schedules, dominant life styles and rhetoric before us, this book turns out to be a ‘burning bush’ which God uses to reveal his will for us and be an effective Christian disciple in this world. Sajeev V. Koshy, Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam Done for Malankara Sabha Taraka- The official Magazine of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:32:47 +0000