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Anvil Volume 25 Number 1 2008

Dark Materials?: Philip Pullman's Stories and the Christian Story

Rick Simpson

As The Golden Compass plays in our cinemas, Rick Simpson returns us to the books on which the film is based and discusses the attack upon Christian faith mounted by Philip Pullman in the His Dark Materials trilogy.

Rick Simpson is Director of IME (Initial Ministerial Education) 4-7 for Durham and Newcastle Dioceses, and Priest-in-Charge of St Brandon’s, Brancepeth, Durham. He has written an Anvil article on religious pluralism and Grove booklets on the blasphemy laws and on abortion.

T F Torrance (1913-2007): An Appreciation

Peter Forster

Following TF Torrance's death at the end of 2007, Peter Forster here provides us with a short biography and an accessible introduction to his thought with a particular emphasis on Torrance’s interaction with the natural sciences, Karl Barth and natural theology, and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Peter Forster is Bishop of Chester.

Richard Baxter: A Pioneer in Youth Ministry

Craig A Smith

Continuing our series of articles examining evangelicals of the past and their value for today, Craig Smith here explores Richard Baxter's work among the young people of his day. He highlights the importance of this ministry both then and now, draws parallels between the world of the seventeenth century and today and suggests that Baxter's approach offers challenges for those developing a strategy for outreach to young people today.

Craig A Smith has recently moved from Trinity College in Bristol to become the Professor of Biblical Studies and Chair of the Religion and Philosophy Department at Sterling College, Sterling, Kansas. His new book At the Crossroads, At the Cross: Loving Our Enemies in the 21st Century includes articles he commissioned for Anvil when he was on the editorial board.

Understanding Europe: Belief and Unbelief on Our Continent

David Smith

In this article, based on the text of the annual lecture of the Intercontinental Church Society, delivered at Lambeth Palace in June, 2007, David Smith reflects on the spiritual state of Europe. After a biblical reflection he examines the crisis of Christianity and the reasons for this internal to the expression of Christian faith that require repentance and renewal. He concludes by exploring signs of hope for the future.

David Smith is Lecturer in Urban Mission and World Christianity at International Christian College in Glasgow where he leads a postgraduate Masters Programme in Ministry in an Urban World.

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