Issues & Inspirations
A social, political and economic perspective on the history of Lowland Scotland through one family's story. They were 'both bystanders and participants in wars, religious conflicts and huge economic and social developments, and in changing class and gender roles.' Pertinent to the current debate about Scotland’s relationship in and to the United Kingdom and in the aftermath of Brexit.
John Bell & Wild Goose Resource Group
From a black Jesus to a great lake of beer; the Highland clearances to Protestant iconoclasm; the pandemic to paedophilia … just a sample of the wide-ranging issues covered in this collection of short broadcast pieces and longer festival seminars. And through them all – faith, hope, life and love.
Meditations & Reflections
A book of reflections, meditations and prayers for Advent and Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter, Ascension and Pentecost arising out of conversations about faith, love, doubt and hope.
The spiritual encounter with the 'otherness' that Christians call God is part of the experience of being human, recognised down the ages. In this book you will find a wide variety of spiritual experiences openly explored - from the mystical to the practical, from very personal reflections, to stories with passion for social justice.
The labyrinth as a tool for contemplation and inspiration continues to gain popularity in today's world. For those who want to learn more and perhaps use the labyrinth in their own situation, this book offers ideas and examples of its use in various contexts, from schools and universities to hospices and secure hospitals.
In 2004, the Iona Community became concerned that many of those who could bear witness to its early days were by then in their 70s or 80s. As a result, they commissioned an oral history project, so that their testimonies would not be lost. This book is based on the recordings of their stories.
Books
The second volume of John Bell's collected scripts from BBC Radio 4's 'Thought for the Day' on a diverse selection of topics. Also includes three longer pieces by John.
Books
A series of reflections on living by the Rule of the Iona Community, exploring its history, inner life and public witness.
Explores facets of the personal life, relationships and ministry of Jesus which are seldom the stuff of preaching or conversation, but which are all rooted in the Gospels and are necessary if we are to be freed from the passive stereotypes which still dominate thinking about Christ.
Books
Scripts from John Bell's broadcasts on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day, representing the prickly interface between faith and politics from the perspective of a Christian believer.
Books
How can you help children to 'grow up with God'? One way is through storytelling. By telling children stories that speak of their concerns, by listening to their own stories, and by exploring their questions, you can help them to grow up trusting that God will be at the centre of their lives.
In this second collection of sermons and addresses, John L. Bell proves that he is not one to shy away from the challenges provided by biblical stories. Likewise he proves startlingly adept at articulating the often uncomfortable questions the Bible poses for contemporary life. Paul, Job, Jeremiah, Elijah and Zachariah are among the biblical characters the author examines.
Spirituality is not a permanent high, a continual blissed out state. To experience the heights, one has also to know the depths. In this book based on speeches and sermons delivered in marquees, cathedrals and local churches, John Bell deals with issues as diverse as private devotion and public debt.
LGBTQ+
When Jacqueline Ley's 23-year-old son told her that he was gay, she was shocked and hurt. Her fundamentalist Christian background told her that homosexuality was sinful and that her son had placed himself beyond the pale. But she underwent a remarkable transformation of attitude
Books
Creativity of all kinds, in art, in prayer, in justice-making, in human relationships, is born where people wrestle with angels, outside Eden, on the border between heaven and earth, where they struggle to create a new form, a new song, a new template, a new ethic with all the discipline and passion they can bring to bear.