Currently in Books/Music

Former US president focusses on faith

Living Faith was originally conceived as a publication of the lessons Carter has taught in his Plaines, Georgia Sunday school. Instead, it evolved into something between personal memoir and examples of Christian living. Reading the book is not like looking at a stylized portrait of a statesman, but like looking through a shoebox of photographs of a real man with a living faith. There is a contradiction in Carter--the man who has spent recent years as a noted peacemaker explains his activity in World War II by saying he is not a pacifist. The book is candid, but is not a tell-all book. Carter gives insight into some of the biggest decisions he made as president. He shows how his marriage developed into a strong partnership and writes of his regret at how he tried to parent his sons as his father had done. He advocates strongly for a faith with works--using Habitat for Humanity and individual missionaries as powerful examples of Christian witness. Carter is a bridge-builder--between Christian denominations, warring factions around the world, non-Christians and God. His thoughtful wisdom is sometimes expressed in colloquial phrases which evoke his simple roots, and is sometimes testimony to his continuing influence around the world. Humility, humour, peace and joy shine through. Living Faith is a quietly inspiring book.

Susan Fish is a writer and communications director for Habitat for Humanity Canada. She is a member of Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church.

Personal look at criminals

Howard Zehr is director of the Mennonite Central Committee US Office on Crime and Justice. He has developed the first Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). He is also a professional photographer.

Zehr begins with the premise that any discussion on crime and justice is usually about abstractions, using stereotypes and symbols. Crime is seldom seen as it is actually experienced: as a violation of real people by real people. Zehr's goal is to present lifers honestly, as individuals with their own fears and dreams rather than as symbols or labels. We meet lifers through their personal reflections and through large photographs of them.

I was deeply impacted by the reflections and portraits of the 58 lifers because as I was reading this book my heart was drawn to two inmates I was ministering to, both of whom have been charged with taking a life.

I value the descriptive ways lifers state what a life sentence is. Several ways the lifers survive are hope, music, writing, a relationship with the Lord and the grace of God.

Zehr worked under the auspices of MCC in this project of interviewing and photographing lifers.

Walter Wiens is a chaplain at Headingly Correctional Institution, a minimum security prison near Winnipeg.

fingerprints of God. Sam Rowland. Nelson Word Canada, 1995. $20.99. Reviewed by Andrew Dyck

The Lord didn't wear no gloves when he made this world
That's why I'm searchin' for the fingerprints of God

With lines like these, evangelist Sam Rowland sings his way through the CD fingerprints of God. His voice is unique among contemporary singers for its rich bass sonority. The accompaniments feature guitar and percussion, enhanced by synthesized sounds, background vocals and occasionally accordion. Many of the tunes are catchy ("toe-tappers"); some have a slight country feel. Gentler moments come with a prayer based on Pachelbel's Canon in D, a rendition of My Jesus I Love Thee, and a tender ballad about a couple's loss of their premature baby: 20 minutes (to say I love you).

The song lyrics are both the strength and liability of this album. Rowland, who has studied at Regent College, Vancouver, clearly endeavours to convey Christian truths in striking ways with lines such as "I Went out to get a Coca-Cola but I found livin' water instead". Rowland likely incorporates many of these songs into his Youth for Christ presentations.

However, the song verses are rarely as memorable as their refrains. In 1997 we need help from our artists to see God's fingerprints not only in nature, but also in the complexities of urban life. Also, Rowland's target audience is not clear. Lines such as "Who's got control in the centre of your soul?" will likely need explaining for unchurched listeners, yet are too cliched to have an impact for Christians. Also, the Scripture references printed with each song are not always related to the themes of the songs.

This CD will likely be appreciated by adults believers who enjoy so-called contemporary music. However, the songs probably find their most effective niche in the context of Rowland's speaking ministry.

Andrew Dyck is associate pastor at King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a Master of Church Leadership degree majoring in congregational worship and music.