Five essays for thought!
by
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With the growth of the “holy man” there was a growth in religious activities and they could strike down or cure individuals with apparent ease. But we will never know how much the mind of the patient played a part in these so-called “miracle cures”. Yet, those who have travelled and studied their people and practices state without reservation that many things can be done by these holy men if they are allowed to observe their activities. So much must remain as hypothesis for there is no written record of the powers and activities until we come to the Old Testament of the Bible where certain occurrences and events are recorded as “miracles” but where we can accept this we will have to find out words change their meanings so much. We talk of “miracle plays” but they had little to do with miracles but rather the lives of the saints. So, bearing in mind that a miracle is something that cannot be explained as natural, using normal language we can look to see if possibly some quoted miracles were indeed miracles.
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About the Book
This series of five essays examines different aspects of life.
The first studies Jesus' progression through different roles in life. The second studies the role of miracles in mans development to the present day. Miracles breaking the laws of nature as we understand them. The third studies how the interpretation of the Bible by many different denominations leaves some ill at ease with another. The fourth studies how young minds are influenced and the need for open thinking and prayer. The fifth studies the role of couples as parents as well as the influence of heredity and environment on destiny.
About the Author
Between 1951 and 1993, I worked in both the Church and education. I served in two parishes as curate, followed by one as senior curate and then as vicar outside Northwich in Cheshire for 3 years. I then became School Chaplain to Endsleigh School in Colchester and Head of Classics. Following this I became Head of Religious Education at the Holt Grammar School in Wokingham, Berkshire. After 6 ½ years Berkshire County Council offered me a scholarship at Reading University to study for a Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. This enabled me to take up the position as Counsellor in South Molton Community College with its ten feeder primary schools. In 1986, I took early retirement and returned to the ministry in the Diocese of Bath and Wells where I became vicar of five parishes. After six years hard work viz reroofing, painting of interiors, protecting stonework etc., etc., I decided to retire. A wonderful thought!
I retired to Devon and was promptly snaffled up for years in taking services in churches with no incumbent priests. This rather fogged my idea, which I had harboured for some time, to undertake some religious writing. However, I persisted and this book is my first attempt at such writing, even though it is not my first publication.
This book is a genuine attempt at remembering my own progress through ministry. It is not an easy road, but one well worth pursuing as long as one leaves the results and the rewards to the Almighty.