Simply Good Writing
The Best Christian Writing 2004 is an eclectic sampling from the spectrum of Christianity.
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby | posted 1/01/2004 12:00AM
In his finest collection to date, John Wilson, an editor at large for CT and editor of Books & Culture, has assembled an eclectic, accessible sampling of writing by authors from the spectrum of Christianity: Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox.
Culled from books, magazines, journals, and the Internet, the writing takes the form of memoir, interview, journalism features, and even a surprisingly moving weblog posting. Subject matter ranges widely. Frederica Mathewes-Green's essay on repentance as both door and path compels us to search our souls, while Kathleen Norris shows her vulnerable side in a treatise on the diversions and obsessions of reading.
One of the most beautiful pieces is the nostalgic, sometimes humorous "Dakota Christmas" by J. Bottum.
The requisite but deserved sampling of CT and B&C contributions includes the thought-provoking "We're Rich" by Andy Crouch, and the lovely, introspective prose of "Dancing with Ghosts: A White Man at Wounded Knee," by James Calvin Schaap. Lewis B. Smedes's "God and a Grateful Old Man," written just before his death, leaves an enduring echo.
This volume is a must for every Christian who loves good writing.
Cindy Crosby is a regular contributor to Publishers Weekly.
Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today.Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere:
The Best Christian Writing 2004 is available from Christianbook.com and other book retailers.
Editor of Best Christian Writing is also editor of sister publication Books & Culture, which produces Books & Culture Corner every Monday.
More information is available from the publisher.
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January 2004, Vol. 48, No. 1
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