The Life in the Comma: Deepening Our Understanding of Jesus
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In 2018 he received from Justin Welby The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, for his outstanding Christian witness, through hymn-writing, broadcasting and social action.
John Bell of the Iona Community has been for many years one of the most recognized voices on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, where his cogent and penetrating topical contributions reach an audience well beyond the churches.
. . . a work of solid theological common sense – uncommon enough these days. From a lifetime of pastoral care and attention to God, Bell has provided us with a depth of understanding which we would do well to appropriate for ourselves.
The York Courses format is tried and tested . . . Leading us in theology and ecclesiology are a mix of activist and academic, also ecumenical [contributors]. The sessions are scholarly but not inaccessible . . . a clear outline of "environmental justice" . . . An ideal resource for individuals or groups.
Accessibly weaves substantial theology with Bible study, emphasizing that we need to unfamiliarize ourselves with the Bible, letting its sheer strangeness jolt us. Plenty of personal glimpses and fascinating detail include an Orthodox priest protesting that a prostitute is not a sinner, but an icon in the dustbin . . .
The Apostle's creed proclaims that Jesus Christ was 'born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate'. But these statements, separated by only a comma, tell us very little about the One in whom 'the fulness of God' lived and breathed!
In four provocative and compelling sessions:
Advent: A time for the kids?
The life omitted
Unspoken in Advent
A life of risk
John Bell writes vividly of the people Jesus met; the things he said; the controversy he caused and the affection he had for the marginalised and for women in particular. Urging us to grasp more fully the great implications of the Incarnation, The Life in the Comma liberates us to celebrate Christmas as never before.
TO ACCOMPANY THIS COURSE BOOK
Filmed on location by Monkeynut in an enchanting Georgian country house, The Life in the Comma video (in addition to the usual audio CD download) invites us to join John, Bishop Smitha Prasadam, and writer Lauren Windle as they discuss the themes of the course.
COMPLETE LIST OF THE LIFE IN THE COMMA PRODUCTS
Course book including transcript of video and access to video/audio downloads (paperback 978 1 91584 341 8)
Course book including transcript of video and access to video/audio downloads (eBook 978 1 91584 342 5)
Participants' book including transcript of video: pack of 5 (paperback 978 1 91584 345 6)
Participants' book including transcript of video (eBook 978 1 91584 344 9)
Audio book of discussion to support THE LIFE IN THE COMMA (audio digital download 978 1 91584 340 1)
Video of discussion to support THE LIFE IN THE COMMA (available only via the publisher's website)
In 2018 he received from Justin Welby The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, for his outstanding Christian witness, through hymn-writing, broadcasting and social action.
John Bell of the Iona Community has been for many years one of the most recognized voices on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, where his cogent and penetrating topical contributions reach an audience well beyond the churches.
. . . a work of solid theological common sense – uncommon enough these days. From a lifetime of pastoral care and attention to God, Bell has provided us with a depth of understanding which we would do well to appropriate for ourselves.
The York Courses format is tried and tested . . . Leading us in theology and ecclesiology are a mix of activist and academic, also ecumenical [contributors]. The sessions are scholarly but not inaccessible . . . a clear outline of "environmental justice" . . . An ideal resource for individuals or groups.
Accessibly weaves substantial theology with Bible study, emphasizing that we need to unfamiliarize ourselves with the Bible, letting its sheer strangeness jolt us. Plenty of personal glimpses and fascinating detail include an Orthodox priest protesting that a prostitute is not a sinner, but an icon in the dustbin . . .










The Apostle's creed proclaims that Jesus Christ was 'born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate'. But these statements, separated by only a comma, tell us very little about the One in whom 'the fulness of God' lived and breathed!
In four provocative and compelling sessions:
Advent: A time for the kids?
The life omitted
Unspoken in Advent
A life of risk
John Bell writes vividly of the people Jesus met; the things he said; the controversy he caused and the affection he had for the marginalised and for women in particular. Urging us to grasp more fully the great implications of the Incarnation, The Life in the Comma liberates us to celebrate Christmas as never before.
TO ACCOMPANY THIS COURSE BOOK
Filmed on location by Monkeynut in an enchanting Georgian country house, The Life in the Comma video (in addition to the usual audio CD download) invites us to join John, Bishop Smitha Prasadam, and writer Lauren Windle as they discuss the themes of the course.
COMPLETE LIST OF THE LIFE IN THE COMMA PRODUCTS
Course book including transcript of video and access to video/audio downloads (paperback 978 1 91584 341 8)
Course book including transcript of video and access to video/audio downloads (eBook 978 1 91584 342 5)
Participants' book including transcript of video: pack of 5 (paperback 978 1 91584 345 6)
Participants' book including transcript of video (eBook 978 1 91584 344 9)
Audio book of discussion to support THE LIFE IN THE COMMA (audio digital download 978 1 91584 340 1)
Video of discussion to support THE LIFE IN THE COMMA (available only via the publisher's website)