Abiding: The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2013

by Ben Quash

Abiding is not a word we have much use for in everyday conversation. Yet Ben Quash shows that this one concept is central to the Christian life. Abiding, as Quash demonstrates, has the sense of full personal commitment, a quality of solidarity that 'waiting' just cannot convey. It speaks of the centrality of order, consistency and continuity in the Christian tradition, of God's commitment to us and ours to our communities. On the other hand, the kind of 'abiding' that Jesus calls his followers to is one of relinquishment, openness and change, living a life out of one's own control so as to 'abide' in Him. Drawing on the wisdom and imagery of modern fiction, film and art, as well as examples of key figures in the classical Christian tradition, Quash skilfully and creatively explores the implications that 'abiding' has for our bodies and minds, our relationships and communities, and our spiritual lives.

Genres: Christianity, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ashley Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful look on abiding. I didn’t read it around Lent, but a beautiful take nonetheless.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly one of the less ephemeral of the ABC's Lent Books, Abiding gets the right balance between suggestions for reflections (either as an individual or as a Lent group) with meaty theological backbone. Each chapter begins with a fictional or non-fictional point of contact which then, is used to explore a wider meaning of "abiding". Ian McEwan's novel Enduring Love and St Macrina provided two very successful examples of this. I was less sure of the use of Good Sir Robin from Monty Python's the Quest for the Holy Grail. Naturally, and appropriately, the book ends with The Big Lebowski and "The dude abides", although the connections between The Dude and Jesus still feel tenuous despite Ben Quash's best attempts to bring them together.

[Sam McBratney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's only taken me 12 years to get around to reading this Lent book! By chance I finished it during an unexpected stay in hospital where 'abiding' was enforced. The idea of abiding is a.powerful one in Scripture and Ben Quash gives a rich variety of interpretations and insights to conjure with.

I have recently been doing some focussed study in Missiology and the idea of abiding resonates strongly with a missional God who both moves and indwells. It has sparked off a lot of ideas for me that I'll continue to explore.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plenty to talk about in Lenten discussions but a classic by no means. A sincere and committed man but I find many oif hs assertions specious, if not unbelieveable.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gap between me as a reader and Ben Quash writing this book sometimes seemed to me impossible to cross. I've been wrestling with why that is. Some of it is doctrinal and relates to our views of human nature. But I also had the strong sense while reading _Abiding_ that there was not much steadfast hopeful labor happening in the world today. This lack of noticing how much good abiding is happening distanced me from what otherwise is a thoughtful and thought-provoking reflection on the spiritual practice of steadfastness.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really quite good and had very accessible theology.

The writing style was quite conversational, which tended to make some passages a little drawn out. On the whole I'd say the book started a lot stronger than it finished. (There should have been a limit on the Big Lebowski example :) ). Well worth a read even if it's not Lent.

I had been thinking about constancy as a key aspect of religion, faith and belief - Abiding gave me greater knowledge and vocabulary to describe that constancy better.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read - needing some time and space to concentrate! Ben Quash uses different characters to illustrate each chapter - describing and unlocking what real Abiding is all about. I found this to be a thought-provoking book which encouraged me to explore my own journey and to appreciate how I can Abide more with Father God.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erg mooi boek, gevarieerde hoofdstukken allemaal over hoe wij en God ergens echt zijn.

[Helen Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit heavy in places, but VERY insightful, especially Wounds that abide and Abiding in Body.