Undiminished Returns: Poems of a Christian Life

by Jeremy W. Johnston

This arrangement of poems spans the life of a Christian, beginning with the uncertainty, frustration, and doubts before coming to faith in Christ, through to the triumph of the gospel in life and in death. Undiminished Returns is a pilgrimage of poems testifying to the transformative power of grace, love, and hope that is found in Christ alone. Rich in poetic language yet clear and accessible, this book of poems will encourage and challenge both believers and non-believers in their search for meaning, value, and identity in an unsettled world that has lost sight of the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Creator.

Genres: Poetry

164 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2020

About the author

JEREMY W. JOHNSTON teaches English, history, and classical studies at Hillfield Strathallan College. He also teaches humanities courses as an adjunct professor and lecturer at Heritage College and Seminary, Redeemer University, and Mohawk College. He holds a master's degree in education and an honours degree in English literature and humanities from the University of Western Ontario. For over a decade, he served as the arts columnist for Barnabas magazine, which is published by the Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Canada. He has been involved in Christian education-teaching, preaching and speaking-at local churches and Christian venues for many years. Jeremy and his wife, Laurie, have been homeschooling their four children for over 20 years. They live in Hamilton, Ont., Canada.

Reviews

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restoring poetry to the Christian experience in the 21st century is a tall order. I think it must be done, for poetry is largely dormant force in so much of contemporary Christianity. But how is this to be done? No one person can do it, but a community of poets might.

So we hope and pray that God raises up poets to give the mighty power of language a kingdom role again, in evangelism, worship and discipleship.

I'm thankful for this volume and for Jeremy Johnston's contribution to a poetry of the Christian life. In terms of evaluation I'll speak simply as a reader and not as any kind of authority on poetry:

I thought that, first of all, there were a lot of poems in this volume. While I didn't connect with all of them, I consistently came across poems that were eye-opening and delightful, convicting and edifying. And sometimes I came across single lines that were simply sublime for one reason or another. I know I am going to enjoy returning to the starred, highlighted, and underlined pages.

I also liked the thematic assembly, the introductions to the book and the sections, and the appendix.

All in all, a great effort at devotional Christian poetry for the 21st century, of which we certainly need more, not less.

[Jeremy Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed in writing the poems for this book, and I hope and pray that others will be blessed reading them!

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book of original poems (mostly sonnets), of a pilgrim’s journey, will be worn out before it gets passed on to my children.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to the heart and the soul--both spiritually moving and convicting, as well as beautiful in form. There is so much to enjoy here, and so, so much to learn from. Excellent to the very last poem! And worth re-reading over and over again.