My Theology: The Word within the words

by Malcolm Guite

My The world’s leading Christian thinkers explain some of the principal tenets of their theological beliefs.

The Word within the words is a Poet’s Credo, in which Malcolm Guite describes how his Christian faith informs and underpins his poetry, and in turn how poetry itself, and more widely the poetic imagination, helps him to understand and interpret his faith.

Illustrating his account with personal stories and poetry – both his own and classics from the canon – Guite explains a guiding theology of Christ as the Word, the essential logos that underlies all things, made flesh for us in Jesus. He then demonstrates how Scripture, Liturgy and Sacrament can each be understood as a poetry capable of transfiguring our vision and transforming our lives.

Genres: Poetry, Theology, Religion, Faith, Christian

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2021

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.

[Lori Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry and theology, both moving me toward a deeper knowing. Reading this was for me a series of lights, moments of clarity.

[Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to have discovered this author and poet.

[G. Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guite gives a short but excellent look at how Christianity’s message is at heart poetic, and something which not only leads us to salvation, but also answers our inherent hunger for a poetic and holistic answer to our spiritual longings.

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brilliant little book. It doesn't get more stars because I have to read something for an hour or two at least before it can be properly memorable, and this is more like a pamphlet, it reads often literally like a collection of poems. However, there are some wonderful bits in here about churchly scripture reading, churchly song, and communion, and then again also about how Christ meets us in so much of the created world always.
Here's a quote to put up somewhere and think about (and look at how the phrases make it a little poem by itself)

this opening passage of John's gospel offers us
the encouraging and utterly transformative idea
that we ourselves are a poem
that there is a poet behind the world
who not only speaks that world into being
but speaks us into it
so that we might behold its glory
and respond ourselves with poems spoken back
to the maker

(although Guite will have none of this modernist stuff thank you very much; if it wants to be a poem in his world it will rhyme and declare itself)

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, found it refreshing, reassuring, and challenging.

Malcolm Guite explains how he came to faith, how he has come to know Christ, and how his soul is nourished by that relationship. Along the way he describes how and why mere words are empty if they are not inhabited by The Word, that is, Jesus.

If you have questions about what faith is, or why it matters -- or if you, too, are in need of refreshing -- I recommend this little book.

[Justin Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book (which can be read in under an hour) is part of the "My Theology" series, and Guite is at his best here, giving his testimony, sharing his poetry, and wonderfully weaving together Scripture (the Word beneath the words), Liturgy (the Word between the words) and Sacrament (the Word transforms the world).

[Bud Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read and a read that will surely happen again. Spent an hour enjoying the poetic way with words that Malcolm solely attributes to The Word Himself. A beautiful picture and truth!

[Devon Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Love this charming old man.

[Julie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. One that I think I would like to go back to regularly as a writer of words, thankful for THE WORD.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. A helpful perspective on God and creativity.

[Adam Biro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much to ponder. Part of me wishes it were longer. Part of me feels the brevity lends itself to the poetic heart it expresses and invites meditation. I will return to it again.

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book

Great little book in which Malcolm Guite relates a short version of his testimony and coming to faith through the power of poetry and imagination bodying forth the Word.

[Sarah Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, simple read. More like a booklet. But intriguing thoughts to meditate on as Guite shares some things that have shaped his faith, including poems he's written to show how integral words are to his understanding of and expression of faith.

[Jeremy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful statement of Christian faith. I was particularly moved by his descriptions of the Eucharist. Amazing, short little book. Packs a punch with lots to consider.