The Things He Carried

by Stephen Cottrell

Focusses on the things that Jesus carried: not just the cross itself, but the crown of thorns he was forced to wear, the seamless robe that was taken from him, the other burdens that we laid upon him, and also the hopes and fears that he carried in his heart and that are reflected in the different passion narratives.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality

96 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell is Church of England Bishop of Chelmsford, and a prolific and much-loved author. He is a co-creator of the Emmaus course and a co-author of the Pilgrim course.

Reviews

[Andrew Paxman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this short book during Lent, as the author intended. There are eight “meditations”, which one could read on Ash Wednesday and the seven Sundays leading to Easter. The writing, mostly sharp and sometimes startling, offers new ways of considering the meaning of Calvary. Cottrell’s technique of peering inside Christ’s mind is a little hit-and-miss. Chapter 4, on how the disciples let Jesus down, sometimes fails to ring true, with awkward turns of phrase spoiling attempts to evoke his disappointment (“airbrush”, “junkies”, “Will they ever get it?”); besides which, he must have anticipated their fecklessness. Chapter 6, by contrast, is excellent: “He carried those moments of wilful wrong-doing, where I have stared down the right path, seen what it would cost me, and chosen the easy road instead…”

[Graham Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good educational read

This book was used in a bible study session (s) and proved invaluable as it took us in modern speak through those last painful days Thank You Stephen Cottrell

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book by Stephen Cottrell that I wouldn't give five stars too; thought-provoking, moving, and accessible.

[Edward Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was almost as good as the company

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such an incredible little devotional for Lent. Simple, clear, creative and very insightful. He makes you think and gives you hope. It was a marvelous way to spend Lent.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice series of imaginative and applied meditations on the things Jesus carried with him to the cross. Good for those curious about Jesus and also engaging for those already following him. I and a team of others used it as the basis for our weekly teaching to a multicultural group of teenagers this past semester.

[Matt Batten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good introduction to meditations for Holy Week. Aimed individual reflection or small groups.

[Rodie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shared this book during lent with the others in the small group that I meet with.
A very thoughtful book. I finished the last part yesterday whilst I was giving blood!