The Bible and the New York Times

When we see a title that puts the Bible alongside the "New York Times" we say, "Oh yes, that reminds me of Karl Barth, whose advice was: "The Christian must always read with the Bible in one hand and the morning paper in the other." Rev. Rutledge does just that in this elegant collection of sermons, most of which she first preached at the Grace Episcopal Church in Manhattan, or congregations in some of New York's bedroom communities. Now, Dr. Rutledge has turned her attention to conducting a national evangelistic ministry, but at the time these sermons were first presented, she was a preaching pastor in a busy city congregation, of bright and thoughtful Christians and other seekers. Her messages were well received by that group of worshipers and they have the potential to inspire the reader. Rev. Rutledge's prose is both eloquent and forthright. Her sermon "Believing without Seeing" is a good example, taking as its text the "Doubting Thomas" passage from the Gospel of John, Chapter 21. In one paragraph she opens up the Biblical narative to anyone who may have quesitons, by asking some very pointed questions, "Is there anyone here today who is wondering if the Resurrection could possibly be true? Do you have conditions that must be met before you will believe? Or, perhaps, do you believe vaguely in something called `life after death' without ever having considered putting your trust in the only One who has ever come back victoriously from the grave?" (Page 143) This kind of preaching is invigorating. It puts me in mind of people like the late Dr. Fred Speakman and Dr. Frank Harrington. Suffice it to say that Rutledge's sermons are all edifying. One can understand why this book and others that she has published are so well received. To have the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, and the ear and heart of those who are hungry to hear and receive-what could be better! If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

I had the distinct pleasure of being able to hear Rev. Rutledge preach a few times and attend an all-day workshop and I was forever affected by her engaging style and thoughtful analysis. She is a highly theological thinker who is a very well-read person.The Bible and the New York Times is just that: an exploration of popular culture and the Christian faith that is neither sugary nor ignorant of the realities of suffering and pain. Rev. Rutledge is able to bring sound biblical exegesis and a vibrant style to her writing that is only surpassed by actually hearing her in person. Following the main days of the church year, this book helps the reader to pause and think of how the various days of the church calendar are relevant to modern people with faith. She brings out the rhythm of the people of God as they try to live out their faith in a secularized world, but she does so without resorting to easy or pat answers.Read and Enjoy!

Rutledge's sermons are moving, persuasive, and beautifully written. And as her theology is Catholic, her faith contagious, and her argument completely accessible to the lay reader, she may well be the best Christian (and Anglican) apologist since C.S. Lewis.

This is a book that you will want to keep handy that you may read again a chapter that is especially meaningful or pertinent to your circumstances. I found the application of scripture to the very topical subject matter was inspiring. An example is the Chapter called The Love Olympics Go To Jerusalem which used text from 1 Corinthians13. The news items used as examples included topics about the funeral of Princess Diana,Madonna's child and the break up of the relationship with the baby's father,and also reference to the White House items about the President and an intern.A quote from Frank Rich's column "What's love got to do with it?" lead into the meaning of love as spoken by St. Paul in that lesson from Corinthians.You'll be glad you've read this book.