250 The text is well documented - apart from an absence of running-heads on the pages of end-notes, a fault of the publishers or copy editor, not of the author. JOHN A. VICKERS Emsworth, Hants PREACHING THEOLOGICALLY For a long time, perhaps here and there still, courses in preaching concentrated largely on style and method. Students got the substance, it was assumed, from somewhere else, in departments of biblical studies and systematic theology, and the challenge was how to hone technique, and preach eloquently and arrestingly. Less attention was given to how to relate style to substance, however, and too many sermons failed to take seriously the complexities of Scripture or the riches of the theological tradition. The result, claims this writer, has been ‘theological anaemia in the long-established churches’ (p. 37). Ronald Allen, Professor of Preaching and New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, in Preaching is Believing (Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2002. £10.99. pp. 162. ISBN 0-664-22330-3), wants to remind preachers that we are servants of the church's theological and biblical tradition, and that what he calls a ‘lone ranger approach’ (p. 49) is simply unfaithfulness and irresponsibility, not just to the tradition but to those to whom we preach. He does not mean us however simply to preach doctrine, but to help the congregation themselves to engage theologically with the issues that daily confront them in their worlds. ‘In this scenario, the pastor is not simply the resident theologian who engages in theological reflection for the community. The pastor is a teacher of theology who seeks for the congregation to become a community of theological reflection’ (p. 33)- Allen writes about what that means and how it can work. It isa closely argued little book — the first four chapters are a far from easy read — but it is worth sticking with it and following the thread, and the second half offers interesting examples of what preaching as theological reflection can sound like. This is a book to make us think long and hard. DAVID S. M. HAMILTON Glasgow THE EXPOSITORY TIMES DICTIONARY OF LITURGY AND WORSHIP. Paul F. Bradshaw has edited The New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship (London: SCM Press, 2000. pp. 493. £35.00. ISBN 0-334- 0283-3). A handsome volume, it contains over 200 new articles, written by well over 100 well-qualified contributors. It supersedes the Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship (1972), and while having much in common with the earlier volume it is clearly a fresh work, contemporary and comprehensive. Alphabetic- ally arranged (from ‘Ablutions’ to "Year, Liturgical” =not counting ‘Zone’ see Vestments 4[b}), it covers the whole range of the liturgical field in an accessible and interesting way. Whether your interest is in candles or communion, gestures or Gregorian chant, Rastafarian worship oF responsorial psalm, you will find authoritative information that will fascinate and enlighten, It is clearly the standard reference book on the subject for students and clergy as well as general readers, Paul F. Bradshaw is Professor of Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, USA. THE EDITOR LIFE, LOVE AND LAUGHTER Life, Love and Laughter by James Simpson (London: Steve Savapa Publishers, 2002. £5.99. pp. 127. ISBN 1-904246-04-4) is not a book for reading cover to cover, but then neither is the Bible. It is a book for possessing and dipping into, relishing, and reviving a drooping faith-energy. It is not a book of jokes though there are lots of anecdotes, humorous incidents, cracks and quips. But, much more, it is ‘distilled Simpson’ in clearer form. Those who know him know a good man and those who read this book will discover that without meeting him, for he meets us through the pages and greets us warmly. Hee seems to sense where we are and as we dip and taste, we soon find that comforting, challenging, correcting word from him, wrapped in wisdom transparent yet profound. Every home should have one per person, certainly if they are people of faith and especially if their job is to transmit that faith, It will prove to be a source of inspiration, provide a word in season and open a door through which we can travel, borne now on our own thoughts and experiences, and led by God’s Spirit kick-started by Jim Simpson’s insight. This is a lifetime of reflection on experiences wide and varied and, much more than others of his books,Copyright © 2003 EBSCO Publishing