Simon Says ...

Wednesday 14th Se ptember 2016, 6.00pm for 6.30pm   Derby Cathedral Café    You are invited to the launch of Imitation and Scapegoats a new book by Simon J Taylor, Canon Chancellor of Derby Cathedral, Area Dean of Derby and Director of Curate Training.   The book uses the work of René Girard on violence and religion to ask how minsters and pastors can deal with rivalry, conflict and scapegoats in their own lives and ministry. The ideas are explained through stories from the Bible, case studies and questions for reflection and discussion.   Please come and mark the launch of the book, with refreshments and a brief introduction to the themes of the book. Copies will be available for purchase.      

My copies of this just arrived today.  Very exciting. It was a challenge I set myself to look at what Girard might have to offer those involved in pastoral ministry, rather than great geo-political issues.  I think there is much to be drawn out of Girard at the more personal level.  I tried it out at the Diocese of Derby's Clergy Conference last year, and there seemed to be enough to it to be worth writing up. The writing brought new ideas in using Biblical exegesis and case studies to flesh out Girard's theories.  There are also questions for thought or discussion.  I hope it will prove both interesting and useful. Thanks to all at Grove, who have done a great job with this.  The cover is very pleasing! I will add a link when it is up on the Grove site to buy (it is already available at ubiquitous non-tax paying online retailers). There will be a launch event on Holy Cross Day (14th September) in Derby Cathedral Cafe.  More details to fol...

Taking the Fear out of Bible Reading - Book launch How to Read the Bible (without switching off your brain) by Simon J. Taylor £9.99   •   paper   •   ISBN   978 0 281 07380 1 •   17 September 2015 The book will be launched at Evensong in Derby Cathedral on Sunday 13 th September at 6.00pm with drinks following the service. Copies of the book will be available at a special launch day price! This book offers Bible reading for everyone. It speaks to those who already read the Bible but find themselves asking why; and to those who don’t read the Bible but would like to if only it weren’t so strange. It explains what the Bible is, offers an overview of what is found in it, and addresses questions people ask, such as: Does science disprove the Bible? Why is there so much violence in the Bible? What does the Bible say about sex? The author also presents an account of reading the Bib...