Author: David M Lambourn

The editors list recent books on biblical studies and hermeneutics, religion and climate, philosophy of religion and mystical atheism, and the historical Muhammad, with publication details.

Editors’ list of recommended 2026 books under headings: biblical study, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and politics, including Stephen Batchelor, Nadeem Nassar, Molly Crabapple and Rowan Williams.

The books editor outlines changes to the books section: more short notices of useful books, reviews that raise questions to start conversations, and a list of eight recent titles.

Concludes the argument that Mark wrote parables for Jewish readers under Roman occupation, contrasts Mark with Matthew’s rules and clergy-friendly editing, and prefers Mark’s picture of healing and forgiveness.

David Lambourn returned to the topic of Re-imagining the Gospel of Mark that he had proposed in May 2023, now asking the question: ‘Reading Mark as I had suggested, what follows?’

Continues the argument that Mark is coded resistance, reading the Gerasene demoniac and the herd of swine as an allegory of Roman legions and the eventual fall of empire.

Argues that Mark wrote his gospel as coded resistance to Roman occupation, understood by Jewish readers but opaque to Romans, illustrated by the woman with the haemorrhage and Jairus’ daughter.

David Lambourn reviews The Covid Pandemic and the World’s Religions, in which authors from many faiths answer five questions. He notes the recurring problem of theodicy and the chance for inter-faith reflection.

David Lambourn presents Re-Imagining the Gospel of Mark

Kit Widdows records his impressions of a Sea of Faith conference in 1998: the Network’s sect-like behaviour and uncertain direction, and his call for new metaphors for the Trinity, liturgy, ministry and prayer.