Spiritual Reflections
Author: Etheline Aiken
Reviewer: Billy HallBOOKS OF sermons tend not to do well, and this one is hardly likely to be different. But not doing well in the marketplace, especially for little known authors, is not necessarily because of the literary quality of the work. The fact is that sermons have the possibility of making full use of the rich variety and warm touch of personality, which can never be achieved in cold print.
Nevertheless, that economic reality ought not to take away from the simple, devotional appeal of this book, which in process underscores sound Biblical principles for daily living. Indeed, these 21 edited sermons could very well serve for daily devotional reading and meditation. The only shortcoming here, if that is the right word, is that 10 more sermons would make that number 31 and so more suited, like the 31 chapters of the Book of Proverbs, to a monthly exercise.
The popularity of the book is likely to be limited somewhat too, because the reputation of the author, although someone to be highly respected, is not as widely known as pastoral and evangelistic leaders, especially those with high media status. Nevertheless, there is much to be considered in the favour of the author, who writes from a devotional heart and dedicated life.
For several years she was the principal of Queen's, and so many former students will be able to recall her inspirational words to them, morning after morning. Her pastor, Rev. Edmund Davis, rector of St. George's, in downtown Kingston, in the Foreword recalls listening to her addressing the school assembly, and so he comments how "deeply impressed" he was with her "communication skills, her concern for others and her depth of spirituality".
Now retired, widowed, and teaching part time at Shortwood Teachers' College, she has been more active than ever in the service of the church, specifically, St. George's, where she has been and continues to be a member for the last 50 years. Her faithfulness as someone integrated for institutional nurture of her Christian faith, reflects that fact, but not in any narrow denominational sense. She writes with the aim straight for the heart, and combines that targeted goal with a profound sense of practicality, and respect for the church.
Indeed, the Rev. Mr. Davis can be justly proud of this parishioner, who is a licensed lay preacher, and he says has been occupying the pulpit at St. George's "occasionally" since 1990. He characterises sharply and succinctly this work, declaring that it, "facilitates the process of believing, belonging and behaving to the praise and glory of God" and that it should be a "source of blessing to one and all".
The work is not thematic, nor focused on a particular book or passage. But this no doubt because the sermons were not preached with the regularity to afford that possibility. Nevertheless, the author writes with care and precision, and ought to be encouraged to put together another collection, especially if she is able to financially survive this one.
Her Anglican background, and as a woman, serve to remind that it was a daughter of an Anglican clergyman who wrote for many years in the Gleaner (Mondays) the pioneer religious column in this country FOR THE THOUGHTFUL READER, using the pen name, Lena Kent. She wrote until she was into her nineties. The American missionary (Christian Brethren), Irene Bewick, continued the column for several years, and when she returned to the USA, along with her husband Leonard, who pioneered in Jamaica the Ministry of the Back to the Bible Broadcasts, the successor was Mrs. Hazel Vaz, founder of Vaz Prep, retired now and approaching her 90th year.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
Etheline would seem a fine candidate to continue such a column, but alas, this newspaper no longer carries it. Perhaps the idea might be revived, and would be well worth it in these turbulent times, when spiritual reflection is so much needed. However, to be fair to all sides in this review exercise, the point must be made that while this work does achieve a commendable standard for print, it would have been enhanced by professional polish. Nevertheless, it is readable, well organised, and properly documented. For the attractive covers credit must be given Power Graphics Studio. But the chapter headings are regrettably in ordinary body copy type, the chapter headings are not consistently positioned, at least twice the apostrophe needed for St George's is missing, and too many quotations are page divided. Also, some older readers might have preferred a larger type, even though the between line spacing is ample and so compensates.
Nevertheless, the high credibility of the author, wisdom in the reflections, and simple heart appeal of the work would certainly override any undulating feature, to commend it as a fine work of simple yet powerful devotional appeal and usefulness for any Christian's daily walk with God.
