Making Nothing Happen is a conversation between five poet-theologians who are broadly within the Christian tradition - Nicola Slee, Ruth Shelton, Mark Pryce, Eleanor Nesbitt and Gavin D'Costa. Together they form The Diviners - a group which has been meeting together for a number of years for poetry, and theological and literary reflection. Setting the context with their autobiographies, personal writing processes and diverse Christian backgrounds, as well as scholarship and experience, each poet offers an illuminating reflection on how they understand the relation between poetry and faith, rooting their reflections in their own writing, and illustrating discussion with a selection of their own poems.
The poets open up many issues for deeper exploration and reflection, including: the nature of creativity and the distinction between divine and human creation; the creative process as a process of exploration, epiphany and revelation; craft and labour in the writing process; the forging and problematising of identity through the writing process; diverse ways in which the arts can reflect, challenge and dialogue with faith and faith can inform and challenge the arts; the exercise of power and voice in poetry and faith; and ways in which race, gender, and culture interact with and shape poetic and theological discourse.This book will be of interest to poets and theologians, to all who read poetry and are interested in the connections between literature and faith, to those seeking inspiration for preaching, liturgy and pastoral care, and to those committed to the practice and nurturing of a contemplative attitude to life in which profound attention and respect are offered to words and to the creative Word at work.
Industry Reviews
'All the authors in this collection agree that being committed to a religious form of words and practices is not simply "the conscious occupation of the mind praying" (Eliot's phrase) but a set of habits that allows, and eventually demands, space in us. The authors write, poetry and prose alike, to demonstrate that these habits bring something to life, make space for others. So this is a book about a coming to life and a coming to stillness, together and inseparable; a serious and joyful gift, for which this reader is deeply grateful.' From the Foreword by Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge University, UK 'This thoughtful, generative interaction of poets is a welcome entry into the current struggle for and with faith among us. It is clear that the long-standing prose attempts of memo and proposition produce certitude and absolutism, but not much in the way of energy or courage or wisdom. These poets are knowing in thick ways, elusive enough to invite us to move with them, and critical in ways to hint at fresh connections. In all, a welcome resource.' Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, USA 'Is religious poetry a brand of "minor poetry" as T.S. Eliot feared? Or can it, through forging new metaphors and enlivening old ones, provide a new music for this age of fragile faith and doubt? These are vital questions for Christianity, a faith founded on the poetry of the Bible, and this book by five leading poet-theologians is a timely and challenging contribution to the debate.' Michael Symmons Roberts, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK 'Each chapter in this book tells the story of the poets' creativity and their poetic journey, as well as their life's journey. We discover not just each poet's journey and story, but the wider picture of the creative process, of the relation between poetry and faith, of the connections between all kinds of literature as well as a deep exploration of the connections between faith and life itself. This is a remarkable book.' Network '...many Christian readers will find this book a valuable addition to their library. It should inspire themes for preaching, and certainly quotations for sermons; it could be used for study groups, reading circles and senior school assemblies. Beyond that, it will undoubtedly strengthen each reader's personal spirituality.' The Reader 'The Diviners themselves are a rich mix of theologian-poets from diverse faith backgrounds. They speak to the reader with an intoxicating blend of honesty and insight, both of which illuminate their humanity and learning. ...offers [an[ interesting and perhaps more challenging way in to familiar topics, such as the incarnation, resurrection, the problem of evil and the afterlife. The power of this book, however, rests in the combination of each poet's introduction or personal story, followed by the poems themselves.' RE Today 'I hope that this deeply thoughtful book could prove a resource for conferences, study days, or courses. Its scope lies be-yond individual reflection and response.' Church Times 'This volume does many things; and, if poetry makes nothing happen, it is a rich and satisfying 'nothing' that is offered to feed the reader. It will be a book I shall return to often, not least for the bibliographies that the writers offer, but primarily to gain heart that there are individuals and groups out there who continue to respond to God's grace and make available the feast for others to enjoy.' Theology
