Cuttle Fish, Clones and Cluster Bombs

There are all around seeds of hope in which the dominating powers are resisted. These seeds are in the Church and they are in the world. Those who plant and water them are nourished by a different vision of human flourishing than the one purveyed by advertisers of consumer goods and advocates of globalization. In this alternative vision the prophetic contrast between what is and what might be takes flesh, and dwells. Karl Barth famously said that a preacher should hold together two texts the Word of God and the word of the daily newspaper. For in that juxtaposition can be found a place from which to declare the truth of God to a world where truth is a rare commodity. In this series of reflections that takes us through the liturgical year, Michael Northcott explores themes of ecology, ethics and economics. He speaks on the matters that affect us all, and that indeed find expression in newspapers and many other forms of media, but seeks to hold true also to Barth s injunction that a preacher s primary role is to hear and study the Word of God. Northcott s incisive words bring into clear focus the role of preaching as public theology, a political and prophetic task that can challenge received opinions and dominant modes of operating. Cuttle Fish, Clones and Cluster Bombs is an inspiring and encouraging read for anyone seeking a real engagement with the divine Word in our contemporary world.