The Gospel in the Willows

Leslie J Francis

Rating:

The idea of forty Lenten meditations on The Wind in the Willows might seem like  niche popularising.  So it is, but this book conveys lessons in spiritual discipline with moving poetic simplicity.

The author evidently felt the profound charms of 'the riverbank' as a boy.  He continued to draw on Mole and company for sermon illustrations in his early parish ministry, and in the more academic chapel setting at Trinity College Carmarthen, suggesting that his own enthusiasm has lit up Christian truths for many people besides himself. Each short chapter begins with a passage from Willows, followed by a passage from one of the Gospels. Next, comes a meditation of about 600 words, the first half of which draws moral and spiritual challenges and encouragements from the Willows passage. Without a break or sub-heading, the second half draws the same lessons from the Gospel passage. The effect of this is quite haunting. As the author says in his preface, he has constructed a series of conversations between the two texts, with each illuminating the other, and certain Christian truths emerging as dual ’revelations’. Nevertheless, the Gospel exposition answers bigger questions than those in the Willows. Each chapter ends with the lessons turned to praise and petition in a brief collect.

Professor Francis is well known in education for his rigorous research into young people’s religious learning and attitudes. This book is a delightful expression of personal and practical Christianity.

Reviewer: Richard Wilkins, Former General Secretary, Association of Christian Teachers

Review posted on: 9 March 2010

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