Three Rachael Keefe BOOKS FOR THREE PURPOSES
A CIRCLE IN THE DARK
Daily Meditations for Advent
accessible, daily Advent readings – every day has a scripture and a meditation
all meditations are poetry
good for personal reading or for a group
bonus: this book includes discussion questions!
BAREFOOT THEOLOGY
A Dictionary for Pilgrims, Priests, and Poets
theological dictionary
all the big theological terms defined through poetry
excellent sermon aid, or seminary textbook
everybody loves this book – church people and folks just approaching theological language
NEGOTIATING THE SHADOWS
Daily Meditations for Lent
easy to read, thoughtful daily Lenten devotional readings
each day through the season of Lent has scripture + meditation
all poetry
good for personal reading and for groups
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More About That Theological Dictionary
From the back cover: Barefoot Theology is a paradigm-shaking invitation for readers to engage with the language of faith. Not your typical theological dictionary, this book explores Christian faith with imagination and passion. You will not find obtuse, prosaic definitions. Instead you will discover creative, poetic imagery that will accompany you as you wrestle with your own faith seeking understanding.
“Preparing for a sermon can be a daunting task. Biblical commentaries give great insight into the theology of the text. However, the preacher always needs a way to ease into the Word in innovative ways. Rachael Keefe offers this innovation with her collection of theological poetry. Through it, the preacher can dance with the Word as the words of the poems bring to life each theological concept. Keefe’s book should be on the shelf of every preacher.” —J. Manny Santiago, University Baptist Church, Seattle, Washington
“I can walk through Barefoot Theology rapidly to get a feel of the ground covered, then slowly to experience its textures and to return repeatedly to the beginning of the pilgrimage. Dr. Keefe’s pastoral heart and theological mind unite as she invites us to reverent, rejoicing, realistic reliance on the God who guides and loves us all the way to the heart of life-giving love.” —Walter H. Wagner, Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
More on that Advent Book
From the back cover: This book invites the reader to experience Advent as a spiritual journey to Bethlehem, a journey from darkness to light. Each week explores the traditional themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that are present throughout the season. It begins on the first Sunday of Advent inviting the reader to be open to new or unexpected encounters with God, to find the mystery and wonder so often missed in day-to-day life. Each daily meditation offers a poetic, insightful reflection on scripture verses that voice the human spirit’s longing for the Holy Spirit–the continued struggle to find light in a dark world. As the journey unfolds, the reader will walk through the cold bleakness of the winter season and the bitterness of despair, guided by the hope, peace, joy, and love promised in Christ, fulfilled on Christmas Day.
“These Advent meditations are the most challenging, creative, and meaningful ones ever published. Rachael Keefe integrates her biblical knowledge, her pastoral and prophetic perspectives, her psychological and spiritual understanding of persons, and her own life’s pilgrimage to offer profound insights and challenges for our spiritual journey through Advent. Anyone’s Advent will be enriched and made more meaningful by interacting with Keefe’s soul and mind in the meditations.” —Merle Jordan, Emeritus Professor, Boston University School of Theology
One More Review
“Rachael Keefe offers individuals and communities of faith a fresh, timely, and authentic invitation to the season of Advent. Her readers will find thought-provoking verses with references and images that confirm the complexity of modern life. Through her poetry that resonates with Scripture, she opens up multiple layers of a lived faith that keeps hope alive in the midst of doubt. Readers will find the courage to dream again. This book is a valuable resource for personal reflections and public worship.” —Sharon G. Thornton, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Andover Newton Theological School
And a bit more on that book of Lenten meditations
From the back cover: This book invites the reader to experience Lent as a spiritual journey. It begins on Ash Wednesday with an invitation to engage with Christ, to have daily conversation with him, and to walk with him through the struggles and challenges of daily living. Each day offers a poetic, insightful meditation on Scripture verses that voice the human spirit’s longing for the Holy Spirit. As the journey unfolds, the reader will experience the searing heat of the desert sun and the confusing shadows of the wilderness. The invitation to follow Christ, seek Christ, and be found by Christ leads the reader through the perils of the season with the promise of Easter morning.
