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jcschildbach's review against another edition
5.0
I used to read theology fairly often 'for fun' -- and this book reminded me how great that can be. I guess I wouldn't strictly call this theology, as it's fairly heavily tilted toward autobiography/family history, with the theology being woven in thematically. But it's pretty fantastic reading the work of someone who has reached the pro leagues of theology discussing her struggles with keeping the faith and trying to hold to abstract spiritual principles in the face of real-world evils that are 'hitting close to home'--from abusive family members, to the Oklahoma City Bomber, to facing tough decisions about how to meet funding needs for her 'church'. The writing is brilliant but totally accessible.
lakesidegirl's review against another edition
3.0
The exploration of her Oklahoma and family roots and how those relate to her theological journey is very interesting. Particularly timely is her discussion of her connections to the Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995.
And I don't really want to be that kind of person, but she says that the bombing happened the same day as her regular "Tuesday lecture," but April 19, 1995, was a Wednesday. I think the OKC Bombing has become linked in memory to 9/11's Tuesday morning. Small details like that just make my brain spin.
And I don't really want to be that kind of person, but she says that the bombing happened the same day as her regular "Tuesday lecture," but April 19, 1995, was a Wednesday. I think the OKC Bombing has become linked in memory to 9/11's Tuesday morning. Small details like that just make my brain spin.
lukenotjohn's review
3.5
I found deep value in Jones's writing and theological imagination in [b:Trauma and Grace: Theology in a Ruptured World, 2nd Edition|45029825|Trauma and Grace Theology in a Ruptured World, 2nd Edition|Serene Jones|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555103977l/45029825._SY75_.jpg|69712793], so opted to give this a go when I found it on sale after Christmas. As a graduate of Denison University's religion department (known as a feeder into Union Theological Seminary) and a seminarian elsewhere, I'd say that I was most curious to read about Jones's experiences as the president there. In the end, there's literally only one chapter that actually focuses on that season of her life, and it reads as a sort of apologia for the enormously controversial choice she made early into her time in the role to sell off a corner of campus to what will be 42 stories of luxury condos. Given Union's reputation as the quintessential progressive, social-justice-centered seminary (a legacy that's merited, sure, but a bit cringily overblown by Jones), this promotion of capitalistic gentrification has earned scathing critique from students, alumni, and faculty. I will say that Jones makes a decent case for her sense of having no other feasible options that would keep the seminary open (a factor that, annoyingly, few seem to acknowledge in the critiques I found).
But for better or for worse, that's not really what the book's about. Jones situates her narrative as a reflection on our roots as the thing that shapes us, and there is extensive reflection on her Oklahoma upbringing and the family that she comes from. Perhaps a bit too much? The book read somewhat bloated to me, and I think it would've been improved by paring down the earlier chapters which focus on different members of Jones's family tree. I was honestly tempted to give up about 40 pages in, but powered through and am ultimately glad I did. Of course, a memoir is a particular personal writing endeavor, and I have the sense that Jones wrote this more for herself and her family than for potential readers.
Thankfully, it picks up steam once she reaches young adulthood in the narrative, and I was particularly engaged by her chapter on the year she lived in India as a seminarian, her reflections on breath via the near-death experiences of her daughter and herself, and the aforementioned chapter on Union. Interestingly, those stand out amid the collection as entries that could function as independent essays, and are less intertwined with the book's more central arc of Jones and her family. And maybe that's the issue? The book tries to offer an unflinchingly honest reflection of Jones's complicated family and the trials they've faced, a love letter to her Oklahoma origins, and a theological reflection informed by those who came before her on pivotal episodes from Jones's life. We're told they all intertwine, but it didn't feel that way, and I personally preferred the third category most.
P.S. I am absolutely BAFFLED that the vindictive, merciless, unhinged woman Jones's describes as her mother spent decades as a successful marriage and family counselor and spiritual director!! And a bit troubled that her father, who otherwise comes across like such a marvelous man here, never seemed troubled by his wife's cruelty towards their children to knock her off the pedestal he held her on.
But for better or for worse, that's not really what the book's about. Jones situates her narrative as a reflection on our roots as the thing that shapes us, and there is extensive reflection on her Oklahoma upbringing and the family that she comes from. Perhaps a bit too much? The book read somewhat bloated to me, and I think it would've been improved by paring down the earlier chapters which focus on different members of Jones's family tree. I was honestly tempted to give up about 40 pages in, but powered through and am ultimately glad I did. Of course, a memoir is a particular personal writing endeavor, and I have the sense that Jones wrote this more for herself and her family than for potential readers.
Thankfully, it picks up steam once she reaches young adulthood in the narrative, and I was particularly engaged by her chapter on the year she lived in India as a seminarian, her reflections on breath via the near-death experiences of her daughter and herself, and the aforementioned chapter on Union. Interestingly, those stand out amid the collection as entries that could function as independent essays, and are less intertwined with the book's more central arc of Jones and her family. And maybe that's the issue? The book tries to offer an unflinchingly honest reflection of Jones's complicated family and the trials they've faced, a love letter to her Oklahoma origins, and a theological reflection informed by those who came before her on pivotal episodes from Jones's life. We're told they all intertwine, but it didn't feel that way, and I personally preferred the third category most.
P.S. I am absolutely BAFFLED that the vindictive, merciless, unhinged woman Jones's describes as her mother spent decades as a successful marriage and family counselor and spiritual director!! And a bit troubled that her father, who otherwise comes across like such a marvelous man here, never seemed troubled by his wife's cruelty towards their children to knock her off the pedestal he held her on.
laurakisthardt's review
5.0
Before I knew of this book, a classmate and I were speaking about the need for grace in our community. This book, part-memoir and part-theological reflection, was a great read! It gave me so much to think about. Jones doesn't shy away from telling challenging stories, some embarrassing, some sad, and many other emotions. Highly recommend!