Faith on the Frontier

Reviews / Votes

'Book of the Day' The Herald 'This is an outstanding biography. Those who are willing to accept the challenge of reading a substantial book instead of skimming througha pile of shallow paperbacks will find much to stir the mind, search the conscience, inspire the soul, and prompt a new understanding of what Christian ministry and mission on the frontiers of life really involve.' Bernard Green, Baptist Ministers' Journal 'Keith Clements has magnificently set out this long and fruitful life. It deserves many readers - and disciples.' Martin Conway, International Bulletin of Missionary Research 'Keith Clements in this magisterial and reflective book does justice to a great man and his legacy. Building on published work by Kathleen Bliss, beautifully written and produced, it is more than a biography. It is a history of the modern ecumenical movement written around the life of one of its outstanding pioneers; but in conformity with the character of its subject it maintains a critical distance throughout.' Dr John Arnold, Dean of Durham, Church Times 'What better way to celebrate the turn of the century than to publish a full and profound study of the life of a man to whom, in the words of the preacher at his memorial service in 1969, 'the ecumenical movement owes more than to any other of its pioneers'? Yet the name of Joseph Oldham will be little known today until this admirable book is given the wide-ranging attention it deserves.' Martin Conway, Modern Believing 'This is a work well worth waiting for, which should be priority reading for all with an interest in the development of the modern ecumenical movement and the problems of Christian witness today. A well-researched book of solid academic excellence.' E. M. Jackson, British and Irish Assocation of Missionary Studies Newsletter 'Great theological and clerical biographies of the modern period are few and far between, but arguably Clements' book must rank among them. I find it impossible to fault his approach. His style is clear and light, without being superficial.' Jeremy Morris, Reviews in Religion and Theology 'This book is a must for anyone interested in the missionary movement or the rise of the ecumenical movement in the twentieth century. Clements comments that 'Oldham was one of the most creative people, in any field, to have lived and worked in the twentieth century'. That is a bold claim, but having read this splendid book it is hard not to agree.' Mary Tanner, Theology 'I am delighted to review Keith Clements' splendid and long-awaited book. [. . .] His book is remarkable for its range and depth. Clements introduces the reader to the workings of an outstanding spirit, whose mind and heart were dedicated to the service of God in times which, partially at least, are still our own.' Martin Conway, Sobornost 'An important subject demands excellence in his biographer and Oldham has certainly found that in Keith Clements in this exciting biography which is a delight to read. [. . .] If requested for an authoritative introduction to the witness of the church in the first half of the twentieth century, I should be inclined to recommend this book, first because of the extent of Oldham's involvement with so many themes and, secondly, because of the careful way in which Clements helps the reader to understand the significance of the story he has to tell.' Professor John Briggs, The Baptist Quarterly 'Keith Clements has produced a fascinating biography, thoroughly researched and providing fresh insights into the ecumenical movement from a different angle. [. . .] This is a masterly account of a highly influential, self-effacing man, whose career impinged on so many of the key issues of his day. Frontiersmen are rarely adequately appreciated in their time.' Julian Charley, Anvil