James Butler – författare

Following a critical analysis of the pedagogical theology and practice of Christian learning, this book develops a radical alternative account of ‘faith learning’. Recognising the ways in which institutionally anxious churches are turning to processes of education and ‘discipling’, it takes the reader through a theological action research journey to offer a practical–theological response to the question of how Christian faith is learnt and handed on in ways that really make a difference. Through close engagement with the practicalities of one declining denomination (British Methodism), the authors offer a distinctive vision of Christian learning and enable fresh thinking and practice. There is a call for a move beyond educational ‘courses’ towards a more profound engagement with the complexities of real life as not only the place but the ‘matter’ of faith learning. Theologically, the book offers a vision which pursues questions of divine and human agency, the work of the Spirit in ‘learning’, the role of normative tradition, and the important place of Christian lay people and their daily lives in learning. Ultimately, it seeks to give substance to a fresh concept of ‘faith learning’, which is holistic, integrative, and inductively achieved, and finds its fulfilment in lives lived in faith, hope, and love.

Following a critical analysis of the pedagogical theology and practice of Christian learning, this book develops a radical alternative account of ‘faith learning’. Recognising the ways in which institutionally anxious churches are turning to processes of education and ‘discipling’, it takes the reader through a theological action research journey to offer a practical–theological response to the question of how Christian faith is learnt and handed on in ways that really make a difference. Through close engagement with the practicalities of one declining denomination (British Methodism), the authors offer a distinctive vision of Christian learning and enable fresh thinking and practice. There is a call for a move beyond educational ‘courses’ towards a more profound engagement with the complexities of real life as not only the place but the ‘matter’ of faith learning. Theologically, the book offers a vision which pursues questions of divine and human agency, the work of the Spirit in ‘learning’, the role of normative tradition, and the important place of Christian lay people and their daily lives in learning. Ultimately, it seeks to give substance to a fresh concept of ‘faith learning’, which is holistic, integrative, and inductively achieved, and finds its fulfilment in lives lived in faith, hope, and love.

The second of two books in the 18-volume official history of the Second World War describing the  1944-45 campaigns in western Europe. Opening in September 1944, the book describes Montgomery’s plan to ‘leapfrog’ the River Rhine, and Eisenhower’s preference for a ‘broad front’ advance. After the failure of the British attempt to outflank the Germans with the airborne landings at Arnhem, the book describes the slow Allied advance into the Low Countries. Hammered by the relentless bombing raids of the RAF and USAF, Hitler attempted an audacious counterattack through the snowbound Ardennes in December, which, after initial success, was thrown back in the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. Setting the final fighting in the context of debate and disagreement among the Allies on post-war policy towards Germany, the authors narrate the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945, and the subsequent rapid collapse of a shattered and demoralised Germany. The book concludes with the meeting of the western allies and Russian forces on the Elbe, the grim discovery of the Nazi concentration camps, Hitler’s suicide, and the surrender of the German armed forces to Montgomery on Luneburg Heath. There are eleven appendices on the forces engaged, and such subjects as the post-war allied administration of Germany. The book is illustrated with 8 general maps, 16 situation maps, 20 sketch maps and 61 photographs.

The first of two books in the 18-volume official British History of the Second World War dealing with D-Day and its consequences: the liberation of German-occupied western Europe in 1944-45. This volume begins by describing the origins and development of Operation ‘Overlord’ - the ambitious Anglo-American plan to invade Normandy. With subsidiary sections on such subjects as the French Resistance, attempts to assassinate Hitler, and new technology, - including the artificial ‘Mulberry’ harbours, - the authors describe D-Day itself with its airborne assaults, naval bombardment and seaborne landings on Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches. They narrate the hard fighting as the Allies secure their bridgehead and push inland, capturing Cherbourg and Caen, and enveloping the main German defending armies at the battle of the Falaise Gap. The book culminates with  the liberation of Paris at the end of August, and ends with Eisenhower and Montgomery poised to cross the Rhine. Supported by ten appendices on the forces engaged, the book is lavishly illustrated with 5 general maps, 20 situation maps, 26 sketch maps and diagrams, and 63 photographs.