The Ghost of Perfection : Searching for Humanity by Joseph Haward

The Ghost of Perfection : Searching for Humanity by Joseph Haward

Not a review, just an initial reaction.

I enjoyed this book. It made me think. Joseph Haward honestly admits that it is a distillate and blending of the works of others ( e.g. Girard, Ellul, Gregory of Nyssa ). I was out of my depth quite often in this book paying the price for my lack of knowledge of the Eastern Patriarchs and contemporary film despite explanations in the text. At times I struggled with the words used; but I gained valuable insights from this book the aim of which was to find “what it means to be human in light of the person of Jesus”. I would recommend any thoughtful Christian to read this book because of the importance of the theme and the essential pearls to be found with in, even if like me you are not a professional theologian.

The subtitle of the book is “Searching for Humanity”. I learnt more about what harms our humanity than what it means to be human. The search for the ills inflicted on humanity is a praiseworthy aim and the author gives critiques of two entities that have the potential to drain us of our humanity ; some forms of evangelicalism and consumerism. Sadly the former has been heavily influenced by the latter. Both seek perfection and both are disappointed but do not know it.

Out of this careful thinking are born precious insights. Haward's analyses of Triumphalism, a Fix it God,and violence are invaluable. He has set so many hounds running . More books are called for “ True humanity revealed by Divinity”( a commentary on the Gospels) to name but one. He has been so careful not to write a self help manual or create new rules of behaviour that he has avoided spelling out any practical implications of his thinking. Another book perhaps “Laying the Ghost of Perfection “?

Peter M. Grinham 29.9.2017

On Writing

On Writing

There are two types of writing

1. For oneself where anything goes.
2. For others. Here the reader rules. Is the writing understood? Does it help the reader?

In answering these last two questions I have been guided by two women.

1. Our church caretaker who asked “ What would our toddlers’ mums make of that?” ( A toddler’s mum could be a girl just out of school or a high flying intellectual.) A crude guide is to keep both sentences and words short. Brevity is the key to clarity.
2. My mother who asked, “ How does that help me make a better rice pudding ? Our writing must touch our reader’s life. Contact is the key to impact.

Peter M. Grinham 16^th September 2017