'The Face of the Deep' by Paul J. Pastor

 

 

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, personal development. 

 

Many Christians don't have a clear idea of the Holy Spirit's role in their life. Yet Scripture is full of stories that show the Spirit as a vibrant, personal being.

The Face of the Deep invites you on a quest for the Holy Spirit that journeys through our world and Bible. The adventure is infused with wonder and symbolic imagination—from the black void of Genesis 1 all the way through the explosive re-creation at the close of Revelation. You'll encounter the love and power of the Holy Spirit revealed through the beauty of creation, art, history, and theology. 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

This book examines the role which the Holy Spirit plays in our individual lives. It's not an easy book to read straight through, but when we push on, there are some nuggets to dwell on, prompting further thought. I've got to admit, I often found it easy to put down and grab other books instead. I've come across the auditory equivalent of this book many times. Have you ever tried to keep track of a sermon when the pastor seems to waffle, and keeps trying to cluster seemingly disparate points under the one heading? That's what this book reminded me of. 

 

Paul J. Pastor spends a fair bit of time discussing his own ideas about the movement of the Holy Spirit, through what he's observed in nature, relationships, creativity and the passing of time. That's fine, except that the blurb gives the impression that he's also going to guide us to recognise definite input of the Holy Spirit in our lives based on what's in the pages of scripture. Rather than clearing readers' confused thoughts, this seems to be yet another rambling text adding to what's circulating out in the world already.

So overall, I'd say that although there are several interesting paragraphs which we could use as kick-starters for our own creativity, it's not necessarily going to help make the person of the Holy Spirit seem any less elusive. 

 

Thanks to NetGalley and David C. Cook for my review copy 

2.5 stars