Ruth Leigh reviews Letters for Exiles by Andy Lamberton
The word ‘exiles’ is loaded with connotations in our society. We may think of those forced to flee from their own countries, escaping persecution, poverty or war. Yet this new book by Andy Lamberton takes the concept of exile and places it firmly at the heart of where we are now. Subtitled, ‘Faithful Living in a Faithless World’, it is aimed at young Christians who live in an increasingly secular society, those who are pursuing a counter-cultural lifestyle, modelling Christ to those who may never have heard his name except as a swear word.
Just as Daniel found himself exiled to a society which did not acknowledge God, Lamberton has written this book as a resource to help young people living in a very similar situation in the 21st century. He has woven it engagingly around the premise of a series of letters to Daniel from his mentor, a man named Abel, writing to encourage, inspire and feed his faith. I loved the fact that Abel was a bondservant to Daniel’s family, his former tutor in fact, and that their relationship has matured and grown. They are not equals in the eyes of their society, but as two godly men they have a relationship which is shot through with a living faith. Abel knows that Daniel will need a wise mentor to advise and guide him, and this notion is a thread which runs through the entire narrative.
To get the most from the book, it’s suggested that the reader finds a mentor or a small group and meets with them regularly to talk and pray. Each section ends with a list of questions for discussion to deepen understanding and encourage growth and stronger faith.
Daniel has to leave his family to go and live in Babylon. The author cleverly draws comparisons between this ancient society and ours. The Babylonians do not seek to change minds by brutality and force, but gradually, by exposure to a different kind of culture, re-education in a new way of living without God. In just the same way that young Christians today may be mocked for their faith by their peers, encouraged to ignore the Sabbath and tempted to indulge in harmful practices, so Daniel and his three friends are leaving behind their godly society and facing difficult challenges.
Abel asks Daniel: ‘Will you be selfish or kind? Godly or diluted? Decisive or ambivalent? Prayerful or ignorant? Consistent with your values or changeable of heart?’
These questions go straight to the heart of the increasingly tough challenge of being a follower of Jesus in a secular society. In a world dominated by short attention spans, one-click shopping, boxset bingeing and individualism, it’s difficult for young people to keep their faith strong. The questions at the end of each chapter focus the mind with visualisations, prayer outlines and suggestions for helpful activities. The book is divided neatly into sections, which makes it more of a reference manual than a heavy read. This alone will recommend it to its target readers.
I particularly liked the way Lamberton posed questions as the chapter titles in the first part of the book. ‘Am I Strong Enough?’ and ‘How Does My Worldview Differ?’ were the ones which really stood out for me. Young Christians will be asking themselves just that as they travel through life.
Lamberton reminds us that God is in charge, even in the most frightening and unfamiliar situations. The wise voice of Abel underpins the entire book, calm, courageous and entirely God-breathed. Lamberton covers a lot of ground – identity, direction, sin, living in a faithless and increasingly secular world, holiness, commitment and forgiveness. He uses the image of the potter with his clay, moulding the pliable material into something new and beautiful, something which will resonate with many parents and youth leaders.
Letters for Exiles is a book which is needed for such a time as this. Those who buy it for their children or youth group will benefit from knowing that its gentle wisdom will help them with the challenges of negotiating school, further education and working in an ever more secular society. Lamberton reassures, teaches, inspires and encourages in an easy-to-read, epistolary style, which reminds his readers that God created them just as they are for his own wonderful purpose and that however difficult it is to swim against the tide, they have a powerful friend and Father swimming right alongside them.
Together Magazine
Together is the Christian resources magazine for the UK, with stories of what God is doing across the church today, book reviews and publishing industry news. Subscribe now at www.togethermagazine.org.