Authentic Media Interview with Steve Morris, author of Lost in Wonder
In an age of fake news and mistrust of big narratives, the idea that there is a God-given sense of almost childish wonder available is a revolutionary thought. We are still yearning for wonder today, but maybe we are just looking for it in the wrong places. In his new book Lost in Wonder. Steve Morris invites us to look again at the world and discover the wonder in the everyday.
Steve Morris is currently at St Cuthbert’s, North Wembley, where he has initiated a national campaign to set up memory cafes. He also writes for The Spectator, Christian Today and Church of England Newspaper.
Steve, why did you decide to write Lost in Wonder?
I found that my faith was running dry, and I knew that there was this sense of wonderment that I was missing. I wanted to go on a journey of discovery for the wonderful life and the wonderful God.
Who have you written this book for?
All seekers, pastors, Christians, and those of no faith. It is about humbly wondering about wonder and seeing how it might transform the church from propositional truth-giving to enjoying the world around us, each other, and God.
What sparks wonder for you?
My pets, Creation, the garden, the love of my family and friends, art, poetry, and the sacrificial love I see all about me.
In lockdown, many people (with or without faith) found a new wonder in nature. Why do you think that is?
We have had time to look and listen. Even if we can’t go out and do things the birds etc are still going about their business.
Many people think that wonderment is a childlike quality that we grow out of – why do you think that it is important for us all to rediscover this sense of wonder as adults?
If we grow out of wonder then it is a very sad world, isn’t it? My quest was for wonder not to be a fleeting thing but part and parcel of everyday life.
You talk about wonder as being more than just an individual feeling but one that can have an impact on the way we see and interact with other people – what do you mean by that?
I am with C S Lewis on this. There is no such thing as an ordinary person. If that is so, then we need to cherish the people we share the planet with. We are wonders of construction – our bodies and minds are intricate. We live on a planet hurtling through space.
Can you explain a little more what you mean about the wonder of the incarnation, and why do you think we have lost a little bit of the awesome wonder of that truth in the church today?
The incarnation is the biggest miracle of all. God chose to be one of us. In that case, because he lived an everyday life, everyday life is made holy. I love the church, but I think that we can do more to acknowledge wonder and spend less time speaking at people.
What key bit of advice would you give to a church who wanted to try and bring a little more wonder into their services?
Stop talking, start watching.
What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book?
I hope they find it charming, thought-provoking, and very encouraging.
In one sentence, how would you describe Lost in Wonder?
A quest to rediscover wonderment.
Is there anything we can pray for you?
To continue feeling wonder and help others to see it and feel it.
Authentic Media
Authentic Media is a UK Christian publishing house committed to delivering quality Christian books, music and film to help people on their journey of faith. They are based in Milton Keynes.