The narrative captures the author's missionary journey in Africa, detailing his experiences teaching Anglican seminarians in Lesotho during the 1980s and later in Malawi. As a Catholic priest with a doctorate from the University of Wales, he reflects on the valuable lessons the Western world can learn from African culture, emphasizing the interplay between faith and cultural understanding.
The book explores the disillusionment of the Victorian belief in a world moving towards peace, contrasting it with the brutal realities of the 20th century, particularly World War I. It examines "the pity of war" through the perspectives of artists and poets, highlighting the horrors often censored from public view. The narrative then traces the evolution of thoughts on war's conduct and morality throughout history, culminating in a final chapter that poses the question of whether any lessons remain to be learned from these reflections.
The book chronicles the experiences of theologian Rodney Schofield and his wife Sarah as they navigate missionary life in Malawi. Through their journey, they reveal the unexpected aspects of the country, offering insights into its culture, challenges, and the joys of their work. Their personal anecdotes provide a unique perspective on faith and service in a vibrant, yet complex environment.
Exploring the origins of Biblical and Qur'anic literature, Rodney Schofield reconstructs their historical contexts while reassessing classical theories. He highlights the shared perspectives among the scriptures of the Abrahamic faiths—Torah, Gospel, and Qur'an—emphasizing their common heritage. Schofield argues that recognizing this shared legacy can enhance mutual understanding and encourage respectful coexistence among followers of these faiths.
The Emerging Church offers an overview, not of the theological teachings that developed in the apostolic Church, but of its liturgical life and social organisation. The distinction is not of course absolute, since the character of Christian communities reflected the beliefs they held.