Hans van Mourik Broekman, who teaches RS at LC and former head of expressive arts Brian Donnelly have combined to author a book of paintings and reflections, introducing young people and adults to Christianity.
Below an early review:
The Experience of Christianity. By Hans van Mourik Broekman and Brian Donnelly. (Liverpool College Press, 2021), pp.88. Available from Amazon @ £9.95 or Kindle @ £1.99. ISBN 9781838104269.
This is a textbook which can be used in Religious Education with different age-groups in secondary schools. In ten short chapters readers are introduced to key features of the experience of Christians. There are no texts that suit every teacher and every class. However, this one provides an interesting, original and very worthwhile contribution, one which seems likely to invite students to think carefully and authentically about important aspects of Christianity. The author and the artist whose work illustrates the book in bright and striking colours both teach in Liverpool. No prior knowledge of Christianity is assumed. Several features mark out this book as original, refreshing and relevant for classroom use: its use of the personal voice is very effective; it invites readers into a dialogue and stimulates them to think for themselves; the language is clear, accessible and straightforward; it is not burdened by religious jargon or off-putting technical terms; the way it begins by exploring the experience of meeting and being changed by such meetings is a fertile entry-point for the accessing the experience of the first disciples. The Food for Thought sections pose excellent questions. The scripture passages, along with straightforward commentaries, really do open up the text. Down-to-earth examples ensure the book is engaging. The treatment of such topics as mystery, Spirit and Holy Spirit, following Jesus and the role of the Church is rarely done as well as it is here. There is doctrinal substance in this book but it is (thankfully) not over-emphasized, nor is it introduced in daunting detail. There are many factors which influence the teacher-learner relationship and how students engage with the material put before them. So much depends on the relationship between teacher and pupil and the assumptions, the outlook and attitudes brought to the classroom; also a great deal depends on what is experienced in the rest of the school, as well as outside it (in the home and in society). However, this stand-alone volume succeeds admirably in introducing pupils (and often their teachers) to central aspects of the experience of being a Christian.
John Sullivan, Emeritus Professor (Christian Education), Liverpool Hope University
Hans Broekman
Hans van Mourik Broekman is Principal of Liverpool College, an outstanding all through boarding and day school in Liverpool
