Dr Stephen C Lovatt

Testaments Dr Stephen C Lovatt

This is my fifth book of poetry, but the first which has a pronounced and definite character. This volume consists of previously published work together with a number of new poems - all relating to or inspired by Biblical stories, books or ideas. Many of the previously published poems appear here in a revised - and, I hope, improved - form. This volume is arranged in accordance with the parts of the Old and New Testaments, hence its name. The section called "Acts" starts with poems inspired by events in the life of the Early Church and concludes with three poems relating to the contemporary world. A number of themes permeate the collection: "Fire," "Autonomy," "Human ethical competence," "Friendship," "The Eucharist or Mass," "Sin as Separation," "Sacrifice as lifting up," "Atonement as reconciliation," "Justification as Theosis or Divinization and as Education." Ample end-notes highlight these themes, clarify some points of theology and also reference Bible verses and texts taken from Plato's writings. To a degree this volume is a poetic re-working of my theological treatise "The Good of Being" and if you are interested in the ideas contained here, I would recommend that you read that book also.