Books by Kevin Treston

The marginalisation of Christianity in Western societies is a growing crisis for contemporary believers. One positive response is to deepen our own faith journeys through adult life and faith formation that should always be a priority in evangelisation.Opening Doors: A Seeker's Reflections on the Rooms of Christian Living takes seriously the invitation of the Lord for us to open the door to him, and with confidence consider how our faith may be enhanced and energised through the wisdoms of contemporary theology and spirituality. The book is written for those whom Charles Taylor describes as 'seekers' - Christians who are searching to reconcile their faith with emerging insights from modern science, cosmology and consciousness.We are invited to open eleven doors and enter eleven rooms of Christian living. Each room offers a flavour of each of the topics in the Christian Story followed by focused questions for individual reflection and shared conversations in self-directed groups. The topics of the rooms include everyday spirituality, the universe story, humans and religion, the mystery of God, meeting Jesus, the church, ministry, women and faith communities, a Christian ethical way of life, Christian spiritualities and faith communities in a global world.

There is general agreement that Christianity in the West is facing a major crisis, with research confirming that there is a rapid decline in church membership, especially among young people.Why is this happening? And does the crisis present opportunities for the church in its evangelising mission? Why has the life and teachings of Jesus - the way of Jesus - become so complicated?Based on a key New Testament text that the Spirit 'blows where it wills', the author argues that part of the problem is that so much of Church doctrine, structure and life is based on a world view that no longer makes sense. In faith, he reflects on how the Jesus tradition can be presented to a world where scientific discovery makes us aware of our planet within a vast universe and the interconnectedness of every living thing in the cosmos.He asks what are the implications of this new cosmic awareness for the Christian story in the third millennium? He well understands the experience of those many people who have abandoned traditional church communities yet express deep longings for spiritual sustenance and support to lead a good life; and to find meaning in their Christian heritage or recover something of a lost faith heritage.He calls for serious and sustained renewal in the church, attentive to the Spirit, learning to trust, listen, study, celebrate, act and above all, discern the most authentic paths to experience the presence of a living God in our ever-evolving world.This call includes a series of 'what if' questions to stimulate thought, reflection, discussion and planning. It includes spiritual renewal and meditation, the recovery of lectio divina, the strengthening of prayer and meditation, a renewed appreciation of the arts and music, an attitude of wonder and thanks for the beauty and complexity of our cosmos.