Canter Bridge

This handsome, sturdy reference work serves up the words of Jesus on an A-to-Z thematic basis with a simple, serviceable intro to each citation under the rubric of ‘setting’. The result is a highly accessible compendium to Jesus’ words, neither illuminated nor obscured by commentary, with just enough context to establish their environment.

It would be difficult not to be grateful for such a sourcebook.

My only concern is that the book will be used outside of an adequate canonical context in the way of ‘red letter editions’ of the Bible. Whether intended or not, such works are frequently used by Christians who will privilege the presumed ‘true words of Jesus’ in a way that lowers the New Testament’s (to say nothing of the entire Bible’s) full-orbed witness. To do runs counter to the canonical discernment of the Church, which refuses the option of relegating, say, Paul’s or John’s reflections to a secondary level of authority and/or relevance.

Such a practice can hardly be laid at the feet of this book’s editor. Still, this reviewer would urge Mr. Price and his publisher to launch a preemptive strike against the potential aberration by producing a companion volume entitled ‘What does Paul say about …’ and another entitled ‘What would John say about ….

Meanwhile, this work serves as what my military friends might call a ‘force multiplier’. Keep it near your elbow.