How many times have we sat through Bible readings in church and wondered what was just said, or wondered why the church does things in a certain way.
There is a new book on the shelves at McNally Robinson called The Whys Book: Pew Ponderings & Perplexities that helps to answer these questions.
The book is written by The Rev. Kenn Garrity, an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. It is a compilation of answers to 101 questions asked by his parishioners over the past few years.
Questions such as “Who was the Apostle Mark?”; “Is it true that each of us sees God in our own way?”; “Do our pets go to Heaven when they die?”
For the most part, Garrity uses historical facts and Biblical references to answer the questions but also puts his own slant or interpretation on some of them, giving a more personal and interesting perspective such as his take on the ‘reusable soul’.
Faith can be a very complex journey and The Whys Book offers one more tool to help us down this path.
There is no specific order to read this book, just find a question that catches your eye and read it.
You may agree or disagree with what is written but that serves as a challenge to further explore and to better understand your own faith.
The book is available at McNally’s or by contacting Rev. Garrity at PO Box 54073 Silver Heights PO, Winnipeg, MB., R3J 0L5. The cost is $19.95.
Rev. Garrity is currently doing Sunday services at Lac du Bonnet. He spent 40 years in the Canadian Forces in various capacities as well as being an ordained Anglican Priest. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife Wendy and their two children and four grandchildren.