World’s oldest Methodist newspaper praises John Harnish’s E. Stanley Jones book for Advent

WE’RE CELEBRATING the praise for John Harnish’s inspiring book, 30 Days with E. Stanley Jones, in the world’s oldest weekly newspaper, the UK-based Methodist Recorder. 

The Recorder is highly regarded by religion journalists around the world for continuously publishing since 1861. United Methodist historians might argue that the “oldest” church newspaper is The Christian Advocate, founded in 1826. Given the huge expansion of the church in the 1830s, The Advocate briefly flowered as the largest weekly newspaper in the United States—but eventually faded like many church publications. The Advocate continues today only as a well-known banner on publications produced during occasional global gatherings of United Methodist leaders.

Such history is relevant because, in his heyday, E. Stanley Jones set his own records for the sales and circulation of his many books—which is one of the true stories recounted in Harnish’s book.

In her review for The Methodist Recorder, the Rev. Cathy Bird wrote, in part: 

Harnish cleverly weaves together anecdotes and episodes from Jones’ life with prayers and other nuggets of his theological wisdom and in doing so makes profound connections with the modern world. … The book uses Jones’ work to help us reflect from a Christian perspective on such contemporary realities as racial and gender justice, global economics, interfaith relations, health, world peace and the nature of democracy.

Toward the end of her review, Bird recommends this book, which includes a discussion guide, to congregations for a special small-group series during Advent, the Christian season that leads up to Christmas.

Click on the image below to see read a higher-resolution version of Bird’s entire review: