The Quaker approach to the Christian scriptures is a radical one, (valuing) not so much the words of scripture as the Spirit, the source from which those words sprang. It seems to me that Edward Walker in Treasure Beneath the Hearth complements this in modern terms, as he looks at the life and teaching of Jesus 'in the light both of modern biblical scholarship and of the insights intio human living provided by depth psychology.' He explores what kind of religion we are looking at: whether it is furthering human development or paralysing it. He are gues that a contemporary spirituality must be a critical one: any focus on the Christ of theology has to include an awareness of his life and teaching, and the ways in which this has been transmitted by the gospel authors to particular people in particular circumstances. Yet the concept of Jesus lodged in the minds of most British people is a totally inadequate one for a robust adult to use for their own human development in an exploration of their inner world. The objective of the book is to help readers to 'dig beneath the hearth' and ee whether they find something only of antique interest, or something 'which can contribute to contemporary human living.' I share Edward Walker's view of the value of bioth myth and modern scholarship in our understanding Jesus of the gospel, but I wonder how this can be implemented amongst Friends and by churches? I would have liked the author to share more of his experience, as an effective teacher of religious education to teenagers, in how to do it. We would all benefit from that help. ~ Michael Wright, The Friend, 1 April 2016

This book is addressed to those who feel a hunger for a more spiritual life, and yet are unsure of the route to follow. Can the modern searcher find spiritual treasure in Christianity? Walker covers the mythos/logos argument elaborated by Karen Armstrong, and argues vigorously for the value of poetry and imagination in our apprehension of the world. He is strongly influenced by Jung's ideas of images of wholeness" within our being. He considers that the modern searcher needs a spirituality which expresses itself in terms of a contemporary culture. With the searcher in mind, he covers modern approaches to reading the Bible and to prayer and refers briefly to the need to take part in communal worship. Some may be put off by his frequent habit of referencing other writers, while some may find this helpful for further study. It will be of interest to anyone searching for a new spiritual direction. ~ Val Smith, Progressive Voices, December 2015

The main argument (of Treasure Beneath the Hearth) draws upon a reinstatement of myth combined with insights from within psychoanalysis - Carl Jung is frequently drawn upon - before proceeding to examine the gospels' accounts of the teaching and place of Jesus. This is not narrowly attempted: the writer is clear as to the sources of his thinking and cites them generously. Other traditions are treated respectfully while attention is drawn to their uses of myth. Early in my reading, I felt that I was facing a rich collage drawn from the experience of a lifetime and an enviable breadth of reading. Later, the image developed into that of a tapestry, the materials are so carefully interwoven, the threads linking the many instances are easily understood.... Completing my reading, I realised that I had been on a journey with a companion who has generously shared his experience, perceptions and interpretations which I could receive as grounds for hope - a gift indeed. I hope the book gains a wide readership. ~ David Lambourn, SOFIA, Sept 2015

Treasure Beneath The Hearth provides a much needed guide for those who can no longer accept traditional Christian teaching but want to remain Christians. It is all the more powerful because the author describes travelling that road himself. He urges us to understand the importance of myth in interpreting the gospels stories of the life of Jesus and to rid ourselves of the commonly held belief that myth equals untruth. ~ Mark Tully, BBC broadcaster

This intelligent and well-written slim volume provides seekers and thinking believers with food for the journey, enabling what Paul Riceour called a ‘second naivete’ that embraces the truth of Jesus alongside rational inquiry. ~ Carla A Grosch-Miller , Reform Magazine | September 2016

I have gained hugely from this book. The author has a great gift for lucid and succinct exposition of material sometimes seen as 'difficult'. Like many teachers from outside 'HE' he takes the trouble to make things crystal clear, and in this case very important things, to me. ~ Dr. Stephen Yeo, Late Principal, Ruskin College, Oxford

This is a wise book which offers a short, reliable course in theology; but more than that, it offers a lifetime's reflections on how one might live well. It is in turn moving, learned and thought provoking. It is a privilege to read, and will repay re-reading. I am delighted that through this book the depth of the author's understanding and his humanity are to be open to a much wider set of students than those he taught during his career as a teacher. ~ Professor Beverly Clack, Professor in Philosophy of Religion at Oxford Brookes University

I found Edward Walker's book clearly written, informative, and easy to read. It could be seen as an apologia for his private journey from firm belief to one of greater uncertainty in his religious quest; in this respect it echoed my own journey, and I suspect that of many others who have contributed to the emptying of the churches but have felt unhappy about joining the band of cynics who see any religious belief as a delusion. The value of this short book lies in its capacity to stimulate thought and discussion, perhaps enabling the theist and atheist to review their belief systems, and the agnostic to develop the rich ideas stemming from a less fearful uncertainty. ~ Dr Peter Agulnik, MBS, DPM, FRCPsych. Recently retired psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oxford for over 40 years.

I found this a well-written, intelligently constructed and interesting book. The author's professional background, both in the Church and in education, has stood him in good stead. He has a flair for explaining complex idea clearly. His conviction that society needs to reconnect with myths - and with religious faith - gives his writing its impassioned quality. It is a book that is evidently the fruit of a considerable period of reading and reflection. ~ Sibyl Ruth, Poet and author; reader, The Literary Consultancy, London