Last fall I took a class from Dr. Bruland. She is one of the greatest instructors I have ever had. Her openness, intelligence and ability to communicate led me to figure out what I believe in many areas that I had either ignored or (worse) in which I had accepted the thoughts of others as my own. It was only after completing her course that I decided to pick up one Dr. Bruland's books: "Regathering."

"Regathering" has challenged my ideas every bit as much as Dr. Bruland's class. Once more, I am struck by her honesty and openness. Once more, I have been given the opportunity to figure out exactly what I believe.

"Regathering" is a book full of testimonies. Christians from varying backgrounds discuss what they think Christ's prayer for unity among believers means not only for their lives, but also for life within their traditions.

Several of the participants chose to remain anonymous; some give their names and backgrounds. Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants all weigh in with their thoughts, fears, experiences, and dreams.

I myself came skeptically to this book. All too often, "ecumenism" has struck me as something that Churches which no longer function do to pass the time--an excuse for one more committee and some self-important busy-work. The testimonies in this book, along with the insightful commentary by Dr. Bruland have partially convinced me otherwise.

I still feel a lot of Ecumenism is misguided. Yet "Regathering" itself is a strong witness to the growth that can happen when different kinds of Christians sit down and discuss the things that bind, as well as divide them.

I give "Regathering" my highest recommendation.

Last fall I took a class from Dr. Bruland. She is one of the greatest instructors I have ever had. Her openness, intelligence and ability to communicate led me to figure out what I believe in many areas that I had either ignored or (worse) in which I had accepted the thoughts of others as my own. It was only after completing her course that I decided to pick up one Dr. Bruland's books: "Regathering."

"Regathering" has challenged my ideas every bit as much as Dr. Bruland's class. Once more, I am struck by her honesty and openness. Once more, I have been given the opportunity to figure out exactly what I believe.

"Regathering" is a book full of testimonies. Christians from varying backgrounds discuss what they think Christ's prayer for unity among believers means not only for their lives, but also for life within their traditions.

Several of the participants chose to remain anonymous; some give their names and backgrounds. Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants all weigh in with their thoughts, fears, experiences, and dreams.

I myself came skeptically to this book. All too often, "ecumenism" has struck me as something that Churches which no longer function do to pass the time--an excuse for one more committee and some self-important busy-work. The testimonies in this book, along with the insightful commentary by Dr. Bruland have partially convinced me otherwise.

I still feel a lot of Ecumenism is misguided. Yet "Regathering" itself is a strong witness to the growth that can happen when different kinds of Christians sit down and discuss the things that bind, as well as divide them.

I give "Regathering" my highest recommendation.