From THE UNIVERSE. Sunday, October 11 1992
MY GALILEE, MY PEOPLE and TOGETHER IN MY NAME, Walking on Water Series of Books and Videos by John Wijngaards (Housetop, 39 Homer Street, London).
This series of Video Courses is the brainchild of Fr John Wijngunrds, Mill Hill priest, scripture scholar, and author of about 20 scripture publications. His experience in the biblical upostolate, in the written word und visual media, made him aware of the need for an instructional biblical series consisting of course books and video programmes that could be used by groups and individuals.
Work began on the project in 1985. Advice was sought from a wide range of theologians, religious education experts and catechists from various parts of the world. A pilot scheme was prepared and tried out. As a result, it hns now been decided that the series is to consist of seven courses.
Each course is to consist of a guide book which will offer practical suggestions as to how a group might organise itself in using the materiel n course book which will provide scriptural and theological materials for nine sessions, and three half~hour video progrnmmes. Each half-hour video is to be viewed in whole or in part during the three sessions to which it relates. As has been indicated above two courses are currently available My Galilee, My People and Together in My Name.
The course books in both courses have been written by John Wijngaards. They nre very readable, full of interesting information and well illustrated. Wijngaards is a writer who knows his subject and who is able to take the render along with him. 'I'he course books could he used on their own but participants will ohviously get more from them if they are used in connection with their respective videos.
The videos are of good quality and worth considering not only for their input but also for their ability to act as a catalyst for reflection and discussion. They have been filmed in Colombia, Brazil, Nairobi and London , thus reflecting the truly internationul churacter of the project. Care has been taken to ensure that malterial filmed in a purticular culture is intelligible beyond the culture. To achieve this, the language, symbols, sayings and wisdom of "ordinary people are used as much as possible.
My Galilee, My People, as the title suggests, deals with the province in which Jesus grew up, in which he began his ministry and in which he appeared after his resurrection.
Together in My Name provides a very interesting account of life in the ancient city of Anthioch where Jesus's followers were first called 'Christians' and of the development there from oral to written Gospel.
At this time of year many priests, catechists, adult education groups and justice and peace groups will be looking for "suitable material" for group work for the months ahead: in these video courses they will find material that is challenging. educative and worthy of consideration.
Fr Wijngaards and his team have not only displayed great evangelistic courage in undertaking this huge project, they are now displaying in the material that they are producing that they can deliver "user friendly" courses that will lead many to a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the Word of God.
For a review by RE expert Vicky Cosstick, click here.
To return to a description of the two courses, click on MY GALILEE MY PEOPLE or TOGETHER IN MY NAME.
