'Abide in me as I abide in you... As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.'
Abiding is not a word we have much use for in everyday conversation. Yet Ben Quash shows that this one concept is central to the Christian life.
Abiding, as Quash demonstrates, has the sense of full personal commitment, a quality of solidarity that 'waiting' just cannot convey. It speaks of the centrality of order, consistency and continuity in the Christian tradition, of God's commitment to us and ours to our communities.
On the other hand, the kind of 'abiding' that Jesus calls his followers to is one of relinquishment, openness and change, living a life out of one's own control so as to 'abide' in Him.
Drawing on the wisdom and imagery of modern fiction, film and art, as well as examples of key figures in the classical Christian tradition, Quash skilfully and creatively explores the implications that 'abiding' has for our bodies and minds, our relationships and communities, and our spiritual lives.
