A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief: R. S. Thomas and His Poetry

R. S. Thomas (1913-2000) was a major poet of the twentieth century. He was respected by luminaries of the literary establishment, recognized with numerous awards, and nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1996. Thomas was also a priest of the Anglican Communion who wrestled ceaselessly with problems of faith and doubt in his poetry. John G. McEllhenney makes R. S. Thomas' poems, ministry, and irascible character come brilliantly alive in his new book, A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief: R. S. Thomas and His Poetry. McEllhenney, who developed a personal relationship with Thomas during the last decade of the poet's life, draws on his conversations and correspondence with Thomas, as well as his experiences as a clergyman and lover of poetry, and offers readers a unique experience that is part biography, part appreciation, and part religious meditation. A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief is an important new contribution to our understanding of R. S. Thomas and an inspiring source of insights for all who struggle with their faith!

John G. McEllhenney, a retired pastor and adjunct instructor at Drew and Eastern Baptist theological schools, is author of Cutting the Monkey Rope and coauthor of several books on Methodist history, including 200 Years of United Methodism: An Illustrated History and United Methodism at Forty. Visit John's blog at http: //doubtbeliefrsthomas.wordpress.com.