The Way of the Wolf: The Gospel in New Images

This book tells gospel truth in an indirect story manner. It is, if you will, a children's book for adults. Barrington Bunny was a Christmas Eve staple in my ministry and family circle for years. I have a beloved, read often, and well worn first edition copy in my personal library. Each of my three children have requested and received later copies for themselves. My latest purchase was to insure that my grandchildren each have their own copy. Life, death, integrity, and personal relations are all depicted with the mysterious, Silver Wolf as a Christ figure in short, easily read vignettes.

The Way of the Wolf is a storytelling phenomenon. The Barrington Bunny study reflects the sacrifice of Christ for the salvation of the young creatures. The Wolf represents the Father, who is always wise, always knowing, and always present, watching. I read this many years ago and am reading it again now with my grandchildren.

I've read thousands of books and this one is among my Lifetime Top Twenty. It is the best Christian devotional I've read. I ordered this one because I wore out my old copy. There are 21 stories, all quite different. I have shared "On The Death of Colin Stuart" many times with friends grieving over the loss of a loved one. "Counterquestion" is about Jesus truly challenging us to truly follow Him, while "Rag-tag Army" underscores his patience with us. "Wood and Nails and Colored Eggs" underscores that all lives are important. "Where Are The Nine?" suggests possible reasons why some people forget to render thanks.

I first bought this book over 30 years ago and this is maybe my 5th copy. For a friend this time. These are heart-wrenching stories from a deep understanding of the tragedy of love. Of real, gritty, limping faith... It answered questions I hadn't thought to ask of myself at that age... These are sweetly/sadly wrought gospelic insights from a racoon's perspective... or a bunny's. And all under a fierce and watchful eye... A complex and beautiful soul wrote this. This book is NOT for children... but it might be perfect for your teen.

I bought this book after hearing Barrington Bunny on the radio one Christmas years ago (this is a replacement copy for the one I loaned out that never found its way back). I think this book will appeal to anyone who is drawn to Christian mysticism and enjoys stories. The book does not preach – instead Martin Bell's stories reach past the intellect to directly touch the heart.

I found this book interesting yet somehow dated. The tone reflects the disenchantment or sensitivity of the 60's. This short volume is filled with poetry, music, allegory, and parables. Perusing the current offerings of religious writings in my favorite bookstore, this book may get lost among the more straightforward, textural approaches of current spiritual content. I think I would have liked it better if I had read it in the 70's.

If you have young children, the book WAY OF THE WOLF, is an excellent book to read, tell, discuss with them. My favorite story is Barrington Bunny in this book. I have used this with numerous children. I have found it a lovely book to give to parents or children starting school. I was very happy to find it at Amazon because I had forgotten where I found it at.

This collection of story-parables and songs has been immensely useful to me as a preacher over many years. Teenagers just love the story of "Barrington Bunny" when read to them at youth retreats. Adults are moved by the story of "Wood, Nails, and Colored Eggs," especially as a Holy Week or Easter meditation. "On the Death of Colin Stuart" is profoundly effective when adapted into a funeral homily. I keep having to purchase new copies of this because I wear them out or give them away. This purchase is to replace a copy I gave to a new pastor I helped to train.