Stephen Cherry is Dean of Chapel at King’s College, Cambridge; he is also a Fellow and the Director of Studies in Theology and Religion. He was previously Director of Ministry for the Diocese of Durham and a Canon Residentiary of Durham Cathedral and before that Rector of All Saints with Holy Trinity, Loughborough.

Stephen is the author of seven books of which Barefoot Disciple was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book in 2011, Healing Agony: Reimagining Forgiveness was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize and the most recent of which is The Dark Side of the Soul: An Insider’s Guide to the Web of Sin (Bloomsbury 2016). He writes an occasional blog https://stephencherry.wordpress.com/

The Dark Side of the Soul

with cover illustration by Yu Rong

In The Dark Side of the Soul, the author explains and illustrates the 'Seven Deadly Sins' with contemporary examples. In clear and accessible language, he shows that the traditional Christian concept of sin is a vital tool in understanding what is wrong with human beings. Far from leading people into a guilt-trap, 'sin' is a healthy and truthful word that can help to set us free.

Human beings are neither intrinsically evil nor congenitally inclined to virtue, but many of the problems and predicaments that trouble us today can be better understood, and more effectively resolved, if their deeper roots are taken into account. In this fresh interpretation, the author shows that, for example, our economic problems, and our fixation on financial criteria in decision-making, can be understood through the twin lenses of avarice and lust. Our obsessive busyness is a manifestation of sloth; and our desire to control, and our perfectionism, are outworking's of spiritual pride.

Crucially, although sin is an important and necessary word for people to understand and come to terms with, it is never, in the Christian worldview, the last word.

Beyond Busyness

A practical and effective step towards connecting up the limitations of time with the demands and realities of ministry. It helps ministers to take positive steps in developing a time wisdom which will help them navigate the very considerable pressures that many currently face. The book consists of 28 sessions which are designed to assist ministers to gain a better understanding of how to embrace and navigate the characteristics and challenges of time through reflecting on their current ways and encouraging new habits. All in all giving a new path through which ones ministry can prosper.