"Hear the Good News" is a fine volume of worship services for this important week within the church year. The services are particularly significant because they are based on the premise that God's word, scripture, is dynamic and lively. Therefore, the author has provided dramatic readings of the narratives as found in the synoptic gospels. In addition, other portions of scripture are used as antiphonal hymns and liturgies. Brief introductions to the scripture passages are presented, either for oral sharing or for use in the bulletin; the congregation is also given opportunity to participate in the proclamation of the scripture texts. This is a creative and prayerful worship series for Holy Week.
Howard Eshbaugh is pastor of Glendale Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has also served at Florence Presbyterian Church, Florence, Pennsylvania, and Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church, Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. His education has included Western Theological Seminary and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh; Duke University and Case Western Reserve, where he received a Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins. Dr. Eshbaugh describes his theological position as a ""biblicist," one who "listens" to scripture." His book "merely shows the liveliness of the word."