MC professor pens first solo book
Special to The Clinton Courier
Clintonian Ivan Parke’s newest book, When Life Meets the Soul, was released last month to bookstores everywhere, guiding readers through the Biblical book of Job. Parke, 57, has taught Biblical Studies courses at Mississippi College for over two decades, with several more years of experience preaching in various churches across the South. When Life Meets the Soul tackles the all-too-avoided subject of suffering and simplifies the challenging story of Job in a way that is both conversational and memorable. This is Parke’s second book, following Reclaiming the Real Jesus, which he co-authored with Larry Garner.
“I wanted to write this book for the person in the pew,” said Parke. “It’s not necessarily for the academic. Too often in my experience as pastor and professor, I would hear from students and congregation members that the book of Job was ‘too hard’ or ‘too overwhelming’ to understand.”
Having completed his doctoral dissertation on Job, Parke then decided to “break down” the book into more bite-sized portions—or “everyday lessons.” When Life Meets the Soul consists of twenty-four chapters and can be read as part of a group study or a Christian daily devotional. Peeling back the layers of Job’s story, Parke carefully unpacks Job’s turbulent journey and offers wise insights on how to live an honest, open and faith-filled life in troublesome times.
“I don’t see anywhere in scripture,” continued Parke, “when, in the moment of suffering, God says to us, ‘get over it.’ The Biblical book of Job may be called ‘Job,’ but it’s actually a story about God, and how He exercises His command and control, no matter where we are in life, suffering or not.”
Although When Life Meets the Soul is now available online and at all major bookselling outlets, the book is also for sale locally at The Cupboard Interiors and Gifts and at Tangles Hair and Nail Salon. A student guide workbook, as well as teaching resources, are also available at IvanParke.com.
