book Review | Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever

Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever: A New Generation’s Search for Religion (Bloomsbury, 2025) 

by  Lamorna Ash

Reviewer: Rev Peter Crumpler

Writer and freelance journalist Lamorna Ash was impacted strongly when two of her friends – previously performing as stand-up comedians – began training as Church of England priests. It prompted a year-long exploration of Christianity, and why any young person might be attracted to the faith. 

She visits evangelical festivals, attends Bible study groups, takes part in Quaker meetings and embarks on Christian retreats, including to Iona. She also conducts in-depth interviews with young people who have encountered Christianity and reflects deeply on her own spirituality. Ash writes with sensitivity and acute observation, as she considers the various strands of the faith that she encounters across Britain. The reader journeys with her as she explores why a new generation appears to be discovering faith for itself.  

Described by its publishers as ‘a reminder of our universal need for nourishment of the soul,’ this excellent book has several lessons for preachers. These include being aware, as we preach, that there may well be people in our congregations with little Bible knowledge, who are seeking to explore both the faith and whether our church community might become a place that they could call home. 

Also, perhaps, the importance of keeping the sense of wonder in how we approach the scriptures and the person of God. Not to speak as though we have all the answers, but to encourage others to seek out the truth in their spiritual lives of prayer, study and reflection.  

Most importantly, to preach with a love and respect for those for those who are seeking faith and to enable an introduction to Jesus Christ, knowledge of whom passes all understanding.  

Ash uses the Genesis 32 story of Jacob wrestling with an angel as a vivid illustration of humankind grappling with an understanding of God. Preachers are called to encourage that wrestling, leading our congregations into a deeper knowledge and experience of God.  

Purchase the book here.

Reviewer:

Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE.