In this provocative collection, rich with expression and dense with meaning, Scott Cairns expresses an immediate, incarnate theology of God's power and presence in the world.  Spanning thirty years and including selections from four of his previous collections, Compass of Affection illuminates the poet's longstanding engagement with language as revelation, and with poetry as way of discovery.   For those who already admire the poetry of Scott Cairns and for those who have yet to be introduced, this essential volume presents the best of his work ' the holy made tangible, love made flesh, and theology performed rather than discussed.Praise for Scott Cairns' work  'Scott Cairns [is] perhaps the most important and promising religious poet of his generation.' 'Prairie Schooner'The voice of Cairns is conversational and coaxing'confiding in us secrets that seem to be our own.' 'Publishers Weekly Read Less