Hunting for God: Conversations with Beth

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A medical doctor and Christian leader discusses the Big Questions with his daughter Beth. Are there gods or a spiritual world? Is atheism more logical? How do science and faith integrate; if at all?

The book discusses all sorts of related subjects; evolution, evidence, authority and which religion? Are there hints or clues to the spiritual world? Why would a good god allow anguish and agony? What about life after death or other universes? Do Christians still talk about sin, sex and hell - what are these all about? Is homosexuality still an issue? What are the positives for faith and is this a better path than atheism?

The book is written in a questioning style - not trying to supply all the answers but challenging our thinking and promoting debate. The author is really talking out loud about his own journey from Christian evangelical to serious doubter and then finding ways to re-engage with faith. The chapters were initially topics of discussion between John and his daughter Beth as she was also aiming to practice faith in a student world at the time.

This book will not satisfy people with strong and dogmatic beliefs which are either religious or atheistic. It has tried to avoid a preachy or pushy style but raise possibilities and ways to look at faith, spirituality and science. The author does not think that faith and science need to be kept apart from each other as some atheists and religious people seem to.

If you enjoy discussion and are open to others' ideas then hopefully you will enjoy this book. Some chapters may 'scratch where you itch' and some may not seem relevant. The author has not tried to write an academic tome but each chapter is hopefully a discussion starter for delving deeper. A wide range of issues are touched on or explored. The intention is to promote healthy, constructive debate within evangelicalism or wider Christianity, open channels for people of faith from different religious backgrounds and those with no allegiances also. If you believe you are on a journey with spirituality this book is for you. If you believe you have completely arrived and are certain of all 'The Truth' then it is unlikely you will enjoy it.

Other doctors, Christian leaders, agnostics and people of different faiths have expressed their appreciation of the author's candour and openness in expressing his thoughts and ideas. Some atheists have enjoyed being treated with respect by an author from a religious background and agree with many of the difficulties raised about a faith position. Unsurprisingly, they disagree with some of the author's personal conclusions but constructive engagement is welcomed.

Many welcome a different style to faith exploration; a warmth and tolerance to debate rather than the cold dogmatic approach; a chance to gain wisdom and insight from others rather than defending our own religious battlements. Can we be like the legendary soldiers at Christmas in the First World War who abandoned their entrenched positions and shared neutral ground to play football between the lines? Can we find neutral space to respect, listen to and grow with other travellers without losing our own convictions and values? Can we welcome both doubt and faith and learn from them and each other? If so then read this book and use it to spur your own thoughts and widen the discussion.