I read this book with particular interest. Its ideas are not new; I have been reading and exploring many of them for a long time now.
Lloyd Geering in his famous/infamous book, Resurrection, and in the later work, Wrestling with God, points out that much of what is widely and traditionally understood as ‘Gospel’ has in fact been under question for most of the twentieth century. The problem being that there has almost been a conspiracy of silence: many clergy especially anxious not to rock the boat of their congregation’s faith.
What I have discovered, and this is an observation relating solely to myself, is that in the process of my own questioning, having let go of my cradle ideas, is renewal founded on something much stronger and firmer.
As I have indicated, there is little new in this book for me, but I am glad that it is written in an accessible style and hope it will be widely read for two very important reasons. Firstly, that in being widely read, it may do something very worthwhile in speaking to those who have faith difficulties, but who are often afraid to voice them for fear of being considered on the outside. Then secondly, that the real issues that affect the church today can be discussed freely and openly in order to enable the church to renew not just its faith, but her rationale: something in fact, which she may need to rediscover. ( )