Böcker av Malcolm Rothwell

Thomas was a science student and a committed Christian. Now, 20 years later, he is having serious doubts about his Christian beliefs. He has contacted me as his former university chaplain, in the hope I can answer some of his questions. In a series of emails he asks, for example, whether Adam and Eve actually existed, whether the Christmas stories are historically true. He also wants to know about God. Does God intervene in human lives, if so where does that leave the laws of science? Where is God? Can God be described? Does God answer prayer? What are we doing when we pray?Rothwell is trying to make sense of the Christian faith in this scientific world in which we live. Some will find the book too radical, others will find it liberating, and hopefully most will find it stimulating. In any event there is plenty of material for discussion and dialogue.

This is a compelling autobiography which draws you in from the very first page. The catch is that some of the details are factual, whilst others are pure fiction. The author, Malcolm Rothwell, is selected and trained for a secret mission in war torn Germany. Having completed his mission he, and his accomplices, have to plan a means of escape. There is plenty of cloak and dagger and, indeed, Malcolm and his friends are captured and imprisoned. The story is interspersed with thoughtful reflections on the joys and challenges of the Christian faith. A femme fatale is also involved. This is an intimate and resonant historical drama.

Do you think Christianity is sense or nonsense? Do you have lots of questions you want to ask about the relevance of Christianity in this culture that we live in? How has science affected faith? What are the difficulties associated with prayer? What is spirituality? Am I as free as I think I am? What will happen to the church?Is the bible true? What has happened to community life? These are some of the questions this book tries to answer.It is written for people in the church who are struggling with their faith and hanging on by their finger nails. It is also written for those who find the church irrelevant because it is hanging on to outmoded ways of thinking. The book takes the form of a conversation between the author and a clown called Zeno, the author's alter ego. The author is not allowed to lapse into jargon or long words. If so, he is challenged by Zeno to explain himself. The book is a light hearted, honest attempt to examine issues affecting all who are trying to live a Christian or spiritual life. Funny and yet profound. Learn and laugh at the same time. Much of the material is drawn from the author's experience as a Methodist Minister. Some may find this book too radical and discomforting, others liberating, but for all it will bring a smile. There is something moving and deeply spiritual about a good laugh. It is like internal jogging.