Product Description

Is Christianity for those who can't get a life? What use is a dying God? Why is the Church so naff? If you've faced questions like these and felt tongue-tied, this is the book for you. It will help you talk more confidently with your friends about the hope that keeps you going. And during those times when you find that you are questioning your faith, the answers and ideas here may help you come to a deeper understanding of what you really believe. The user-friendly format of each chapter begins with a 'What they say' section. The author then identifies the key issue, before suggesting (in reassuring detail) how you might respond. All through the book you will find stories, as well as inspiring, poignant and witty quotes to work into your conversations whenever the opportunity may arise!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172419 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Review
"'occasionally you read something so refreshingly sane and intelligent that you find yourself thinking that there's life in the old Church yet. John Pritchard...has written just such a handbook....' (On Beginning again). '...an excellent book on the mystifying subject of prayer...very enjoyable and profound...' (On How to Pray)."

About the Author
The Rt. Revd John Pritchard is Bishop of Oxford. He was formerly Bishop of Jarrow, and before that Archdeacon of Canterbury. He has written a number of books for SPCK.

Customer Reviews

A really good buy
I have used and enjoyed John Pritchard, Bishop of Jarrow and soon to be Bishop of Oxford's several excellent books on prayer and was slightly suspicious that this was just a pot boiler to keep the publishers happy. But it is his best to date - with dual use as he himself explains: It can be used by Christians as a very stimulating summary of what many people in conversations say they find odd, naff or incredible about faith in today's society. He uses a stimulating range of suggestions and wide ranging quotes and illustrations of possible ways to respond, and to "explain your faith". But it is also an excellent book for those who are discovering faith,or asking questions about faith in mid life. It can be used to give to someone like that to help them explore faith - and what it might mean for them, offer them and ask from them. Honest, approachable and fun. Highly recommended.

A helpful reference
As Revd Alistair, I have read and loved several of John Pritchard's books. However, unlike him I felt somewhat disappointed with 'How to Explain Your Faith'. I did find some facts surprising, and indeed found it reinforced my own faith, however I felt that anyone determined to do so would easily find arguments against the reasoning presented.

Perhaps I was expecting the impossible or setting my sights unreasonably high after reading Pritchards other texts, but I think there is somewhat more to explaining your faith than is presented here. That said, it is beautifully and sensitively written, and I do feel better equipped than previously for dealing with these tricky discussions. As such this book must be worth a read!

A great starting point
I have recently returned to my faith after a break of 15 years. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for people who may be in the same situation. I bought this book in the hope it would offer some help in explaining, in particular to my Wife, why suddenly I've taken up my faith again. Just how do you explain that longing feeling that comes from way deep down that urges us to walk with God? However far from achieving this original intention I have finished this book and more importantly it has allowed me to justify my whole commitment to faith to myself. This is I now realise the most important thing because unless you know what it is that you yourself follow how can you begin to justify it to anyone else?
It worked best for me to read a chapter a day and then contemplate what I'd read - I hope this helps others, it's been great for me, and here's a final tip - don't just read, listen to the text as well.