Rethinking Christianity: A Thoughtful Guide to a Life-Changing Faith

by Alister E. McGrath

With clarity, warmth, and depth, renowned theologian and professor Alister McGrath explores why Christianity continues to captivate thoughtful people in every generation across human history, in a compassionate invitation to rediscover meaning, identity, and hope in a story bigger than ourselves.

As one of our most respected Christian scholars, Dr. Alister McGrath is used to deep conversations about faith. Whether in lively debate with the "New Atheists," in helping people more deeply understand the legacy of C. S. Lewis, or in his many other writing and speaking opportunities, Dr. McGrath is passionate about inviting people to consider or re-appreciate the depth and meaning of the Christian faith. But in recent years it has been in personal conversation with his students at the University of Oxford that Dr. McGrath has found some of the most exciting opportunities to share his faith, as the questions of this generation come to light in hearts curious about this "ancient religion" and often learning about it for the first time.

Now Dr. McGrath invites us all to listen in as he warmly presents how Christianity is a way of finding the "moreness" that every human heart desires in a time and culture that is constantly draining us of meaning, truth, and beauty. "Why won't Christianity stay buried?" he asks, and from that intriguing question helps us better understand our shifting culture, a healthy Christian relationship to science, and how authentic faith offers us a map for the soul that steers us through God's grand narrative into our eternal purpose and "fullness of life."

Perfect both for new seekers and mature Christians eager to resharpen their minds and thoughtfully engage the pressing questions of our time, Rethinking Christianity promises to be a new classic of apologetics and a book that will help all of us reconnect with the rich thought and powerful personal promises of faithful Christian belief.

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 27, 2026

About the author

Alister Edgar McGrath is a Northern Irish theologian, priest, intellectual historian, scientist, and Christian apologist. He currently holds the Andreas Idreos Professorship in Science and Religion in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, and is Professor of Divinity at Gresham College. He was previously Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education at King's College London and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture, Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Oxford, and was principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, until 2005. He is an Anglican priest and is ordained within the Church of England.

Aside from being a faculty member at Oxford, McGrath has also taught at Cambridge University and is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. McGrath holds three doctorates from the University of Oxford, a DPhil in Molecular Biophysics, a Doctor of Divinity in Theology and a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History.

McGrath is noted for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, and the relationship between science and religion, as well as his writings on apologetics. He is also known for his opposition to New Atheism and antireligionism and his advocacy of theological critical realism. Among his best-known books are The Twilight of Atheism, The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine, Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, and the Meaning of Life, and A Scientific Theology. He is also the author of a number of popular textbooks on theology.

Reviews

[David Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tremendous resource to guide us in our faith walk. I am looking forward to using this in our church for discussion. In addition, I am grateful for Professor McGrath’s humble curiosity in exploring this beautiful faith in Jesus.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rethinking Christianity is a book that delivers. It offers a thoughtful exploration of Christianity, inviting readers to consider whether faith in Jesus provides meaning, identity, and hope.

One aspect I especially appreciated was McGrath's approach. Rather than focusing on evidence for Christianity's core truth claims (which he notes will be addressed in a companion volume), he explores whether Christianity remains relevant in today's world. That focus makes the book engaging and thought-provoking.

Although the overall tone is academic, I found it accessible. I think it would be a valuable read for skeptics, believers, pastors, and ministry leaders alike. Those of us who follow Christ need to continually sharpen and refresh our understanding of the faith so we can present Christianity as both compelling and relevant in today's culture. McGrath's book is an excellent resource for doing just that.

I'm also looking forward to rereading Mere Christianity and exploring more of McGrath's work!

Thank you to Net Galley and Nelson Books for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.