Foundations: Four Big Questions We Should Be Asking But Typically Don't

by Peter Mead

Which god is God? What is a human? What is sin? What is salvation?

You may never have thought much about these questions. But the fact is we all have a working version of the answers. Our answers to these questions shape our lives. So it makes sense to give some time to thinking about these issues more explicitly. Nothing matters more than getting them right. But where to start?

Instead of speculating about who God is, Peter Mead invites us to begin with the claim that God has revealed himself in Jesus.

You may not be a Christian. And you may not like the answers proposed in this book. You may not be convinced. But it’s worth exploring. It’s worth giving it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose – except an hour or so of your time – and possibly everything to gain.

Or you may be a Christian. Perhaps you take the answers for granted. But Mead invites us to push beyond our assumptions and discover a deeper, richer reality. He suggests we start with the triune God. And if the answer to the god-question is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then everything else changes. (Taken from the Foreword by Tim Chester.)

Genres: Christian

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Gareth Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful little book that could be read in a couple of hours. Mead focusses on 4 key questions we should ask as Christians and shows how ultimately when we become Christians it’s not just our legal status that has changed but also our relational one.

My only gripe was the book was too short.

[Rob Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound theology in a small book. Peter Mead invites us to go past an unthinking starting point of 'belief' and build a worldview from the ground up (which, ironically, turns out to be from the top down)

[Paul Kenneth Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I read this book in just a few hours and reread it again. I gained valuable insights that will help me engage others in conversation about The Triune God we worship. A joy to read and thought provoking.

[Jacob Schwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Mead has a connection to my church and I occasionally get to hear him speak in person on Sunday mornings. Recently, he began a sermon series based on his book "Foundations." After his first sermon, he gave away copies of this book, and I was able to take one home. It took me just two reading sessions to complete the book. This book, although short, is packed with biblical wisdom. In foundations, the believer is asked only four big questions. Which god is God? What is a Human? What is Sin? What is Salvation? These crucial questions are important to ask ourselves. There is no doubt that this book will captivate you and I recommend you pick it up anywhere it is being sold. Furthermore, I would like to direct you to Westside Bible Fellowship's YouTube channel where Peter's newest sermons are being posted.

[Mayowa Adebiyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this is an excellent read and a welcome resource for both evangelism and discipleship purposes. The relational aspect of God's love for humanity is beautifully highlighted as a major and unique aspect of Christianity in contrast to the dead religiosity secular caricatures of the faith. At just 93 pages with small dimensions - 17.5 x 10.9 x 0.8 cm (less than A5 size) - it makes a very quick read and an upgrade on a gospel tract. The language used is simple but not infantile, the print is just right, chapters are focused on each question and adequately answered.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2015:
A really engaging introduction to Christianity but also a super helpful primer/refresher on the heart of the Christian life.
Finished it and immediately wanted to read it again.

August 2019:
Read a second time and just as enjoyable and helpful as the first.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, yet profound! We think we know who God is, what it means to be Human, and understand the definition of sin and salvation. But do we really? And once we are clear from Scripture what they are, is that the end? Not at all! These four questions can be applied at any stage of our lives. . .

[Ian Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four basic questions about life and our most fundamental needs. It feels quite involved and complicated at times, but is worth the effort to work through.