Searching Issue

by Nicky Gumbel

The seven most common questions raised by Christians are answered! Why does God allow suffering? Do all religions lead to God? Is there anything wrong with sex before marriage? Is there really a conflict between science and Christianity? Is the Trinity unbiblical, unbelievable and irrelevant? Looking for solid, Bible-based answers to those serious questions? Alpha course pioneer Nicky Gumbel knows tough questions.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Religion, Spirituality

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Nicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel, known as Nicky Gumbel, is an English Anglican priest and author in the evangelical and charismatic traditions. He is known as the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions.

Reviews

[Jeremy Manuel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. It's a book that looks at seven different common questions about Christianity. While the book claims that it is trying to answer these objections or questions, it is more just presenting a Christian viewpoint of these issues. The issues it deals with are things like suffering/problem of evil, sexuality, other religions/new age beliefs, the relationship between science and Christianity, as well as look at the Trinity.

To be honest the answers given weren't super surprising, but they were super basic and sometimes failed to present a lot of evidence about the subject, or even that Christians disagree quite a bit over some of these issues. I'll take the science and Christianity issues. While I do agree that the Bible and science don't cancel each other out, there are many Christians who view science very skeptically and almost seem to relish their rejection of certain types of evidence.

So between the basic answers and the failure to really interact with objections even within the modern Christian context on some of the topics, it just feel a bit short in my mind. Some may find it useful, but I didn't really and I'm really not sure I would want to give this to a new believer or to those interested in these questions.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of some major questions/objections about the Christian faith. Nicky Gumbel is so good about putting things in a way that just makes sense. :)

[Craig Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice overview of issues surrounding Christianity. An insightful and helpful read.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Why does God allow suffering?"

So my first read of the year was actually a book lent to me from my friend mum. I had been talking with my friend about my personal evolving relationship with faith and Christianity and she thought this book might help me with that. In a way it did, and in others it didn't. Searching Issues aims to explore seven issues with Christianity: suffering, other religions, sex before marriage, the New Age, homosexuality, science and Christianity & the Trinity. I appreciate how the book splits itself into digestable chapters, supplies further reading and sources most of its arguments - although some of the sources come from utterly unreliably publications such as the Daily Mail. It was an easier and less judgemental read than other religious books I've borrowed. Some of the chapters felt much less relevant to today's society and have aged since the book's publication, such as the chapter on the influence of New Age and the chapter on the Trinity - which isn't something I've really managed to give much thought to on my journey with Christianity as of yet. Nevertheless, I appreciate their inclusion for an overall more expansive discussion. Overall, Searching Issues does exactly what it says in the title, but it didn't shift me from agnostic or provide any meaningful answers, only further questions.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book that takes on some hot topics concerning belief in Christianity, to be used in Alpha Group discussions. The book is actually pretty good even if it touches quite shortly on each topic - it manages to get some of the essence of the "problem" and give a decent answer. Great starting point.

It took me a long time to start reading the book as I had it on my shelf for almost half of my life, but still, better late than never - and I was surprised it was so good. I do prefer deeper dives, but sometimes a shorter book will suffice.

[Linda Galway · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kristian Aurelius · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing too convincing, but good in-depth answers.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the issues affecting people in the world today from a Christian standpoint. Nicky deals thoughtfully and carefully with all the issues without prejudice or intolerance. The viewpoints are considered and sensitively dealt with. The issues being - sex before marriage, homosexuality, suffering, other religions, the new age, science and Christianity and the Trinity. It's a small paperback and is easily read and inwardly digested. Well worth a read especially for someone who is new to Christian belief or someone searching for answers.

[Daniel Blenkinsop · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t finished the book but decided to read through two or three of the prompts. I think they’re pretty standard as far as answers go and haven’t changed any of my opinions really. I will applaud Gumbel for being open and willing to approach these issues without condemnation. I also think he’s a bit more nuanced than your average Christian on these issues. Plus it’s decently written. (I would give it 2.5 stars)

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful & Enlightening.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful.

[Alex James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Promised a colleague I'd read this. I have to say I'm disappointed. I've resisted picking it apart but it fails to tackle the 7 objections mentioned in any way.

[Peter Muller]

I would like to read the book

[Louise Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

yer it kinda of covered the questions everyone seems to ask such as why does god suffering and about homo sexuality and their was no big surprises in the answers but it was an interesting read especially for people who have questions about christinaty and writen in a style that was quite easy to understand which is a sign for the alpha course which is well known although never been to one though