What Is the Point of Being a Christian?
Timothy Radcliffe
WINNER OF THE MICHAEL RAMSEY PRIZE FOR THE BEST IN THEOLOGICAL WRITING
What is the Point of being a Christian? One is pointed to God, who is the point of everything. If one thinks of religion as just 'useful' then one has reduced it to another consumer product. But if we are pointed to God, then this should make a difference to how we live. This is not a moral superiority. Christians are usually no better than anyone else. But the lives of Christians should be marked by some form of hope, freedom, happiness and courage. If they are not then why should anyone believe a word they say?
In this new book, Timothy Radcliffe is at his best, writing with a prophetic edge. His argument for Christian belief is profoundly Catholic and profoundly human. But what is just as remarkable, Radcliffe's argument for and interpretation of Christian Gospel is couched in a deep understanding of human nature and the problems and anxieties of modern men and women.
Radcliffe is far distant from the theologian's ivory tower and yet his understanding of the Gospel is profoundly theological. The frame of reference for this book is wide, and it is based amongst other things on Fr Radcliffe's pastoral experience of dealing with people with problematic marriages, those struggling with celibacy, those trying to understand the nature of religious authority and those trying to remain loyal to the Church which finds their sexual orientation 'irregular'.
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About Timothy Radcliffe
Reviews for What Is the Point of Being a Christian?
James Kelly
Catholic Times
I cannot imagine this book going out of date because it is based on solid theological and spiritual principles... Radcliffe speaks with authority, reflecting his deep faith, long experience and profound understanding of human nature.
RENEW
...an exploration of what it means to hope...[a] courageous and hopeful book. He points us beyond the words, beyond the comfort zone - can we risk taking up the challenge?
The Furrow
[Radcliffe's] chapters progress through certain characteristics that Christian faith should bring: freedom, happiness, courage, comfortableness in our bodies. Drawing on literature, wide theological knowledge and pastoral experience, he lays out how many people are struggling through the complex issues of today's world and stresses the importance of listening to others with whose opinions we may not agree.
National Catholic Reporter
Spiritual writer is at his captivating best....Timothy Radcliffe is in demand the world over with bishops, priests, lay people and above all the young. This new book is his response ... He is a prophet for our times.
James Hickey Full of wisdom and insightful apercus... Radcliffe's book leavens its philosophy with good jokes (''Tesco ergo sum - I shop therefore I am''), references to contemporary novels and films and the timeless, universal pleasures of wine.
The Times
Timothy Radcliffe has written a wholly admirable statement of what it means to be a thoughtful, receptive, faithful, and generous Christian in the West today....Radcliffe displays the Christian life and tradition as being deeply enriching, and does so in language the world can understand.
Revd Dr Sam Wells
Church Times
He is deeply spiritual, extremely cultured, and a clear, compelling writer. He possesses a certain fearlessness and optimism about the world without being insensitive to the terrible burdens of our times....Radcliffe's book reflects the omnivorous reading; his long meditation on Scripture, liturgy, and the Catholic theological tradition; and his wide knowledge of the world.
Lawrence S. Cunningham
Commonweal
For me, finding Dr. Bourke as one of many chosen arrows in the Radcliffe quiver brought my awe closer to joy. There is surely much soaring and trenchant truth here for me and a great many more, but less might have seemed more, or been sharper, or flown higher, or felt cozier and less like and overlong homily.
Review For Religious
Timothy Radcliffe is a charismatic, spiritual leader and a rare bird, his talks and broadcasts always surprise....he shows himself in this new book to be passionately concerned with issues relating to environment, globalisation and the pastoral care of the marginalised and the dispossessed.
The Universe
Shot through with humour, friendship and wisdom, the pages of this book outline a manner of living which is at once faithful to the teachings of Jesus and rooted in the tradition of the church.
The Universe
We are offered something altogether more stimulating... This book opens new horizons... Major subjects are handled with insight.
Edmund Newey
Theology
...eloquent and moving
Douglas Hedley
Times Literary Supplement