Tricky- Michael Dormandy and Carl Laferton
When you were younger did you ever get annoyed at your parents? Ever felt that they made stupid rules? Ever thought they spoilt your fun? Well I can tell you I felt this at times. Being told I have to go to bed early, not being able to watch TV, and having to do homework are but a few of these examples. Faith is similar to that feeling; it can seem hard to understand, challenging, and even a hindrance.
I believe those from both faith and non-faith backgrounds can easily read this book and learn something. It contains 9 short, concise chapters, each of which answers some of the toughest questions of the Christian faith. Issues like Science and Religion, Homosexuality and the life of Jesus are all answered in a comforting, conversational style, making it very accessible. All of the author’s answers included examples and were backed up with references to the Bible making it a great source of wisdom. I began to understand and recognise solutions to many of the hard questions of Christianity and the tricky questions didn’t seem all that tricky anymore. The book also made me think more about the reasoning behind the annoying rules I was once given…
…I recognised all the hard to hear rules came from a place of love and with best intentions, and following these seemingly silly rules actually were the best and most helpful thing for me to do despite me not recognising it. My parents knew more about the world than me, they knew what was best for me and they did everything with good intent (even if at the time I didn’t think so). This book was a testament to how God’s love is the same- he knows us more than we know ourselves, he loves us more than anyone, and just wants the best for us. So through reading, I realised that although there are lots of tricky questions to be had about faith we mustn’t worry as God is in control and as the creator, he knows the best for us however hard it may be for us to hear. Understanding this is living for God and living life the way it was intended.
Overall the book was great. A quick read that really made me think. Why not try it out yourself and who knows, some of your trickiest questions about faith could be answered.