A couple of generations ago, things were much different. Back then, most people in North America—whether believing Christians or not—had a basic understanding of the main teachings of Christianity. Today, the church exists in a culture that is largely disconnected from Christian ideas and perspectives. Many people no longer accept the authority of the Bible, and Jesus is a mystery to them. Where, then, do we begin if we want to introduce them to Jesus?

That is the question B. W. Spinney wrestled with. For years as a pastor, he had been looking for an evangelistic tool that was not only meant for non-Christians but was aimed at a culture that was not familiar with the basic tenets of the faith. Not finding what he was looking for, he decided to write his own. The result is a small book called Faith: A path to understanding God. The book does not attempt to prove the existence of God. Indeed, Spinney argues that, while there is ample evidence, God has deliberately left room for doubt so that people would have a choice of whether to believe in Him or not. Instead, Spinney starts by saying that “Christians believe in a whole bunch of things (and disagree on a few as well), but the most foundational belief is that there is a God who is responsible for the creation of everything.” From there, he leads the reader through basic concepts such as God, revelation, sin, human nature, Jesus Christ, praying, the real universe, the Holy Spirit, church, heaven, and daily faith. Step by step, he presents Christian truths and encourages the reader to take a leap of faith.

Different presentations of the gospel will appeal to different people, and this is one that should speak to more than a few modern readers. It is a small book (112 pages) that can be put into a pocket and easily carried around. Christian churches might find it suitable to give to new believers and seekers.

Faith: A path to understanding God (2021, ISBN: 978-1-7771926-3-1) by B. W. Spinney is published by my own Mill Lake Books and is available from online retailers and bookstores around the world.