The brutalities of the world may leave many without, or questioning, faith in God. How can we risk and retain a credible, trusting belief in a loving God while being honest about the way things actually are, here on earth?

This short course has eight sessions and invites groups to explore the way faith and everyday experience interact, especially in those areas that raise some of the sharpest questions for faith.

The book contains an introduction and this is what the eight sessions are called: A matter of trust; the world turns nasty; there is too much horror; a bit of help, please; it’s so unfair; getting what you deserve; suffering God; and I do it anyway. There is also a section on Leader’s notes and a summary of the course at the end of the book.

Each session starts with a section of text to be read before the session. When the group meets there is preparation, parable, ponder, perspectives, pool and the session ends with a prayer.

There is risk in voicing our doubts and questions. There is risk in exploring surprising places and entering unexpected territory. There is risk, too, in entering the experience of other people whose views differ from our own. But, in the end, it is a risk worth taking.