The author wishes 'to set out...a form of Christian faith that takes full account of modern science and of the best biblical scholarship' (p. vii) which he describes as 'liberal' (p. ix), though not in a pejorative sense. The main doctrines of Christianity are covered, and how he would interpret them today. His evident scholarship is well served by an easy and readable style. There are eight 'parts' covering fifty topics, each of which may be used as a meditation: 'In the end religious faith is not about intellectual belief. It is about prayer.' (p. 100). This approach is welcome. Many Evangelical, Orthodox and Catholic Christians will not agree with some of what Professor Ward says. For example, that it is 'preferable...to see Christianity as an offering of the fundamentals of the Jewish prophetic vision to the whole world, in a new form, while Jews are to remain loyal to their own special covenant with God.' (p. 61.) And is it fair to present the 'perplexed' with speculative theology? For example, because 'It is mean-minded to think that the door of repentance is closed at death for ever...the punishments of hell are partly designed to lead people to ...a door from hell to purgatory. Whether all will take it or not, we cannot tell', (p.98.) So, a book for the firmly based Christian, who can appreciate the author's views, rather than for a waverer.