Questions of Life

By Nicky Gumbel

What is the point of life? Is forgiveness possible? More than 15 million people around the world have now attended Alpha, the Christian introductory course pioneered by Nicky Gumbel. In this international bestseller based on the Alpha course, Nicky Gumbel addresses some of the big issues which challenge us all. Packed with humour, anecdote, wisdom and profound teaching from the Bible, Gumbel introduces the person of Jesus Christ and invites the reader into a world of discovery that has fascinated human beings for two thousand years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alpha International
• Release date: Dec 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781907950377

Nicky Gumbel

Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha. He studied law at Cambridge and theology at Oxford, practiced as a lawyer and is now the senior pastor of HTB in London, one of England's most vibrant churches.

Reviews for Questions of Life

[clarehatt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have completed the Alpha course and read this book before but I always believe it is beneficial to be reminded of the most essential questions many people ask, as well as to remind myself of the fundamental principles that Christianity is all about.This book provides candid and honest answers to questions like:Christianity - Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant?Who is Jesus?Why did Jesus die?How can I be sure of my faith?Why and how should I pray?Why and how should I read the Bible?What about the Church?How can I make the most of my life?And many more!

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reason for Reading: I can't really say why. This is not my typical reading. I usually only read this type of book when it is written from a Catholic viewpoint however, this particular book called out to me as perhaps being useful in evangelizing although I had never heard of the Alpha course.My review hear is strictly limited to the book at hand. I have never had any involvement whatsoever in an Alpha course and cannot say whether I would feel the same way about its presentation. However this book, based on the course, is a treasure. This is an introduction to Christianity, what it means to be Christian and how to be Christian. The book is ecumenical and does not present any denomination as being the "right" or "better" one. Quotes from great thinkers and leaders throughout the ages from all denominations are included from Popes and saints to Martin Luther and unknown ministers of small protestant churches. Quotes even come from the most unexpected places such as Sinead O'Connor! The author is an Anglican (Church of England) priest which in all honesty makes him a perfect candidate for writing an ecumenical point of view. His denomination is protestant and yet it retains many catholic elements, putting him in the perfect position to speak unbiased of Christianity, outside of denominations. I had started to read the book armed with a pencil to note anything I found contrary to Catholicism but I put my weapon of choice to use very infrequently and the matters I noted are of little importance to the purpose of this review.Best recommended for people who are already seeking. Those who are wavering agnostics and looking for something to help them make the change, baby Christians seeking further understanding of their new way of life and old hands who have lost their zeal. For these people this book will bring the light into your life. Describing who is Jesus, why we should believe, how we should pray, why we should pray, what is the holy spirit and how can we be filled with it, what is evil, how is it relevant today and what is the church? The book is truly extensive. touching on all major aspects without getting into any specific dogmas of any one denomination. The ideas presented are what ALL Christians believe, it is what makes us Christian and marks the importance of the unity we should be seeking as Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ. I particularly found the chapters on the Holy Spirit, resisting evil and evangelizing to be the most interesting to myself, a seasoned reader of theology, yet a convert myself who was not raised Christian. This book is a keeper for my collection and I will be recommending it to the appropriate people I meet in my life.

[saskreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have taken this course a few times, and this is a great reference to have. Pretty much exactly what Nicky Gumbel presents in the videos