I read this not as part of a Lent Course but as a book in its own right. I was intrigued by the title as I know there is confusion in the minds of many Christians about the nature and being of God in the face of new discoveries and developments in various scientific disciplines. There is often a dichotomy between what their intelligence reveals to them and the perceived theology of their heart that has been handed down to them from the Church. This book will be of immense help to anyone who has an open heart and mind and who wants to have a greater understanding of how all the evil in our world, all the suffering and pain of our world and its inhabitants, fit in to their understanding of the Christian faith and of a God of love. The idea of using the example of the life of Charles Darwin, his world-changing theories and his own personal sadness and pain is outstandingly skilful. Readers are taken along an engrossing historical path that moves us on from the God of unchanging power and might to the God of weakness and suffering, the God who shares our sorrows; but who is also the God who becomes powerful when we are motivated to join with God to work to alleviate suffering and overcome evil. This book (or Lent Course) will be beneficial to readers or participants not just for their own sake but also in enabling them to share their understanding with people of other faiths or none. It's always a joy to read a book, especially a theology book, where one finds oneself frequently nodding in agreement, then being brought up sharply by a concept of the author's that challenges one to ask oneself "Do I agree?" and if not, "Why not?". I've now read the book twice (it's never boring) and some of the author's opinions I'm still thinking deeply about. One can't ask more of a book than that. I'm thinking of sending Richard Dawkins a copy!
