God - by Keith Ward (Paperback)

About the Book

In God: A Guide for the Perplexed, bestselling author Keith Ward has crafted a unique, perceptive, witty, and informative introduction to the mysteries of the divine.
From the essential truths presented in ancient Greek mythology via the stories about Olympian gods, through the key ideas of major philosophers such as Nietzsche and Marx, to the surprise insights offered by such diverse elements of our experience as Romantic poetry and the film 'Alien', Ward draws on everything that has either directly or remotely influenced our knowledge of a higher force. His book therefore provides not only a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive account of the different manifestations of God, but, most importantly, offers a humorous and engaging encounter with both humanity's belief in God and our exploration of that belief. Mixing the eclectic with the sublime, this illustrated and profound volume will be a compulsive page-turner for anyone interested in the real core of the philosophical and spiritual quest for meaning.

Book Synopsis

An inspired and impassioned historical examination of humanity's search for the divine

From Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien', 'God: A Guide for the Perplexed' charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God.

Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Keith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning. 'A lively and very clearly written discussion summarizing and criticizing the thoughts of many significant thinkers.'
Times Literary Supplement

'Wry but delightfully non-ironic, intelligent and clear, this book is a blessing. '
Publishers Weekly

'Highly informed, witty and immensely accessible. One of the most congenial, lively and informative introductions to this field.'
Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

About the Author

Keith Ward was formerly the Regius Professor of Divinity and Head of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oxford. A priest of the Church of England and Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, he holds Doctor of Divinity degrees from Cambridge and Oxford Universities. He has lectured at the universities of Glasgow, St. Andrew's and Cambridge.