Big Questions, The

• How can anyone believe in God when there is so much suffering?
• Does science mean the end of religion?
• Can there be such a thing as life after death?
• Is freedom just an illusion?
• What does it mean to lead a good life?
• Have we any good reason to believe in God?
• What is the ultimate goal of life?

These are some of the big questions that have exercised philosophers for millennia. In this lively and enjoyable book, Jonathan Hill focuses on how Christian thinkers have dealt with such issues over the centuries.

The arguments for and against each position on any topic are considered; the implications are then drawn out and compared with alternative approaches. The text dows not draw any final conclusions; its purpose is to equip readers to think constructively for themselves, rather than to provide a ready-made philosophy.

Ideas from philosophers or representatives of other religions are also included, either because they help shed extra light on Christian ideas or because they offer important and substantial alternative viewpoints. The author avoids technicalities and assumptions of prior knowledge on the part of the reader.

The Big Questions will appeal to all those, whether Christian or not, who want to engage with the great minds and think fundamental issues through for themselves.

JONATHAN HILL has first class degree in Philosophy and Theology and an MPhil in Theology, both from Oxford University. He is currently sutdying for a PhD in Philosophy at the National University of Singapore. His books for Lion include The History of Christian Thought (2003), What Has Christianity Ever Done For Us? (2005) and The New Lion Handbook: The History of Christianity (2007).