Each breath I take, as each sentence I write, is only by the grace of God," says James Houston. "There are many reasons why I believe in the Creator. Man is not only the cosmic orphan, but he makes no sense in his humanity without God. Likewise, the world is absurd without God."

"His book is like a powerful, fast moving river, composed of three streams. The first is a strong, biblical foundation which has been with him since his youth. The second is a fearless academic scrutiny of alter- natives to the christian belief in a good and loving Creator.... the third is his passionate personal trust in this faithful creator."

-from the Preface by Canon Michael Green

Edited by Michael Green, these books are intended to take a fresh look at controversial areas of the Christian faith. The writers, from different na- tions, cultures, and confessional backgrounds, all anchor their work in the Bible. Though fully abreast of the latest scholarship in the area about which they write, they focus in these volumes on the current, practical meaning of their topic for the general reader.