Review by Angela Crittle

Dominic Steele with Melinda Chiew has written a personable, biblically sound book which successfully lives up to its title, Introducing God. This book is written for especially for non-Christians whose understanding of God and the gospel is minimal or seriously flawed. For Christians it is a must read before they give away copies as gifts in the hope the book will lead to some great discussions with their non-Christian friends, workmates and family.

The book's goal is clearly stated in its opening pages:  

I hope you will get to know God as I know him - not just intellectually but personally and relationally.

How is this achieved? By not going over the same ground already covered by a plethora of other books, ie, the historical evidence for the Bible and for Jesus' death and resurrection. Rather the book achieves its goal:

...by looking at key points of his biography and by hearing from people already in relationship with him.

What key points of God's biography are examined and how does the book help the reader know God intellectually?

1. Paul's speech to ancient Athenians recorded in Acts 17:19-23 is used to examine the critical question of how post-modern, post-Christian Australians can know God. By noting similarities between ancient Athens and post-modern Australia - multi-cultural and multi-faith - Dominic Steele is able to show the reader that God is still relevant and worth getting to know.
2. The well-known evangelistic tract Two Ways To Live provides the basis for the reader's journey to know God intellectually. Key bible passages are included as each part of the tract is reproduced and explained to great effect. Step by step, Dominic gently leads the reader to a greater knowledge of God and their position before God. Getting to know God means the reader gets to know him/herself from a biblical perspective. God and humanity’s relationship with God, in which the reader shares, is carefully and clearly drawn out. The journey culminates in chapters 7 and 8 when Dominic brings the reader to consider a personal relationship with the God who loves them and the steps they can take to develop that relationship. I was impressed at how sensitively and personably this was achieved.
3. A series of 3 or 4 questions end most chapters. These questions are short and directly based on the chapters content. I found these questions helped me think through what I had just read. The book obviously wants its readers to think, to engage with God and the gospel.
4. The closing pages of the book are dedicated to answering a series of frequently asked questions, which have been forward by people who have taken part in the multi-media Introducing God courses.. The answers are clear, personable and biblically sound. I recommend Christians read this section and become familiar with the answers. I’ve already benefited from doing so.

How are the personal & relational goals achieved?

As mentioned above, “by hearing from people already in relationship with him.” Dominic’s own testimony opens the book and personal testimonies from other Christians, which are accompanied by their photo, end each chapter. I found this collection of testimonies to be a powerful witness to having a personal relationship with the God who is merciful and loving.

There is more. Dominic acts as a guide or a host who invites the reader to take the journey with him, “To begin our journey come with me…” and who engages with his/her during the journey’s course, eg, “What should I do? What is the wise way to live?” Throughout the book, he openly shares relevant personal stories from his childhood, marriage and family life to help the reader understand crucial aspects of the gospel. One of my favourites is the opening story of chapter 4: God’s component King. I found this illustration refreshing - it helped me consider Jesus from a new angle.

The language is relational and personal. Christian jargon, which would have interfered with the book’s tone and approach, is thankfully avoided.

In conclusion, I recommend you buy it, read it, and give away your copy. Afterall, don't we want to introduce God to everyone we know? Dominic and Melinda have made this so easy. I'm buying at least 4 copies as Christmas gifts.

P.S. I've only heard about the Introducing God course. I haven't attended one but I wish someone would invite me...and I've been a Christian 25 years. I find such events refresh and reinvigorate my desire for God.

Originally posted on the Culture@Home forum of sydneyanglicans.org.