One Man and His God: A pilgrimage towards a no nonsense faith with a few laughs on the way - Tapa blanda

'One Man and His God' describes the activities of a Liverpool Pastor who, in addition to running a church, reached out to violent Teddy Boys, delinquent girls and faced atheists and agnostics at Liverpool's Speakers Corner at the Pier Head. Exposing his faith to the questions and ridicule of unbelievers not only won converts, but caused him to re-examine his own beliefs and discard some of them. His own pilgrimage of faith continued as he helped to lead a joint Christian Aid/Army mercy dash across the Sahara where thousands were dying through drought and disease. I found it impossible, Richard writes, to tell a starving mother holding a dying baby that God loved her. Visiting India he witnessed remarkable development projects run by evangelicals, Hindus and Muslims. In the West Bank and Gaza he sympathised with the Israelis and agonised with the Palestinians. These visits helped to prune and re-shape his faith. The total inspiration of the Bible, the exclusiveness of the Evangelical Gospel and the Doctrine of everlasting punishment were all examined and laid aside as he moved forward in his quest to follow Christ. Illustrations and anecdotes abound in this book which is written to make you think and perhaps raise a smile. The authors sense of humour is evident as he describes his preachments and magic shows that served to spread the Gospel. Richard believes in the dynamic power of the 'whole Gospel' and feels he has found a no-nonsense faith that equips one for life today.

Born in Liverpool, Richard was educated at Bootle Grammar School and became an engineer. He left his trade to enter the ministry and was the founder/minister of The People's Church in Everton, a church noted for evangelism and social concern, described by the press as 'The church with its sleeves rolled up'. He later joined Christian Aid. Using his talents as a preacher and magician he presented the Gospel of Christian Aid in churches, village halls, Town halls and on television. His experiences in Africa, India and Palestine challenged his faith and raised questions about providence, the Bible and the Charismatic Movement. Retiring from Christian Aid he ministered at West Park and Bilton Grange URC churches in Harrogate. His wife Ann, an active member of Girlguiding UK became County Commissioner for North Yorkshire West and their daughter Amanda was organist/pianist at the Bilton Grange church. Richard has three older children from his first marriage, Malcolm, Jean and Paul all actively engaged in Christian work.