Building bridges not walls (by Peter Bold)

(Amazon UK link)

It’s always a bit tricky reviewing books by someone I know. Peter Bold is my brother, as well as the Rector of Dronfield Parish Church. I’ve known about his plans for writing an ‘engineer’s guide to theology’ for some years, and was delighted that his book, ‘Building bridges not walls’ was finally published a couple of months ago. He sent me a copy in the post, and although I had read an early draft, I decided to read it in its published form. I have just finished doing so.

The book is written from a scientific standpoint. Peter was a mechanical engineer before he started training as an Anglican minister. He recounts some of his struggles as he saw the way theology students approached their learning, in contrast to those he studied with in the field of engineering. The book outlines his own journey of faith, starting with its early tentative beginnings as a child.

Peter begins the book, after a general introduction, by laying his foundations, engineering style. He mentions the importance of revelation, whether from Scripture, or tradition, and also that of our God-given reason - the ability to think through issues logically, to see the Bible in context, to ask questions when we read something that doesn’t appear, initially, to make sense. He acknowledges that the Bible is not all straightforward, and that in many places there are apparent contradictions, as well as some mystifying passages that we find hard to understand.

He also recognises the validity of personal experience in our faith journeys, and the comments and experiences of other people. With these four ‘sources’, after explaining their background, he explains what and why he believes. He begins with the most essential foundation of the Christian faith: that of Jesus rising from the dead. This is probably the biggest stumbling block for many, but Peter’s explanations are clear, and his reasoning sound. On this, as he says more than once, he would stake his life.

He then goes on to examine other questions: how reliable are the Biblical accounts? Why did Jesus come? What do we mean by the Kingdom of God? In each step he gives the basis for his beliefs, often accompanied by personal anecdotes, and with appropriate Scripture. But he doesn’t write in a pushy way. He presents not just ‘proof texts’, but at times he also gives Bible verses that seem to disagree, or which offer an alternative viewpoint. He explains his reasoning, and states where his views have changed over the years.

Towards the end, Peter examines some quite divisive issues, where many might disagree with his logic. But he offers his opinions in the knowledge that he might be wrong. He also points out that what matters most is the foundation of our faith. In practice, and in some of these more subjective issues, it should be possible to disagree. He reminds us that the manner of our disagreeing is probably more important than some of the issues themselves.

The book then ends with some practical questions and suggestions: of dealing with money, with justice in the world, and (one of his own particular concerns) that of climate change.

What I particularly liked is that the engineer’s point of view underpins the entire book, yet it's written for ordinary people, in straightforward language. I’m no engineer, but I found the writing clear, engaging, and quite compelling. It reminded me, more than once, of CS Lewis’s ‘Mere Christianity’, yet Peter’s style offers far more scope to ‘agree to disagree’ than Lewis’s. He gives a regular reminder that Jesus’ most important command to his followers was to show love, not antagonism. Moreover, Peter is writing nearly 70 years after Lewis’s classic, so inevitably his concerns are those of the 21st century.

I don’t think there was anything in ‘Building Bridges not Walls’ where I disagreed, or felt that the reasoning was flawed. Perhaps this is because I am biased, or simply because I am inevitably from a similar background. Those of a more ‘Reformed’ theology would probably take issue with Peter’s thoughts in several places. However I found this book reassuring and encouraging, and hope that it’s widely read and discussed.

Highly recommended to believers, and nonbelievers too, so long as you’re prepared to put aside your preconceptions and consider the issues from a rational, thinking point of view.


Review copyright 2020 Sue's Book Reviews