Beyond Belief

<p>What do you do when the foundations of your world start to crumble and you begin doubting everything you once believed in? For David Monkcom born into a strict fundamentalist sect deconstructing his Evangelical faith was a deeply challenging deconversion process that lasted years. It took him beyond belief to agnosticism and secular Humanism.</p><p>“Beyond Belief” – not to be confused with other books with similar titles – is a work in two parts. In Part One “A Journey” David describes his upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren and his struggle to break away from that world both intellectually and emotionally.</p><p>In Part Two “A Conversation” he invites readers – of all faiths and none – to think rationally about religious beliefs. Is there a good case for believing in God? How convincing are the arguments? What about the evidence from holy scriptures miracles and personal experience? With David as our guide working through these questions is an entertaining enlightening and enjoyable conversation proving that philosophy doesn’t have to be nerdy.</p><p>The book concludes with a passionate call on people of faith to ditch dogmatism and embrace dialogue. If we want a peaceful and tolerant society where friendship and understanding replace hatred and polarisation we need to start <em>listening</em> to one another seeking to understand and learn from each other – whether through education classes or in local neighbourhood groups.</p><p>What better way to begin than by discussing “Beyond Belief”?</p>