What is the Point of Being a Christian?

Full of wisdom and insightful apercus… Radcliffe’s book leavens its philosophy with good jokes (“Tesco ergo sum - I shop therefore I am”), references to contemporary novels and films and the timeless, universal pleasures of wine. * The Times *Timothy Radcliffe has written a wholly admirable statement of what it means to be a thoughtful, receptive, faithful, and generous Christian in the West today.…Radcliffe displays the Christian life and tradition as being deeply enriching, and does so in language the world can understand. – Revd Dr Sam Wells * Church Times *This book deserves to be, and indeed must be read … Radcliffe writes with the essential humility of a man who has lived the Christian life in many different cultures. – James Kelly * Catholic Times *Eloquent and moving. – Douglas Hedley * Times Literary Supplement *I cannot imagine this book going out of date because it is based on solid theological and spiritual principles… Radcliffe speaks with authority, reflecting his deep faith, long experience and profound understanding of human nature. * RENEW *…an exploration of what it means to hope…[a] courageous and hopeful book. He points us beyond the words, beyond the comfort zone - can we risk taking up the challenge? * The Furrow *[Radcliffe’s] chapters progress through certain characteristics that Christian faith should bring: freedom, happiness, courage, comfortableness in our bodies. Drawing on literature, wide theological knowledge and pastoral experience, he lays out how many people are struggling through the complex issues of today’s world and stresses the importance of listening to others with whose opinions we may not agree. * National Catholic Reporter *Spiritual writer is at his captivating best….Timothy Radcliffe is in demand the world over with bishops, priests, lay people and above all the young. This new book is his response … He is a prophet for our times. – James HickeyHe is deeply spiritual, extremely cultured, and a clear, compelling writer. He possesses a certain fearlessness and optimism about the world without being insensitive to the terrible burdens of our times….Radcliffe’s book reflects the omnivorous reading; his long meditation on Scripture, liturgy, and the Catholic theological tradition; and his wide knowledge of the world. – Lawrence S. Cunningham * Commonweal *For me, finding Dr. Bourke as one of many chosen arrows in the Radcliffe quiver brought my awe closer to joy. There is surely much soaring and trenchant truth here for me and a great many more, but less might have seemed more, or been sharper, or flown higher, or felt cozier and less like and overlong homily. * Review For Religious *Timothy Radcliffe is a charismatic, spiritual leader and a rare bird, his talks and broadcasts always surprise….he shows himself in this new book to be passionately concerned with issues relating to environment, globalisation and the pastoral care of the marginalised and the dispossessed. * The Universe *Shot through with humour, friendship and wisdom, the pages of this book outline a manner of living which is at once faithful to the teachings of Jesus and rooted in the tradition of the church. * The Universe *We are offered something altogether more stimulating… This book opens new horizons… Major subjects are handled with insight. – Edmund Newey * Theology *

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe is a former Master of the Dominican Order. Educated at Oxford and Paris, he joined the Dominicans in 1965 and taught scripture at Blackfriars, Oxford, for many years. His bestselling books include Alive in God, Why Go to Church?, and I Call You Friends. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis in December 2024.