Rt Revd David Wilbourne (formerly Bishop of Llandaff, author and book reviewer for the Church Times) writes of 'Because of Love': "Alastair Ferneley is a highly thought-of parish priest, whose recent ministerial context I know well. Seasoning that rich experience of ministry with a particular personal tragedy, he reflects on whether suffering can be compatible with a loving God, or for that matter, whether suffering can be compatible with love itself. Well-read, he communicates substantial theology and philosophy with a light and refreshingly unconventional touch, not afraid to give a robust and convincing defence of kenotic Christianity contra celebrity atheists such as Stephen Fry. A very readable, accessible, honest, humorous and poignant book, with short punchy chapters which will cheer those caught up in the shadows with tremendous light and hope." This book is written primarily for ordinary Christians (or interested agnostics) who want to think seriously through what Christian faith has to say to questions posed by the existence of evil and suffering in the world. While it would give undergraduate Theology or Philosophy of Religion students plenty of material to chew over it is written primarily for the ordinary Christian who wrestles with the questions posed by suffering - for those who agonize or puzzle or are troubled by the attacks of atheists that they don't know how to answer. The author refuses to give glib answers to deep questions, that are attached to raw emotions, but argues strongly that the Christian tradition has a lot to say about this area. Indeed, the Christian faith was born out of deep reflection about suffering, and can make much better sense of the world as we experience it than atheism can.
About the Author: A.J. Ferneley is a 48 year old Church of England Vicar, having been in full time ministry for 15 years. His academic qualifications include MA in Theology from the University of Durham, obtained at the same time as a Diploma in Theology & Ministry (2002), MPhil(B) (a one year Masters by research) in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham (1997), MA in Philosophy of Religion from Kings College, University of London (1994) & BA(Hons) in Theology & Religious Studies with History from the Roehampton Institute, University of Surrey (1993).He is married with two children, but he and his wife lost their middle child after she was stillborn after 39 weeks in 2009. This is significant for the book and is referred to in the text. The book, 'Because of Love...' is a product of years of academic philosophical reflection married to the questions that frequently arise in pastoral ministry, but it is written primarily to address the latter. He says, "In short, my qualifications for writing the book are primarily long experience of wrestling with the questions about suffering with and for others, as well as myself, in speaking to those who have been suffering themselves or are troubled by the questions and the attacks of vocal atheists in the media. But this is backed up by my academic study and reading."