A very readable set of radio transcripts by the man who was best-known for his modern Bible translations in the middle of the 20th century.

JB Phillips looks at Christianity in its most basic form: what does it mean to acknowledge God? What differences are there between Christians and unbelievers (given that we all come in a wide variety of temperaments and cultures)? What do we mean by 'sin' and 'worship'?

The style is accessible and non-judgemental, and the author comes across as friendly and chatty rather than didactic. He fully understands that many have rejected either God or the church, and makes it clear that he can see their reasons.

I didn't learn anything new, but found it an encouraging little volume, one I would recommend to anyone wanting to know what Christian belief really involves, at the most basic level.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/plain-christianity-by-jb-phillips.h... ( )

in storage

Which brings me to Plain Christianity. I don’t recall where I picked this book up. I love it. It’s a transcription of some talks J.B. Phillips gave on the B.B.C.. They are conversational in tone, readable, and the philosophy and theology are accessible to common people like myself. The first talk represent to me the epitome of Christianity. Phillips writes that he is not interested in a religion that does not work in daily living. He believes that Christianity gives Christians who live by faith three characteristics:

1. inward tranquility,
2. unquenchable gaiety of spirit,
3. and an outgoing love that is concerned about other people.

(Full review at my blog) ( )