Paradoxology

This book by Krish Kandiah is one of the best books in Christian apologetics I've ever read. Through scrutinising biblical figures and stories in context, with immense theological and philosophical rigour, Krish tackles head-on some of the biggest and most problematic question-problems posed to Christian faith - those that are seemingly irreconcilable, as scripture seems to imply, or allow the possibility of, opposite truths existing in paradox (hence the title). He covers the following aspects of God:*

• needs nothing but asks for everything (through Abraham)
• is far away, but so close (Moses)
• terribly compassionate (Joshua)
• actively inactive (Job)
• faithful to the unfaithful (Hosea)
• consistently unpredictable (Habakkuk)
• indiscriminately selective (Jonah)
• speaks silently (Esther)
• is divinely human (Jesus)
• determines our free will (Judas)
• wins as he 'loses' (the cross)
• effectively ineffective (the Romans)
• fails to disappoint (the Corinthians)

   Alongside these brilliant chapters, Krish includes in the book a short introduction, mid-way reflection, and epilogue, about the nature of paradoxical understanding and how we can live with it. His pragmatic and intellectually humble approach to the complexities and enormities of transcendentally infinite divine realities, and how human understanding can, if not at least grasp them, then grasp what is meant by the apparent contradictions, leads to some profound insights into the depth and mystery of God's truth and character. I would strongly recommend this book to any Christian who has been waging the ever-present inner wrestle with doubt in perplexity; this book strikes right to the core of the biggest and most common of these niggling doubts and uncertainties, and though they cannot be perfectly resolved in neat explanation (as is the nature of paradox), thorough examination of them certainly helps us understand how contradictory doctrines may both hold true, and strengthen the reader's heart and mind in faith along the way.

* The nature of the subject matter makes these chapters hard to summarise, so I'm literally just using the subtitles from the contents page... sorry. Hey, if it piques your interest, read the book!