Describing this book is not a straightforward task. The author declares that it is not an autobiography, although biographical details are woven throughout the narrative. It touches on theological issues, though it is not a work of theology. Basically it is a real life story, telling how an atheist with a love of science became restless with a world that obstinately refused to fit his preconceptions and eventually discovered the intellectual riches of the Christian faith. As such it is also a journey of discovery which “explores how we can live meaningfully and authentically in the midst of uncertainty” (p.viii).

Early Years

The biographical details are very prevalent in the early chapters, where McGrath describes his childhood and schooling. It is clear that from an early stage he possessed a powerful mind and was capable of achieving all that was set before him. Reading widely, including novels, opened up a variety of worlds to him, but it was staring into the starry sky that opened his mind to mystery and beauty. However, it also convinced him that the starlit heavens were “merely elegant symbols of cosmic meaninglessness and human insignificance” (p.19).

Attracted to Marx - then to Christ

During his final years at school McGrath developed a deep rational attraction to Marxism, although he was never politically active. The writings of Marx persuaded him that religion was a human invention arising from an existential need. By the time he went to Oxford he had sorted out all the great questions of life and was ready to forge a successful career. But while at university he came into contact with many highly intelligent science students who took their Christian faith very seriously. This caused him to realise that he had misunderstood what Christianity was all about. He describes an “epiphanic moment”, a new vision and sense of “standing on the threshold of a new way of thinking and living” (p.56).

This concludes the first part of the book, entitled ‘Discovering a New World’. In the second section (‘Exploring a Strange New World’), McGrath explains the influence upon him of the writings of C. S. Lewis, whom he describes as “a travelling companion” who offered him a “big picture” account of Christianity.

Journey of exploration and discovery

Eventually McGrath decided to read theology alongside science, the two mountains he would dedicate his life to climbing. By ascending these twin peaks he claims he was able to survey a rich and complex view of the world and find new answers to old questions which he could communicate to others. 

Part three (‘Old Questions, New Insights: Living on the Island of Faith’) doesn’t seem to add much more, being mainly a recap and a series of reflections on what has already been covered. The author concludes that his journey of exploration and discovery is not “that of a solitary individual, detached from others; it is about being both “helped to think” and “accompanied by others who travel on the road of faith” (p.210).

Sense of a complex world

This is an enjoyable read, though some may find it difficult to relate to an individual as super-intelligent as McGrath. In addition, there are times when you may think the author is being rather boastful about his abilities and achievements. But overall he comes across as a genuinely nice guy who has made the most of his opportunities.

At one point McGrath admits that while most of his fellow students “described their conversion experiences in terms of a joyful release from guilt, a discovery of their personal significance and value in the sight of God, or the forging of a secure personal relationship with Christ” (p.143), his was cerebral and intellectual. For McGrath, he was simply relieved that Christianity was not irrational or unscientific and that it provided him with imaginative insights and a capacity to make sense of a complex world.

Summary

For many this will be a fascinating read, a story they can associate with, though there will also be those who would have preferred to have heard more about God than the man.

The book concludes with a section entitled ‘Some Notes on My Books’. These are a useful few pages for those who are not familiar with McGrath’s writings or who want to know more about his life’s work.

‘Through a Glass Darkly’ (225 pages) is published by Hodder & Stoughton, and is available from Amazon.