This is not simply a good book, it is also a good read (and the two are not always synonymous). Melvin Tinker is an Anglican vicar from Hull with a track record of both speaking, and publishing various works, on what might be considered controversial or 'difficult' subjects. The 'Touchy Topics' referred to in the title cover ten different questions, which for the most part are challenges which a sceptical society will routinely throw into the path of particularly newer Christians. Since not everyone is able to draw on a deep theological work of robust apologetics in their response, Tinker here goes well beyond the simple or knee-jerk response and takes time and effort to equip those who too often may feel themselves on the back foot in today's world.

Not all the topics are equally helpful. Personally, this reviewer struggled most with the chapter entitled What Is the Church?. Not only was it one of the longest and most complicated chapters, but one has to question whether What Is the Church? could really be considered a 'Touchy Topic'! The author also has a tendency to reference his own work quite a lot. But such criticism aside, this is a good book to have, a good book to read, and a good book to recommend to anyone.

Andrew W.F. Coghill, Scalpay Free Church