The World Next Door

by Rory Shiner, Peter Orr

“This book is our best shot at commending the Christian message to our friends and neighbours. It’s driven by the universal human instinct to increase the joy of finding a good thing by sharing it with others. We both think we’ve found a good thing—the best thing—in finding God through Jesus. We want to share it.”

Taking the ancient but timeless Apostles’ Creed as their starting point, pastor Rory Shiner and atheist-turned-theologian Peter Orr introduce you to the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Fast-paced, entertaining, personal, and compelling, The World Next Door invites you into a world where Jesus Christ reigns supreme and where lives are changed forever.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Faith

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Peter Yock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a joy to read. Easy, profound, and theologically rich. Great for a mature believer and a searching outsider alike. I'll be recommending this one widely.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire the efforts of the writer, and some of their illustrations (e.g. the doctrine of the Trinity is like the Copernicus realisation that we revolve around the sun. It's not obvious / explainable in our eyes, but it makes sense of the rest of the evidence).

But at times the tone was too jovial / Aussie? And I guess not my target perhaps?

Some of their "I think..." Also may mean people see Christianity as a thought exercise rather than objective truth.

But still a helpful summary of apostles Creed, and encouragements in there.

[Tim Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm, engaging and sensitive explanation of the gospel story through the lens of the Apostle's Creed. A wonderful read for someone who wants to understand the foundation of the Christian faith, and the perfect gift to give to someone who is seeking.

[Rhys Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, engaging, personable, and faithful foray into understanding the Christian faith. The authors write with charm and conviction, with openness and entertaining stories that demonstrate their points well.
This has immediately become my number one book that I'd be willing to give to a non-Christian friend to give them a sharp and clear insight into just what it is that I believe as a follower of Jesus.
Deeply thankful to Rory and Peter for writing this!

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bathed in theological discussions, podcasts on evangelical culture and debates, and the minutiae of Hebrew verb conjugations, sometimes it’s easy to let the gospel fall by the wayside. This book was a refreshing rejuvenation. Shiner and Orr write with fervor for the gospel - and a proper presentation of its basic truths - with a wit that proves the spirit of God has brought them both joy and peace. It’s refreshing and and easily digestible. And certainly a good resource for walking a wondering friend through the basic truths of the gospel.

[Nathan Rutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a winsome, down-to-earth, well-reasoned introduction to the Christian faith. It is written with contemporary illustrations, yet framed but one of the oldest Christian creeds. Reading it encouraged me personally (a born-again Christian for over two decades) and was a good example of how to explain spiritual realities that I can take for granted to those who are perhaps considering them for the first time. I highly recommend it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Modernity has put a burden on humanity that we don’t have the capacity to beat. We simply were not made to generate our own meaning. We were made to be part of something bigger. Something cosmic.” An excellent, clear book to commend the Christian message. Written in a warm and insightful way, this book helps the reader to consider who God is and what that means for them personally.

[Trevor Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this primer and introduction to the Christian faith through the Apostles Creed. Enjoyably, written, and clear, but a book that will be dated in a few years time. Helpful in thinking through how to introduce the faith to post-Christians, nonetheless. A few quibbles here and there.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh, invigorating and enjoyable.

[Zac Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A great intro to Christian faith, with some fresh contextualising of the message.

[Daniel Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable reading

Rory writes with a strong voice and he is an enjoyable person to read. Not to mention that the books content is interesting as well