THOUGHTS OF GOD - EXCITINGLY DIFFERENT. This is an excellent way to design a course of Christian study for anyone aged from 12 to 96 in which to participate. A fascinating human story, The Man Who Knew Infinity is the inspiration for a course of discussion for any time of the year. Full preparation by the leader is needed; the film needs to be available at a cost of £7.99 to allow for the clips from it to be used in each of the five sessions. Projection and viewing equipment is essential. The leader needs to be very familiar with the story as it is the interplay between the two main characters, Cambridge Don G H Hardy and Srinavasa Ramanujan – a mathematics phenomenon from Madras in India - which forms the basis for exploration of Christian theology and practice in discussion. This unlikely way of opening up to truth is commended as the story has an immediate appeal, avoiding the expectation that “another Lent course, going over the same topics as usual”. All those intending to take part in the course are strongly advised to see the entire film, which is moving and inspiring and which lasts 1hr 48m. The book which includes the course needs also to be in the hands of participants in advance. The author is an experienced and skilful Anglican priest, Andy Colebrooke, who is committed to science and faith being partners rather than enemies. Chapter 1 introduces the characters of the story. Chapter 2 is a must-read and learn for group leaders in how to lead a course. Chapter 3 contains all five sessions of the course, starting with short preparatory readings including biblical material. The session process follows a common pattern with opening worship, recap on the previous week, whole group discussion, two film clips, small group work, feedback and closing worship. A short refreshment break is suggested between the two film clips so that each session benefits from two different themes. This approach to help Christians develop and share their understanding of the relationship between faith and life is excitingly different from many courses. It is highly commended. The postscript is an appeal by the scientist-priest author that faith and science are allies in the search for truth. Revd Canon Jeremy Martineau ~ The Diocese of St David's, The Church in Wales, The Diocesan Magazine (Pobl Dewi)

Rating: **** 4 stars (5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED) Category: Religion Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker Disclosure: Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion. Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated. No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review. For more information e-mail [email protected] Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com Colebrooke,Andy. Thoughts of God: A Lent Course Based on the Film ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ (Published in 2022 by Circle Books, an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd., No. 3 East St., Alresford, Hampshire, UK SO24 9EE). This book is identified as a group Lenten study in five easy to follow sessions using scenes from Matt Brown’s 2015 film‘The Man Who Knew Infinity about the relationship of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, an orthodox Hindu Brahmin who believed that the goddess Namagiri revealed his mathematical insights, and Oxford mathematics don G. H. (Godfrey Harold) Hardy, who was a convinced atheist, at the outbreak of the First World War as a launch point to have meaningful conversation on such Biblical themes as faith and trust, exile, friendship with God, the longing for home, and the nature of truth. First, I do NOT observe “Lent,” but author Andy Colebrooke, a retired physics teacher and Anglican priest, says, “Although it was designed for Lent, it is in fact suitable for any time of year, in a variety of settings.” Second, I am not personally fond of devotional type small group study books, but if I have to read one, I would prefer that it be based directly on the Bible rather than some man-made film, even though the story told is quite interesting. At first, I wondered how the interaction between a Hindu and an atheist could possibly increase one’s understanding of Biblical principles. Having said that, I will also have to say that while I may not agree with every observation by Mr. Colebrooke, there is a lot of fascinating and beneficial material in this book. The third session on “What Is Truth?” is especially noteworthy. ~ homeschoolbookreviewblog, https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com/2022/08/30/thoughts-of-god-a-lent-course-based-on-the-film-the-man-who-knew-infinity/

A terrific Lent Course inviting us to explore the Biblical theme of being at home and in exile, how beauty and science connect with faith in God, and the astounding relationship a young Hindu had with mathematics. Using Matt Brown's 2015 film The Man Who Knew Infinity, as both a launch point but also with its own profound observation of academic life in Cambridge in 1914, Andy Colebrooke takes us on a unique journey of our own Christian faith through the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, who said, 'An equation means nothing to me unless it expresses a thought of God.' ~ Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York

A highly original and extremely practical resource for the Church, especially for film-lovers. It will take you deep into the Christian faith. Buy it and use it! ~ Jeremy Begbie, Director, Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts, Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Lent is an opportunity to engage with questions of God and what it means to be human at a deeper level. This book provides an imaginative and stimulating way in, both for individual and group study. For some it will be surprising, for some it will be challenging, but the stories represented in movies can lead us deeper into discovering who we are in the light of a God who loves and redeems. I commend this book to you. ~ Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal of St John's College and Professor of Theology and Religion, Durham University

Thoughts of God is a first rate group Lenten study putting Scripture into meaningful and delightful conversation with the film, The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015). Theology is at its core the conversation between God's story and our stories. That is, as we experience, what the best of sermons do each week. To deepen that conversation, Colebrooke has brought together relevant scriptural texts with the real-life story of the Hindu mathematician Ramanujan's interaction with the Cambridge don and atheist, G. H. Hardy. As the film invites viewers to empathize with the humanity of this young Indian family, it encourages us to extend our theological probings concerning our own humanity. Here is the dialogue between Bible and film at its best. Highly recommended. ~ Robert K. Johnston, Senior Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. U.S.A.

This Lent course is refreshingly original and yet highly relevant and contemporary to many of the issues facing society and the Christian church today. I knew nothing of Srinivasa Ramanujan until I was sent this book, but his life and work, wonderfully portrayed in the film, has been beautifully woven into the five sessions that make for a truly engaging course. The complexity of the mathematics doesn't interfere with understanding an exciting and intriguing story, that will encourage some lively and fruitful conversations, and I will be recommending it to parishes in my patch. ~ The Venerable Robin King, Archdeacon of Stansted.

If you are looking for a Lent Course which explores discipleship and the interface between religious faith and the scientific endeavour in a fresh and creative way, 'Thoughts of God' is for you. Anchored in a friendship which featured in a 2015 movie, 'The Man Who Knew Infinity', this new course illuminates philosophical and theological truths and tensions in a way which speaks to both head and heart and is anchored in everyday human realities. ~ The Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, Society of Ordained Scientists, Bishop of Swindon

Ian Stewart, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Warwick University and a Fellow of the Royal Society, said that 'Mathematics is the Cinderella science: undervalued, underestimated, and misunderstood. Yet it has been one of the main driving forces behind human society for at least three millennia, it powers all of today's technology, and it underpins almost every aspect of our daily lives.' (The Guardian, 18 January 2012). Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught genius from India with a flair for extraordinary and beautiful formulas. A 'Cinderella science' combined with an account of the brief life of a young and impoverished Hindu might seem an odd choice for the subject of a blockbuster movie, let alone for a Lent Course. However, the movie is compelling - and it deals with everything from the nature of truth, the life of faith and the evils of racism to the importance of relationships and the inescapable matter of our own mortality. And this course draws upon those issues, as well as the themes of exile and homecoming, and delivers a thought-provoking and rich exploration into what it means to live, love, and believe in the twenty-first century. As we emerge from the trauma, losses, and deprivations of the COVID pandemic, many of us are asking deep and searching questions about the very issues raised in this course. And just like the discipline of mathematics, this course is not just about finding answers; it is also about understanding why answers exist in the first place, and why they might take the form they do. Like mathematicians, we are not just concerned with understanding the world; we are also looking to open up new worlds of possibility - and maybe to find hope amidst the devastation and disillusionment of our post-pandemic world. This exciting, challenging, and inspirational course will help us to do just that. In five easy-to-follow sessions, the elegantly written material provides everything participants will need in order to engage with the fundamental issues of life, love and faith. It all adds up to an excellent course. ~ The Rt Revd Roger Morris, Area Bishop of Colchester