Peter Graystone’s new book explains the Christian faith – warts and all

3rd April 2008

Need to Know: Christianity is published by Collins and available in secular and Christian bookshops now.We asked Peter Graystone, who works for Church Army developing their fresh expressions projects, why he wrote it.

Why did you choose the title Need to Know?

I didn't!It is the name of a very good series that Collins publishes.It's a 'teach yourself' series that covers everything from pensions to flower arranging.They asked me to contribute a basic book about Christianity to the series.But 'Need to Know' is a good name, because the truth is that this generation knows less and less about the faith, but needs it more and more.

So how basic is it?

The idea is that if you are an enquirer, or a teacher or journalist, and you need to get on top of the subject very quickly, you can pick up the book in confidence that you can find out everything that is important in one evening.It's a short book, so it was a challenge to fit in a chapter on Jesus, one on the Bible, what Christians believe, what Christians do, and the story of the two thousand years of what God has done since Jesus' life.

Would you describe it as an evangelistic book?

One of the principles of the series is that people should be able to get the information they need in an objective and unbiased way.So I wasn't allowed to make a direct appeal to readers, but I was allowed to use 'a warm and enthusiastic voice'.Well, I am an evangelist at heart, so you won't be surprised to hear that I used a very warm and very enthusiastic voice.The facts of who Jesus was and what he did speak for themselves – I fully believe that anyone who genuinely engages with Jesus' message will come running when they hear him say, 'Follow me!'

Which chapter did you enjoy writing most?

This time last year I stupidly thought, 'I know all about that – I can rattle it off.' Oh boy was I wrong! A million hours of research later I have learnt more than I ever thought possible. And my happiest chapter was the one about Jesus, because rediscovering what was at the heart of his good news, I fell in love with him all over again.An immaculate life, a compelling vision, and a timeless message of salvation from oppression and meaninglessness!I just hope I have managed to convey the excitement I feel about his call.

And least?

Hmm!The chapter on Christian history – we haven't covered ourselves in glory over twenty centuries of trying to introduce the world to Jesus.

What is your biggest ambition for the book?

Well, at the moment the bestselling title in the Need to Know series is a book about the zodiac.I would love to honour Jesus by seeing the book on Christianity outsell it!

Peter Graystone's book Need to Know: Christianity is published by Collins and costs £8.99.You can buy it by clicking here.