"John Bell of the Iona Community has been for many years one of the most recognized voices on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day, where his cogent and penetrating topical contributions reach an audience well beyond the churches." Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury The Apostle's creed moves from the Virgin Mary to Pontius Pilate with only a comma in between. John Bell's contention is that we cannot understand the death of Christ unless we take stock of how his life rattled people – by his refusal to conform to the norms with regard, for example, to his preferred company, his take on etiquette, his understanding of God, and the subjects he favoured for public discussion.

In four lively sessions, we ponder how Jesus in his earthly ministry fulfilled the law, the prophets and the psalms, before looking forward – with deeper interest – to the celebration of his birth in the incarnation.