Born in 1921, the author of this book, a professor of philosophy, was raised a Lutheran in Germany. At a young age, he realized he could not honestly profess a faith in the trinity and converted to Judaism, to the consternation of his family (who were of Jewish heritage). With time Judaism proved as problematical as Christianity for him. Though unable to profess either faith, he recognized the value of religion. The point of the book is the importance of scrupulous honesty in examining everything, including matters of faith and philosophical inquiry.