Includes bibliographical references (p. [230]-239).

The anatomy of cynicism -- Introducing cynicism -- Cynicism : new and used -- Seeing through people -- Seeing through institutions : government, family and church -- Seeing through God -- Seeing through human knowledge of God : the masters of suspicion -- Seeing through meaning to power : postmodern cynicism -- Seeing through everything else : boredom, irony and satire -- Raising questions -- Suspecting our suspicions -- The vulnerability of cynicism -- Suspecting contemporary suspicion about God -- An honest alternative to cynicism -- The providence of God : a theology of brokenness -- Living with the providence of God -- Providence experienced : does Jesus make any difference? -- A pointer to transcendence -- What if the transcendent has come to earth? -- Questions about a transcendent message -- Redeeming suspicion : a God's-eye view -- What if God is not a cynic? -- Seeing through cynicism -- Beyond cynicism I : humility-a reality check -- Beyond cynicism II : individuality and charity-walking a tightrope -- Cynicism and marriage -- Cynicism and the church -- Cynicism and government -- Hope and the costs of cynicism.