I am not a deep thinker. I have said that before. Some books, some writers and some speakers go so deep I am lost.
There is a man in the church whose intellectual prowess astounds me. When he talks to me about his area of expertise, his wife likes to joke about my eyes glazing over. That is not a “slam” against him. It is a commentary on my inability to grasp some things.
I find myself that way with some books, especially on apologetics. I like things simple and concrete. Understandable. Not too heady. Able to be understood and, if necessary, to be used in conversation or the pulpit.
Truth Matters is one of those books which skirts the line for me. Subtitled “Confident Faith in a Confusing World,” I chose this book because of this tag line: “We know church kids today have real questions and often can’t defend their faith. Others are honestly seeking the truth.” These questions may come from a professor, a friend, or even their own inquiring mind.
This book was written in response to so many church kids who get bombarded with modern scholarship and have no answers. Here are some of the chapter titles:
Is God There? Does God Care? (Then why can’t He do any better than this?)
Let’s Make a Bible (Who picked these books, and where’d they come from?)
Contradictions, Contradictions (Why does the Bible have all these mistakes?)
I’ll Need an Original (How can copies of copies be the same as the real thing?
And the Winner Is… (Who decided what Christianity was made of?
A Likely Story (How do we know Jesus rose from the dead)
Admittedly, it read easily in parts and fascinated me. In other places, I was sorta lost (but it did a good job of bringing me back). The latter is because of my own mind and “grasping” ability. I am going to keep this book in a handy place. It dealt with questions I have been asked personally-here and in person.
I would also recommend it to anyone (honestly) seeking answers and anyone wanting to give the answers. If you wonder about any of the topics listed in the chapter briefs above-both pro and con-you need to read this book. I truly don’t think you will be disappointed.
I put it on my list the other day when you recommended it to me. Sometimes with books like this, I must admit that I miss out on the intent and the ideas because I am approaching it like an academic exercise. Hopefully when I get to reading this, I will let things absorb into me and really think about what is said.
I honestly think you will do that here Daniel. You will be one who will grasp this and be able to go far beyond what they are saying.
Sounds like a good one to do a small group study with.
it does come with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. It would be a select small group I would think.
Interesting. I’ve had many of my nonChristian friends ask me some of these questions and I don’t have the answers. If you think this book will help me then I’ll pick up a copy. But if you know of a better book to help me with these type of questions, please recommend it. Thanks!
I think this would be a good addition to your library TC. It is understandable and not high brow.
Thanks, Bill. I’ll add this to my reading wish list.
Believe you will be glad you did TC.
Sounds interesting. Hope it actually finds its way into the way of the eyes of the youngsters…
That is the problem with things like this Floyd. Those who really need them often don’t even know they exist.
Hi Bill! I agree that there are so many different people and authors, we can’t possibly be able to connect with all of them. That’s why there’s so much room for writers!
We are instructed to be able to ‘defend our faith’ and it’s a hard job in today’s society. So many believe what feels good, or doesn’t challenge…faith is so much more that that. But it’s not a popular ‘feel good’ message. Makes you really love Christ more and more, as he battled the same issues in his days.
Thank you for introducing me to this book!
Ceil
I have never really had one of those “do I believe or don’t believe” times Ceil. But I know there are those who do and I need to have some answers for them. This book really helped me. Glad to have introduced you to it. Thanks for coming by.
Sounds interesting, Bill. Thanks for the recommendation.
You’re welcome jason.
Hi Bill,
I haven’t heard of that book. Good to know, thanks. We give out Jay Budizewski’s book “How to Stay Christian in College” to our high school graduates in youth group. While I don’t like the depressing title, we found the worldview and apologetic material in there helpful.
I’ll have to check out this new one you mentioned.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
let me know what you two think Jennifer. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.