Josh McDowell, like C.S. Lewis and Lee Strobel, had a problem with Christianity. As an agnostic, he set out writing a paper to disprove the Christian faith, which ultimately led to his inability to do so and his surrender to Christ. A renown apologist, McDowell, along with Bob Hostetler, produced a simple book of common questions for young Christians, a book titled Don't Check Your Brains at the Door. Originally released in 1992, I recently received an updated edition for a more modernized society.
As an older Christian, and having read some more theological denser material (like Strobel's A Case for Christ), I wasn't blown away by anything I read. This, however, was not my intention in reading the book. I volunteer with the youth at church and I wanted to read it to see how I thought it would help high schoolers and middle schoolers. To this age group, as well as fledgling Christians, I think Don't Check Your Brains is a fantastic resource. It answers tough questions with Scripture, as well as establishes a seed to grow deeper in understanding God's Word.
I think this book is a great starting point for those that are clueless about their faith and why we believe things we believe. Many great questions/myths are addressed, such as New Age Thoughts, Wimpy Jesus, and God Grades on a Curve. These are but a few examples, and I think many of these myths will be encountered by the upcoming generations. In the end, Don't Check Your Brains at the Door is a simple and engaging book that should hold the attention of a younger audience, but also impart truth and evidence for common questions they may face. The book would fit perfectly with young and curious minds, and may just spark some thought in older ones as well.
-----------------*FTC Thingy: This book was provided for free as an ebook download from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Booksneeze.com.
4 comments:
I usually don't read non fiction, but I have read Stroble's A Case For A Creator. It was interesting.
@celawerd: Y'know, I used to never read non-fic, but in the last year or so, I spend about half of my reading time in this genre now. Perhaps it's because I get these books for free to review, but they're equally thought-provoking, too. I haven't read A Case for a Creator, but I own it and probably will one of these days.
That sounds great, and while you admit that you weren't surprised by any of the material it seems like something an adult who is solid in their faith might still want to read for both a reminder of why we believe what we believe but also as a tool for witnessing to others who have questions and need simple, straight-forward answers and not overwhelming theological explanations.
I think it is going to be more important than ever in this day and age to be solidly grounded in Biblical beliefs. Even now there are whole churches that are embracing non-Biblical ideas about salvation and are watering down the gospel and catering to the world's way of doing things rather than being a beacon of light and hope. Compromise is here and will become even more attractive as things get worse.
I need to read A Case for Christ.
@Carl: Aye, and that's part of the reason I got the book. It's perfect to help those who have questions and need simple, straight-forward answers.
Too true about churches today. The truth does not cater to anyone, and that's why the bible is so needed. This book is a perfect stepping stone to get someone interested in learning more.
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