Know Why You Believe: Library Edition

Rating:
Summary: A Great Refresher or Beginner's Read
Review:
This book deals with the most pressing religious questions of the day. As a college graduate with a Christian background, I have heard much of this information before. But it is a great reminder of the facts concerning the Christian faith, and I read half of the book before I put it down.

If your ability to express your faith has lost its pizzazz, reading this book would be a good way to get it back. There are theological, historical, and scientific facts here to back up what you know to be true. Also, if you have come to faith recently or do not have much theological or Christian education background, this book is essential reading. It would be perfect for a small group of young or relatively new believers, because the study questions are excellent for discussion and review. Everything from evolution to the existence of God to the authority of Scripture is covered here, and there are lots of stories, facts, and quotes thrown in to keep the reader interested.

Rating:
Summary: Some good, Some bad
Review: A lot of other reviewers have highlighted the positives so I'll concentrate on the negative. I'ts obvious that his bible interpretation is a literalist,inerrant view most compatible with conservative evangelicism or fundamentalism. As such it repeatedly leaves itself open to attack of the historicity of certain events in the bible.
The worst section of the book is clearly the one on science and religion. To imply that the age of the earth is a question still open because of uncertainties in geology is just intellectually
dishonest. There was good evidence through geology about the old nature of the earth long before even the first edition of this book came out.
As well there has been evidence found about transitional life forms in fossils (nowhere complete yet I will admit).
When you see that he is quoting Michael Behe and Hugh Ross you know well, that just about does the chapter in. Even honest christian scientists dismiss much of the ideas of those two.
Bottomline: there's better than this to read out there.

Rating:
Summary: Simple and to the point.
Review: I enjoyed Little's book. It contains great information in an easy-to-read style. Although a bit old, it has relevant information for the believer and the sceptic alike. I particularly enjoyed the chapter dealing with the resurrection. The worst chapter was the one dealing with science. In this chapter, Little doesn't really offer any information as to what the Christian should believe, but rather he only lists the various views of the day. I believe that Little didn't want to scare off the audience by offering only one view of how science and scripture relate, but the end result is a bit weak in my opinion.

However, I think this book deserves four stars for some excellent chapters dealing with the Christian faith. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Rating:
Summary: A place to start for beginners.
Review: I read Little's book and was disappointed with it. My criticisms of this book are derived not from an anti-Christian perspective, but from a practical pedagogical perspective. With that said, I am not trying to disprove any of Little's statements on Christian faith that he derives from his readings of the Bible. But I do have some criticisms of this book. My criticisms against this book should assist the prospective reader in selecting (or not selecting this book).
-Simplistic style. This is not a college level book, despite what one review states. It is written at the seventh or eighth grade level. If you read at the college level, this is a Dick & Jane book. Sometimes it is like reading a PowerPoint presentation. It is basic and not challenging.
-Slow pace. The pace of this book is very slow. Part of what makes this a slow read is the book's repetitious style. Little keeps making his point over and over. After a while, you get the point and no longer have to have it made again.
-Errors (or over-simplification). For example, Little refers to a Greek Empire (page 12). There was never one. With that said, it is clear he is referring to the 'Greek' linguistic and cultural hegemony created in the western Mediterranean by Alexander the Great's conquests.
-Academic credentials. Little holds an MBA and is not a theologian. He holds no advanced degrees in that field. The method by which Little postulates his arguments resembles those made by Fundamentalist - a lot on what the Bible says and little on historical context or liturgical perspective. In other words, his sources are limited and it shows. And, he tends to make circular arguments.
With all of this said, I do consider this to be fine book for a novice to Christianity. The basics are here, without any complications. However, it is not illuminating. So if you are looking for a place to start, this might be it. However, don't stop here - this is way too basic.

Rating:
Summary: Nice summary of answers to common questions
Review: My wife asked me to read this book to see if it was any good- so I did. Like most reviewers, I enjoyed this book despite its simplicity. It is pretty short, easy to follow, and worth the time spent reading it. I was somewhat familiar with certain sections of the book, but enjoyed the pragmatic way that Paul Little presents the Christian view to the reader.

The context for the book is that Paul Little wanted to provide answers to the 12 most common questions he received when discussing Christianity on college campuses. He fulfills his purpose, and provides many references, and additional materials to research if you want to go deeper into any particular subject.

You will most likely not be interested in all 12 topics discussed, but it makes sense that most Christians should have some familiarity with these questions, and the basic answers provided in this book. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick introduction to apologetics, or different ways to answer the questions that may arise as you share your faith with others.