Why I Believe

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT APOLOGY FOR EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY
Review: "Why I Believe" is a masterpiece of Christian apologetics. Kennedy writes as he preaches--with an obvious intelligence and remarkable clarity of thought. His arguments are well documented from both Holy Scripture and historical fact itself. Though perhaps not quite on the same level as C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," Kennedy's book is nonetheless a thought-provoking work that every Christian would be well-served to read. One of the great things about Kennedy is that he never goes out of his way to be politically correct. While some of his views may strike some--even fellow conservatives--as a bit too opinionated, I personally find his wholeheartedly partisan voice refreshing in this era of diluted faith. Moreover, Kennedy's writing style is quite fluid and easy to understand, so you don't have to be a philosophy major to get the point. If you are, so much the better--you'll have something new to philosophize about. No, everyone may not agree with Kennedy's point of view, but even the most critical open-minded reader should come away from "Why I Believe" with a lot to think about, even as orthodox Christians will find themselves better armed to defend their faith.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT APOLOGY FOR EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY
Review: "Why I Believe" is a masterpiece of Christian apologetics. Kennedy writes as he preaches--with an obvious intelligence and remarkable clarity of thought. His arguments are well documented from both Holy Scripture and historical fact itself. Though perhaps not quite on the same level as C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," Kennedy's book is nonetheless a thought-provoking work that every Christian would be well-served to read. One of the great things about Kennedy is that he never goes out of his way to be politically correct. While some of his views may strike some--even fellow conservatives--as a bit too opinionated, I personally find his wholeheartedly partisan voice refreshing in this era of diluted faith. Moreover, Kennedy's writing style is quite fluid and easy to understand, so you don't have to be a philosophy major to get the point. If you are, so much the better--you'll have something new to philosophize about. No, everyone may not agree with Kennedy's point of view, but even the most critical open-minded reader should come away from "Why I Believe" with a lot to think about, even as orthodox Christians will find themselves better armed to defend their faith.

Rating:
Summary: Joel Warren Lidz, Ph.D. above is crazy
Review: As a professor of philosophy, I used this book once to illustrate just how bad some people's logic can be. However, the students found it too simple-minded to be of any value. Kennedy's many unfounded assumptions, poor reasoning, etc., were too obvious to pose any challenge.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Apologetical Work for Christian and Non-Christian
Review: D. James Kennedy has crafted a wonderful apology for the believer and unbeliever elaborating on the fundamentals of the faith. Kennedy is a renowned Presbyterian Minister at Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Florida. An excellent reference work to fall back on.

Rating:
Summary: Genuine Enlightment. You will learn A LOT in a short time.
Review: Genuine Enlightment. You will learn A LOT in a short time in this pithy book.

This book is and great and easy read. This book will teach you a lot of things in a short time.

For example, a well known atheist archeologist (as well as many other atheist archiologists) who set out to disprove the book of Acts. They retraced the book of Acts, and found out the author (Luke) was absolutely correct and truthful and accurate and those same aetheists archiologists, became belivers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Another example in the book, the writings of Pontus Pilate. Pontus Pilate wrote about his interraction with Jesus, his imploring him (Jesus) of the fact that he is innocent and how his sending of Jesus to be crucified (because the Jews wanted it that way). There are many more examples and a lot more insightful education in this book.

I would have loved it, and I think it would have been a good idea if he elaborated more extenisvely and added more examples in each chapter--like the one's described above (that's really the only "critcism" this book should get).

I believe that if D. James Kennedy could have elaborated much more extensively and made each chapter 3-10 longer in length, and turned this pity read into a textbook if he wanted to. But, I don't think that was the purpose of this book (especially since most people don't like reading long books, or like reading books period).

You will learn a lot. I recommend that everyone read it. You will be introduced to and obtain a lot of education.

You will definitly have your eyes, heart, and mind opened to the truth and validity of God, Jesus, and the Bible.

I am buying many copies as Christmas presents.

If want a sound Christian education, then read this book. If you want your intelligence insulted, then read Robert Schuller.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great.
Review: I inherited this book from my late grandfather, and have just started reading it yesterday. I am nearly through with the book-it is a very quick read. Dr. Kennedy writes in a very clear and concise style that the average reader can understand. I do not agree with everything he writes though, keep in mind that he is a Presbyterian minister.

I do have one major gripe about the book though-Dr. Kennedy sources are usually not primary. He writes that Darwin said this, or Pliny the younger wrote that, yet he does not cite a primary source. As a trained historian and a serious seeker I would like to know exactly when and where a person said this or that. I do not want to be directed to a Josh McDowell book.

If it is serious apologetics that you are after then pick up Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I also reccommend reading the works of the early Church fathers. I am grateful that I inherited this book instead of buying it.

Rating:
Summary: Writing style is a detriment to an otherwise good book
Review: This was the very first Christian apologetic book I read. I first read the original edition, borrowed from a friend, and later purchased the revised edition.

One thing that I had hoped would be updated was Kennedy's writing style. I don't know what he had in mind, but if he considered at all that this book may have been read by informed critics or even marginally intelligent people, he would have refrained from making such absurd claims about the people he cites.

Common to this book is such language as "Source x, who is without a doubt the smartest man to ever live", and "this man, undoubtedly the most brilliant mind of his time...", etc. In most cases, he makes these claims about people I've never heard of. Others I have. The problem is, when you make such sweeping claims, it hurts your credibility as an objective researcher and writer. He'd have done better to just cite his sources and give a brief presentation of their credentials and leave it at that.

That being said, he does cover a lot of material, and though sometimes he's unable to resist resorting to Bible-thumping, many of his arguments are very good. I wholly agree, for instance, with his chapter on Moral Absolutes. Doctrinally, I have very few problems with the book and the defenses he gives.

I was a bit troubled by his brief yet harsh treatments of Catholicism. For instance, he overstates somewhat the happenings of the Inquisition, filing those involved as "non-Christians persecuting Christians." I wish he'd have addressed the Peasants Revolt, Protestant witch hunts, and the English reformation to offer some balance, but that is probably wishful thinking. However, a comment on page 147 is absolutely laughable: "I'm quite sure that no Christian would ever torture anyone." Well congratulations, Mr. Kennedy, you just called John Calvin, your mentor, a non-Christian (see: Michael Servetus, tortured and executed by John Calvin in Geneva). I appreciate your candor in denoucing the father of Presbyterianism - your denomination - as a non-Christian. I also found that his implication that Catholics are illiterate (p.156) to be absurd and offensive. Its too bad emotional bias got in the way of scholarly honesty, but sadly this happens all to often in this camp.

I hesitate to give this to anyone, as I believe his writing style is a turnoff that serves to repel, not witness.