Generally I am somewhat unenthusiastic about apologetics. Too often what is labelled `Christian apologetics' comes across as boring, and settles in the dust of hollow philosophical and pseudo-scientific arguments. Andrew avoids these mistakes.
If God, Then What? leads on us a journey, packed full of anecdote and winsome observation, that travels over territory exploring how we can know anything about anything, to what that might tell us about the likelihood or otherwise of the existence of God, and then into much more explicitly Christian claims about sin and death, resurrection and life. Throughout, Andrew exhibits a light touch, penetrating insight, and considerable humour. Perhaps the riskiest chapter in the book is one on origins, in which it would have been all too easy for Andrew to slip and slide into the murky tracks of so many other apologetics books, and - as Andrew himself puts it - "quote a long list of prize-winning scientists who agree with me, produce great quotations about fine-tuning and the Creator's aim, and misquote Stephen Hawking a few times to make it look like all scientists basically believe in God." Thankfully, Andrew sidesteps this pitfall and proceeds in a way which casts light, rather than merely more obfuscation, on the debate.
In terms of audience, I should imagine that this book will appeal in large part to those who - like me - are already convinced of Andrew's case. Christians will enjoy reading this because it will help them to see some things in a new light, and because it will help equip them for those God conversations with skeptics. However, I think it will also be read and enjoyed by those who are not Christians, or even necessarily theists, as it is engaging, and far from patronising or aggressive. An intelligent 16 year-old could probably handle it (I will try it on my intelligent 14 year-old) and anyone with genuine interest in discussing the big questions of life would find it accessible and interesting.
Highly recommended.
