Help Me Believe : Direct Answers to Real Questions [Paperback]

Cliffe Knechtle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2000

It's natural for you to have questions about Christianity. What does Jesus really have to offer in a world that is so complicated, where there's so much pain? What difference could he possibly make in your life? For years Cliffe Knechtle has been fielding questions about and objections to Christianity from thousands of people. They want to know what you want to know--what does Jesus have to do with the real world, with real life? In this book Knechtle provides the answers to some of the toughest questions you have, including

• Don't all religions teach the same thing?
• Why do Christians try to impose their morality on others?
• What is so valuable about life?
• What is God's answer to evil in the world?
• Why can't people seem to get along with each other?
• Why is forgiving others so difficult?
• Isn't God kind of old and boring?
• How do I know I can trust Jesus?
• I still have some doubts. Can you help me believe?

Life isn't easy. And what Knechtle offers you in this book are not pat answers. Rather, they are direct responses to real people with real questions. If you have questions about Christianity, Help Me Believe will grapple with them squarely, honestly and helpfully.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Knechtle ("Give Me an Answer") works as a Christian apologist and evangelist, visiting college campuses across North America. This book attempts no systematic explanation or defense of Christian belief, but provides Knechtle's response to 39 basic questions raised by his audiences. The resulting evangelical FAQ gives a sense that times are changing for Christian apologetics. Knechtle is not silent on classic topics such as the problem of evil, or who Jesus is, but his emphasis has shifted from rational "evidences" to the questions being asked by an increasingly postmodern generation of undergraduates: questions about values and relativism, relationships, guilt, forgiveness and hope. Even his treatment of divine existence takes on a strongly relational cast. As the book's title indicates, Knechtle generally assumes as a starting point that his readers have some positive interest in Christian faith. What he does not assume is an even rudimentary knowledge of Christian doctrine. Much of the book is devoted to basic explanations of Christianity and illustrative stories, often with a strong emotional appeal. These sections read more like an evangelistic talk than an apologetic treatise. The book will be most satisfying for those with a genuine interest in Christianity and relatively little previous knowledge of the Bible. For inquirers who are more familiar with Christian teaching, or are asking more complex questions, this undoubtedly sincere book may come up short.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A good resource for seekers and doubters or for those interested in reaching out to them. -- CBA Marketplace, August 2000

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 131 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; Print On Demand Edition edition (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822682
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822683
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,190,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great one from Cliffe Knechtle, September 21, 2000

By 

Richard Chung (Alameda, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Help Me Believe : Direct Answers to Real Questions (Paperback)

Cliffe Knechtle is one of the best defenders of the Christian Faith. His experience talking to students on campus allows him to write in practical, relevant terms.

His first book, "Give me an answer" is still my favorite apologetic books. This new book, builds upon that book and deals with more current questions.

Highly recommended for college students, as well as other people with questions regarding Christianity.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mysticism masquerading as reason, July 9, 2007

By 

J. Murray (North America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Help Me Believe : Direct Answers to Real Questions (Paperback)

Coherent and rational at times, but Knechtle can't follow his own self-proclaimed skepticism to its rational conclusions. He astutely warns the reader to "be committed...to use your mind to understand what is real and true". He implores the reader to tune in to the one objective reality. Unfortunately, he then provides the reader no legitimate guidance as to how that can realistically be achieved. Faith is his ultimate answer. Faith is defined in the Bible as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1) That is also the definition of wishful thinking. Wishful thinking is a poor substitute for rational evidentiary analysis. That style of thinking is exactly what does not allow one to get in touch with the reality that Knechtle preaches to us so vehemently to seek. It simply clouds the mind with what amounts to arbitrary notions. Knechtle is ostensibly advocating, and depending on reason to build his defense, but, ultimately, is advocating an epistemology built on non-rational foundations; namely faith. Don't be fooled, this is a book arguing for a mystical epistemology. On these pages faith trumps reason.