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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book Endorsements, August 4, 2008
This review is from: Reasons We Believe: 50 Lines of Evidence That Confirm the Christian Faith (Paperback)
Here are the endorsements included in the front of the book:
* * * * *
Nathan Busenitz's Reasons We Believe stands out among apologetic texts in several respects. First, it is both comprehensive and concise, qualities one rarely finds in the same volume. Further, and more important, the book maintains a remarkable focus on Scripture itself. Though it does not neglect references to extra-biblical literature when appropriate, it might actually be described as the Bible's own apologetic for itself. Therefore, the book shows how Christians can make use of traditional evidences and arguments within the Bible's own framework of thought. Thus it brings presuppositions and evidences together, rather than placing them in competition.
John Frame
Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy
Reformed Theological Seminary
* * * * *
"Tremendous! Nathan Busenitz's Reasons We Believe is one of the most helpful apologetic guides to appear in a long time -- one that you can really sink your teeth into. Hugely helpful and highly recommended!"
Ron Rhodes
President
Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries
* * * * *
Reasons We Believe is a wholesome, faith-affirming volume. It will appeal mostly to Christians who recognize many of the convictions they hold regarding the Christian faith, but who have not seen this many reasons, all organized carefully under one cover. It is well known that evidences are person-relative, in that particular arguments appeal to certain people, while other presentations may reach a different audience. As Nathan Busenitz points out, listing five different categories and 50 topics allows readers to skip around and find those subjects that appeal especially to them.
Gary Habermas
Chair of Philosophy and Theology
Liberty University
* * * * *
Life is fully lived only when lived in conformity to reality. In this work Nathan Busenitz masterfully demonstrates that Christianity is that reality. With numerous references to Scripture, and an amazingly rich source of documented evidence from history, science, and existential human experience, Busenitz shows how all of these coalesce to demonstrate the reality of God, the absolute truthfulness of the Bible, and the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The work is thoroughly researched--providing an excellent source for further study, well-reasoned, contemporary and interestingly written. Aptly arranged so that it can be read straight through or used as a resource for specific issues, Reasons We Believe is an excellent resource for strengthening any believer's faith or helping someone come to faith.
Robert Saucy
Distinguished Professor, Systematic Theology
Talbot School of Theology
* * * * *
We live in a day when the new Atheism tells us that "religion poisons everything" and that "God is not good" and when authors prostitute their scholarship to become rich on sensationalist books about so-called "lost Christianities" and "lost Scriptures." In the midst of this stench, Nate Busentiz's sane and sound treatment of Christian evidences comes as a breath of fresh air. The author has done his homework and conveys the results in a very clear and convincing manner. In my student days, there was a classic book along these lines titled Reasons to Believe. Now we have a worthy successor to this classic in Reasons We Believe. May it have a wide circulation and strengthen the hands of those who live and labor in the shadow of John Bunyan's "Doubting Castle."
William Varner
Professor of Biblical Studies
The Master's College
* * * * *
That the Christian faith clearly stands head and shoulders above all other religions of all time is laid out by the author in a compelling fashion. A seemingly endless stream of Scripture references as well as a wide array of quotations from the literature of the world of academia back up the author's claims and contentions on God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible. Explanations from the reasons given will prove to be richly nourishing for the heart and mind of the believer, yet will also serve to challenge forthrightly the unbeliever.
Trevor Craigen
Professor of Theology
The Master's Seminary
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear Defense of Christianity, August 11, 2008
This review is from: Reasons We Believe: 50 Lines of Evidence That Confirm the Christian Faith (Paperback)
"Reasons We Believe" is an excellent introduction to the subject of Christian apologetics. It is simple enough so that one does not need to be a theologian or expert to understand it, yet it is also comprehensive in nature. This book meshes the Scriptural, spiritual, and physical strands of reasoning and proof in order to produce a compelling case for the reality of the Christian faith. This book would be ideal for anyone seeking to learn more about Christianity, wondering about the nature of faith, or simply seeking to have their personal faith strengthened. When you've finished reading "Reasons We Believe", you'll be faced with the choice to accept Christianity in it's entirety or to reject it completely. As the book reveals, the facts speak for themselves...
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful in Strengthening Believers, December 10, 2008
This review is from: Reasons We Believe: 50 Lines of Evidence That Confirm the Christian Faith (Paperback)
As Christians we are commanded to be ready to give a defense of the faith (1 Peter 3.15). And if we are at all active in speaking about the gospel, we will find that there are many questions that unbelievers have about Christianity. As a result, we are not shy to admit that we need a little help in effort to be obedient to Scripture through a patient and clear defense of the faith. This is why a well-researched, well-written articulation of Christian doctrine from an apologetic posture is so helpful. Thankfully Nathan Busenitz has given us such a product.
Reasons We Believe is a survey of 50 lines of evidence that support and promote the orthodox understanding of historic Christianity; specifically what we believe about God, the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ. Busenitz realizes that there are many books that aim at this target, but he singles out this book as different for three reasons:
1. Versatility: The book may be read straight through or by skipping around based upon pressing questions or personal interests. In this way it is helpful for personal study, small group studies or larger teaching venues.
2. Bible-Centeredness: Busenitz writes, "the book deliberately includes a substantial number of Scripture references-the aim being to bring the full force of God's Word to bear on the discussion. Our conviction is that any defense of biblical Christianity must begin with the Bible, and we have attempted to model that approach here.
3. Bibliography: The books is flat out stacked with citations pointing us to other resources to aid further study.
The book focuses on the authoritative twin support structures of Christianity, the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ. The approach is to, again, start with the Bible to demonstrate and prove truth. With the foundation established the author recognizes the value in appealing to extra-biblical evidence:
Busenitz writes: The empirical, forensic, and philosophical evidence that backs up Christianity sets it apart from other worldviews and belief systems. In the words of Christian author Morris Inch, "There is a case to be made for Christianity. It passes the philosophic criteria with highest honors; it focuses on the incomparable figure of Jesus; it draws credibility from accumulative evidence; and it satisfies the conditions of trust." (p. 24)
The chapters are relatively short (3-5 pages) and are organized within six sections:
1. A Reasonable Faith
2. Reasons We Believe in God
3. Reasons We Believe in the Bible (Part 1)
4. Reasons We Believe in the Bible (Part2)
5. Reasons We Believe in Jesus (Part)
6. Reasons We Believe in the Jesus (Part2)
The church has been served well through through Busenitz's ability to be, as John Frame said in his endorsement of this book, "comprehensive and concise". I highly recommend the book to strengthen your faith in the truth written and incarnate.
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