Customer Reviews

True for you, but not for me: Deflating the Slogans that Leave Christians Speechless

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Are some of you people out there who are giving negative reviews even paying attention to what Paul Copan is saying? This book is not a straw man attempt at refuting Atheism, but rather a well thought out critique of Relativism, which is something that many Atheist could learn from. Although the writer is Christian, this book was not an attempt to establish a case for Christianity or any other Worldview, but rather a well reasoned defense of a necessary presuposition of rational thought; "Some things are true for everybody." If someone wishes to rate this book low, please do so on the basis of what the Author's intentions were in writing the book. The Author is not trying to give fleshed out arguments for the Existance of God and he doesn't have the space to grapple with the important and sensitive topic of how we deal with people who sincerely hold to non-Christian religious belief. So don't criticize him for not touching on these issues. Overall, this is an excellant book!!

Paul Copan's "True for You, but Not for Me" is a thought-provoking work that seeks to take an alternative approach to evangelism and theological discussions. In our day, relativism rules supreme, as every person feels their interpretation of reality is as valid as any other. Copan shows that it is difficult - if not impossible - to share Christ with those who have no desire to discuss Him on a level playing field of reason.

At the very heart of the book is the idea that there is absolute truth and that acknowledging this is essential for evangelization or any discussion that attempts to define "Truth". This book helps point out the lack of reason behind relativistic arguments. Fallacious logic and suspect beliefs systems are dealt with by showing people how to use logic to punch holes in relativistic thinking without having to know vast sections of Scripture. By taking Copan's clear reasonings to their logical conclusions one can create common ground for the sharing of the Gospel, increasing the likelihood of success.

Copan also includes excellent and reasonable ways to counter many of the harder arguments that many will raise with common sticking points in theology. For example, there is an extended section that addresses the question of how a loving God can send people to Hell who have never had the chance to hear the Gospel. Other questions on this same order of difficulty are discussed, with well-reasoned responses that will help Christians deal with the tougher questions they are often asked by those investigating Christianity.

The author's angle on evangelizing those firmly in the relativistic camp is simple, intelligent, and true to the idea that being logical and rational is part of calling oneself a Christian. Not a lot of Scripture here, since that is not the author's point. Getting to a common ground by dismantling resistance to even discussing the Bible is.

I liked the angle of the debate here and the call for greater logical thinking for Christians. The main flaw comes from the overuse of certain tactics of logic when another method of reasoning could be used - at times Copan seems repetitive. Another issue is not the fault of the book, per se, since while it is very helpful, it must be used to supplement, rather than supplant, a full knowledge of Scripture. Arguing logically is surely a help, but without a good command of the Bible all evangelism will fail. Discussing points logically can never get one to salvation - the Bible makes this clear ("Faith comes by hearing the word of God.")

So if you wish to have a logical approach to dealing with relativism and the difficult questions non-Christians ask, this is certainly an excellent source when used in conjunction with the Bible.

Copan has done a very nice job of addressing common relativistic statements heard in our popular culture. The format is very simple, the chapters divided by the various slogans. Copan provides a nice synopsis of his points at the end of each chapter for review. This book is by no means a comprehensive apologetic, but he states this point explicitly in the beginning. The logic is impeccable and germane, and critics of this work will have to do better than emotive diatribes in decrying the author's assertions. I hope that both theists and anti-theists alike will avail themselves to this cogent set of arguments and employ an open-minded approach to Copan's polemic. I would be interested in seeing an intelligent critique of this work by an anti-theist; one that directly confutes Copan's arguments as opposed to ad hominum attacks or non-specific dismissals.

L. Parsons, Nebraska

Personally knowing Paul Copan and having discussed his view of errancy, I'm writing this to clarify a remark made in an earlier review. Paul does believe in inerrancy, but he does not believe that you need to hold to inerrancy to see the reliability of the New Testament documents. This is the academic way of looking at all sources of literature whether you hold to inerrancy or not.

Future readers who approach this work should know that Copan's view of Christianity is a classically evangelical one.

Copan's book, at its core, is simply a defense of the Law of Non-Contradiction. Consider the dilemma implied by the book's title. Is the statement "all truth is relative" a relative truth? If it's RELATIVELY true, then the statement itself cannot be trusted, since it may be untrue. If it's ABSOLUTELY true, then it contradicts itself, in that it simultaneously asserts and denies that there is at least one absolute truth. In other words, if it's true, it's false; and if it's false, it's false.

Or consider the relativistic religious statement, "all religons lead to God." This is a logical impossibility, since many of them assert that there is only one way to God. So either all exclusivistic religions are false, in which case they do NOT lead to God, or else one exclusivistic religion is true, in which case NO other religion leads to God. In either case, the premise is disproved.

I have a few questions for the reviewers who downrated this book: Mormons, JWs and Catholics, as well as evangelical Christians, all assert "truths" that contradict some of the "truths" of the others. So they can't all be right, can they? Copan's logical scalpel cuts deep; you can't reject his logic simply because you don't like its implications. HOW is it invalid?

Perhaps one of you could supply some examples of the "twisted logic" or "empty semantics" that demonstrate the "sheer lunacy of religion" or the book's lack of "heart". Rhetoric is empty unless backed up with specifics.

It all goes to show that you can't fool Mother Logic. A great book!

This is a terrific book by a truly good Christian gentleman. He is polite, gracious, and intelligent in his presentation. Unlike his detractors, he does not resort to name calling and vague accusations of illogic. He deals with actual arguments with clarity and grace. He shows that those who deny absolute truth--by claiming it is incorrect--presuppose the very thing they are denying.

Francis J. Beckwith, PhD, associate professor of philosophy, culture, and law, Trinity International University

It never ceases to amaze me when I see comments like : "The logic in Copan's argument is missing" and then fail to read any references pointing me to which particular part of the book actually shows this.

You can attack the book's argument as twisted or flawed, but unless you can show the readers WHICH ONE, you are not saying much.

In a society concerned with nothing more than what "we will do tomorrow" or "let's drink and be merry for we know not what tomorrow brings", Christians worldwide have begun to shift to the other foot, and completely leave the scene of Evangelizing.

I do not call myself an evangelist, strictly because when someone says, "Well, thats true for you but not for me" I let it stop me from sharing the good news of God, and in reality, I just let that person's blood drop between my fingers(in other words, I could have offered Jesus to that someone).

Paul Copan has authored a brilliant book "True for You, But Not for Me", he said: "Do not let this statement be a conversation stopper, because in actuality, the Relativist is the one who believes he/she has the Moral Absolute.

A few topics he tackles:

The claim that Christians are intolerant of other beliefs.
The claim that Evangelism is akin to shoving religion down people's throats.
The difference between judging someone and humble correction.
And My favorite: Why there can never be Amish terrorists.

Paul Copan has written a sharp, intelligent book at the right moment in history when people are looking for answers elsewhere, and sometimes the Christian wrestle with doubts as well. This book is a keepsake, because it is plainly, it is deeply engrossing and it may be a bit too much to devour all at once but it certainly answers most questions and help equip those of the faith for evangelizing.

This is an excellent book for the simple fact that it shows what happens when the same "logic" used to depreciate absolute truth is used on itself - namely, that the arguement can not stand. And would the reader from Vancouver (June,99) please tell me how a "Christian" not following the commands of Christ prove that the commands or Absolutes are wrong? If I drive 80mph in a 55mph zone, does it mean that the posted speed limit is wrong? Truth is not truth because it is followed or obeyed. Truth is Truth because it's TRUE. But here's an opinion - this is a great book.

Ten years ago Paul Copan addressed and challenged the post-modernity of our culture in his book True For You but Not For Me. Somehow that book had slipped under my radar and it was only upon the release of the new revised and expanded edition that I discovered it.

Thank goodness for revised and expanded editions.

This short and smart book reads like a practical field-guide for dealing with the challenges of moral relativism and religious pluralism that face Christianity today. While each chapter builds on the foundation laid by previous chapters, each is easily referenced by type and specific challege for a brush-up if one is in need of a quick response. As a philosopher, Copan is well equipped to both understand and deconstruct the false assumptions and faulty logic of postmodernism. At the end of every chapter is a summary in a few bullet points for easy review and a list of recommended books for further study.

This is, in short, the most concise handbook for addressing our culture's relativism and postmodernism that I have read. The information contained in this book should not just be read. It should be memorized if we are to present Christianity in a way that is clear, rational, reasonable, and winsome.