Customer Reviews

Why I Believe

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This book will help open the door to understanding and knowledge for all those earnest seekers of God's truth. The information and insight provided in this book will turn on many light bulbs for most open minded readers. The power of this information is undeniable at establishing and proving that the Bible and Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is true and the most powerful event in human history. I haved used this book to help many unbelievers and nay-sayers see the Light. God Lives and Loves us!

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.

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.

I picked this book up because a friend of mine had read it and recommended it to me. I do enjoy good books and good information for apologetics and the defending of our faith. This book was a good read and made some very good points, and with the bibliography in the back, we can continue our reading for any specific chapter that intrigued us into knowing more about a specific subject.

I do agree with a couple of previous reviewers that the book was somewhat shallow. The author's details and descriptions seem sometimes rushed and other times incomplete. But again, I think that is why he included the bibliography (at least 1 reason) so that we could continue reading on a specific topic that Dr Kennedy introduced to us in this book.

This book is a fast and easy read and if you like Apologetics, then I think you should pickup and read this publication. It won't be the greatest piece of work you have ever read, but I do believe that I agree with everything the author tells us in this book. So the "truth is in here", if you will.

"Why I Believe" by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy provides a treasure trove full of good and reasonable responses which a Christian may equip themselves with in preparation to answer many of the questions which people (both friendly and antagonistic) have regarding the Bible, Jesus, and the Christian faith. The book is well organized, easy to read and understand, and presents material which is never irrelevant.

This book helped put into words why Christians believe in the Bible and bibical doctrine. I found it very helpful and informative and I will share it with friends. It also asked the question, "Are you a believer, have you made the commitment to Jesus Christ?". Sharing the book is also an excellent way of sharing Christ and having people search their hearts to know the answer to the questions. I would recommend this book to believers who want to be able to better share Christ.

"Why I Believe" by D. James Kennedy is an apologetic approach to why Christianity is the only way to God. Several years ago I took Evangelism Explosion training and was introduced to this book and recently finished reading the book again.

Among the topics covered include:

1. Creation
2. Heaven
3. Hell
4. Moral Absolutes
5. Christ
6. The Resurrection
7. Holy Spirit
8. Christ's Return

The book is from an admittingly Christian point of view and some readers may take offense. However, the author makes compelling points in each chapter as to why Christianity is the only true religion and that Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

A good and thought-provoking read.

Recommended.

This book is a short, easy read. I am a believer, but I have to admit that it isn't that convincing. Though it started off pretty interesting when the author was speaking of the prophecies, later in the book we are able to see his bias in his writing. For example, his comments about evolution were pretty weak. He makes claims that evolution is blind faith and even quoted Duane Gish for saying evolution is based on blind faith. But then gives no reason why this is so and doesn't mention the fact that Duane Gish is a creation scientist. He does make some good,interesting points but overall, if you aren't a believer already, then I don't think this book is going to convince you to become one.

I am more than happy with this product,,, To start with, it is in better shape than seller described it.

I have only studied first five chapters and I have learned a lot from it already. I would suggest it for all Christians and/or those who are having doubts about what to believe.

My first Amazon purchase,,, Now I hope I don't buy to much LOL

great author, great book,love it! would love it if he went more in depth with things, but still a great book