How Do We Know the Bible Is True? Volume 1
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A good starting point
How Do We Know the Bible is True? is a compilation of treatises on difficult topics by various authors. It was edited by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge and published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.
When I ordered the book, I thought it was going to be a whole book that focused on proving the truth of the Bible. It is in a broad sense, but delves into a variety of different subtopics. Some of the chapter titles include:
Is the Old Testment Reliable?
Did the Physical Resurrection of Christ Really Happen?
Did Moses Write Genesis?
Did Miracles Really Happen?
All of those topics do deal with the broad subject of the authority of Scripture, but explore the arguments for and against the each of the questions.
I found the book interesting, but it wasnâÂÂt the type of book I can read straight though. (ThatâÂÂs part of the reason for the LONG delay in this review.) I think it is particularly helpful in pointing out the reasons someone might disagree with the BibleâÂÂs authority. I have a rather conservative upcoming and still hold to a literal interpretation of scriptures. (For those that are supposed to be literal anyway. Some of the Bible is obviously figurative language. The question for the ages is which is which.) I do think this book helped me to see some of the arguments for different interpretations and also why I do not agree with them.
I do not think this would be a good book to hand to a non-Christian to prove to them the Bible is true. IâÂÂm not sure that actually exists, but this book is definitely written with a believer in mind. ItâÂÂs meant to strengthen existing faith and provide information to help a Christian to defend his faith.
I would recommend this book to others and plan to have my 9th grade son read it. He is always asking difficult questions and I think this book will help to answer some of them.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated for this review.
February 12, 2013
Informative but dry at times
How Do We Know the Bible is True? General Editors Ken Ham & Bodie Hodge along with 15 other writers (Master Books) is an Apologetic style book that contains essays on over 20 relevant topics on questions that are often asked. I must admit that I had a hard time getting into the first couple of chapters, at times it was way over my head, however I was able to get the gist of what was being said. I was only able to read this book a few pages at a time due to trying to absorb all the information and input from the various authors. Also once you get use to one writers style, you are on to another writer and getting use to their style of writing. Some were engaging while others leaned toward the dry side. Personally, I feel that this book would be good for a High School or College student interested in Biblical Theology. I did find certain parts interesting like How to Properly View Evidence by Ken Ham, What is Wrong with Atheism by Jason Lisle, Evolution - The Anti-Science? also by Jason Lisle, Is the Perpetual Virginity of Mary a Biblical View? by Bodie Hodge, and Polygamy in the Light of Scripture by Roger Patterson (this topic was especially interesting to me given all the recent TV programs covering this topic). I plan to put this book in our home library and have it available to my son when he is older as a reference type book. I do like that the Bible is referred to through out the book, to back up what the author is saying.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Leaf Publishing Group's blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
July 13, 2012
It is important for a believer to have a strong belief in the Bible. We must adhere to its teachings and proclaim them every chance we get. That means that we must believe that what we find in Scripture is directly from God. When we talk to an unbeliever about the Bible we must give a clear defense of why we believe the Bible is GodâÂÂs very word (I Peter 3:15).
In the book How Do We Know the Bible is True? Volume 1 is a resource that covers many areas concerning Scripture and shows us how the Bible is the only true word of God. The authors discuss topics ranging from how we can trust both testaments in Scripture, evolution, the resurrection, polygamy and other religions to name a few.
These guys write in a clear and convincing manner. You donâÂÂt have to have attended seminary to understand how the authors explain these complex topics (which many other books like these can be to academic). You will find yourself uses the arguments in this book in your discussions with others about the Bible.
If you want a resource to deepen your belief in the Bible then pick this book up.
July 12, 2012
A Book Our Children Need Before They Leave Home
ItâÂÂs not academic analysis but real life that confronts us in âÂÂHow Do We Know The Bible Is True? Volume 1â³, edited by Ken Ham and Brodie Hodge. Yes, it passes the academic test, but it wants us to be able to face an antagonistic world. It addresses the questions the world is asking Christians today. Not only do we have little effect on a world for which we have no answers, but these are the type of questions that pull our children away from Christianity.
The chapters are 28 relevant questions answered by various authors. The first one had me hooked as it answered the question âÂÂHow Do We Know The Bible Is True?â How would you answer that question? We might answer âÂÂby faithâÂÂ, but that means nothing to the non-Christian. Here and at other places in the book the laws of logic are brought to bear. What could be better in a world that says we believe the Bible against reason. Find out here that though faith will never be taken out of the equation, our belief is not against reason!
In chapters on the reliability of the Old and New Testament we get answers (really good answers) to questions Christian young folks hear on college campuses or at the workplace. I heard these things attacked when I went to the University of Tennessee several years ago and I had to dig hard. I want my children to read this before they get in such a situation. I saw others then have their faith crumble as they had no answers to such things. But there are answers, and this book lays them out beautifully.
Some questions are not as critical as othersâÂÂlike the 3 days of Christ in the Tomb and so which day was Christ crucified on, or issues like polygamy. Others are great! People throw up Bible contradictions, or who wrote Genesis, or how to view evidence. In several places you will learn that carbon dating doesnâÂÂt prove a thing because of the assumptions made, that the assumption of uniformity is not legitimate on the part of evolutionists, or best of all, the strongest arguments that evolutionists make is only possible if God exists. YouâÂÂve got to read about that great fact.
I highly recommend this book. If Christian young people mastered the contents of this book, far fewer of them would drift away. May the Lord use this book to that end.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 .
May 29, 2012