Truth Matters
Confident Faith in a Confusing World
Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
In an interview with Christianity Today in 2012, Ed Stetzer shared that according to Lifeway research among young adults who had attended church regularly for at least a year in high school, 70% stop attending regularly for at least a year between ages 18-22. However, 35% of these had returned to attending twice a month or more by the time they were surveyed for the study. This means that about 4 out of 10 kids leave the church and NEVER RETURN.
Here is how leading experts describe our church kids today: They are unarmed and incapable of defending their faith. They possess a faith that cannot withstand the scrutiny of trials or intellectual questions. They have a shallow belief system. They lack a robust faith. They haven't learned how to think. They are embarrassingly ignorant of our faith.
Truth Matters is written directly to this audience, arming them with well-reasoned responses to the accusations that are most likely to appear in their lives, either as upcoming lecture notes and test questions or as inner qualms and questions. Things like: What gives the Bible any authority or credibility? Where is God in a world full of suffering? Why should Christianity be any more believable than any other religious system? And many, many more.
Easy to read yet loaded with meat and substance, this book is a level-headed reaction to those who equate Christian faith with "blind faith," even those whose subtle or stated goal is to separate students from their religious traditions. Readers will discover the kind of historical information and thinking skills that build a sturdy backbone of confidence in high schoolers and young adults, making them able to defend by "reasoned faith" what the Bible claims as truth.
Loosely organized around the theological skepticism of New York Times bestselling author (and southern college educator) Bart Ehrman, this jam-packed counterclaim is a book that parents will want to buy for their kids, a book that youth and student leaders will want to
work through one-on-one and in discipleship groups--a book that could prove a lifesaver for young minds and hearts everywhere.
Andreas J Köstenberger
Andreas J. Köstenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the theologian in residence and director of the equipping center at Fellowship Raleigh, a cofounder of Biblical Foundations, and a host at Oak Tree Cottage, a hospitality and coaching ministry to Christian leaders. He is the author, editor, or translator of over sixty books, including A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters; God, Marriage, and Family; and Invitation to Biblical Interpretation.
More by Andreas J Köstenberger
Darrell L. Bock
Darrell L. Bock (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is senior research professor of New Testament studies and Executive Director for Cultural Engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary. Known for his work in Luke-Acts, Dr. Bock is a Humboldt Scholar (Tubingen University in Germany), is on the editorial board for Christianity Today, and a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society (2000-2001). A New York Times bestselling author, Bock has written over forty books, including Luke in the NIV Application Commentary series.
More by Darrell L. Bock
Joshua D. Chatraw
Joshua D. Chatraw (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Billy Graham Chair of Evangelism and Cultural Engagement at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He is the author of Telling a Better Story and co-author of Cultural Engagement, The Augustine Way, A History of Apologetics, and The Gospel After Christendom.
More by Joshua D. Chatraw
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →