Truth Matters: Confident Faith in a Confusing World

by Darrell L. Bock; Joshua D. Chatraw; Andreas J. Köstenberger

Publisher:

B&H

, 2014

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Deals with God and God's truth in a changing world and a shifting culture
• Seeks to equip readers as they deal with issues of biblical truth in a world where truth is constantly being questioned and attacked
• Arranges topics arround the issues that Bart Ehrman is popularizing and perpetuating through his teaching and writing

Contents

Top Highlights

“But to come away believing there is no God since God does not appear good (as we define good) assumes an absolute moral framework which, if God were absent, would not be there at all.” (Page 25)

“Faith, however, does not need to be blind. Believing in Christ and accepting the Bible as his true Word is not automatic anti-intellectualism. The Bible doesn’t ask us to adopt a BLIND faith but a REASONED faith—a faith that can honestly ask the hard questions and then go out in search of real, measurable, credible answers.” (Page 12)

“Third, they comfort and confirm an air of disbelief.” (Page 8)

“Alister McGrath says, ‘A willingness to live with irresolvable questions is a mark of intellectual maturity, not a matter of logical nonsense.’” (Page 34)

“Second, they know you’ve probably never contemplated these ideas before.” (Page 5)

Praise for Truth Matters

"Today is the era of the aggressive but often misinformed atheist. Misunderstandings and half-truths abound about how we got the Bible, how well preserved it is, whether or not it is full of contradictions, whether the resurrection is credible, and more. Köstenberger, Bock, and Chatraw set the record straight in a way that ordinary people can readily understand. Must reading for anyone with questions about these and related subjects or who knows anyone with questions about them!"

Craig L. Blomberg, distinguished professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

"We will soon be packing her bags, loading the car, and driving our eighteen-year-old daughter to a major state university known for its liberalism, in a city known for 'keeping it weird' at a time when truth is being redefined! I was going to ask Andreas Köstenberger, Darrell Bock, and Josh Chatraw if I could send them with her, but now that that they have written this book, I will send it instead. These three are a rarity: top notch scholars with a heart for real people and a style that is eminently accessible. This latest work came just in time for me, and for you, and your kids too!"

Pete Briscoe, senior pastor, Bent Tree Fellowship, Carrolton, Texas

"Truth Matters should be on every college freshman's reading list. The authors square off with today's leading skeptics of Christianity, offering convincing counter arguments in an easy-to-read style. Although written for college students, the book's rich content makes it an excellent resource for adults of all ages as they encounter questions about the trustworthiness of the Bible and the truthfulness of Christianity."

Lynn H. Cohick, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

Product Details

• Title: Truth Matters: Confident Faith in a Confusing World
• Authors: Darrell L. Bock, Joshua D. Chatraw, Andreas J. Köstenberger
• Publisher: B&H
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Apologetics; Teenagers › Religious life; Youth › Religious life
• ISBNs: 9781430073949, 9781433682261, 1433682265, 1430073942
• Resource ID: LLS:9781433682278
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:57:54Z

Benefits of Logos Edition

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.