We
shouldn't be afraid of tough questions, Bickel and Jantz write.
Ultimately, questions will deepen our love for God and lead to sound
faith.
The
authors chose the top ten questions young people are asking today
about God and what it says in His Word. Before answering the
questions, however, they lay a foundation by investigating certainty,
the importance of listening to others, and the role of trust.
The
characteristics and intellectual nature of this book make it suitable
for teens. For example, when relating the rebellion of Adam and Eve,
the authors write, “Like rebellious teens, they stood smiling in
agreement as the instructions for life were given, but as soon as God
the Father turned around, they stuck out their tongues and ran off to
do what they wanted.” (434/3274) The authors do write that they
aimed their book at “young adults.” (2552/3274) I would not
recommend the book for those into a college experience because of the
book's lack of intellectual rigor.
Youth
pastors might use this book but I would suggest additional study to
supplement it. An example of why I make that suggestion is when the
authors write that God is “the unmoved mover, 100 percent free to
do as he chooses without being acted upon by any other force...”
(565/3274) I think teens would then ask questions about prayer and
why one should even pray. Information to help in that discussion is
not included in the book so further study would have to have been
previously completed.
It
seems this book is aimed at those not very familiar with Christianity
and the Bible. In describing the major themes of the Bible, the
authors write, “If you are familiar with the Bible or Christianity,
these six 'Acts' will likely ring a bell.” (1423/3274) I would not
recommend this book to seasoned Christians.
I
recommend this book to those who have basic questions about God and
Christianity and are not looking for something with intellectual
rigor. The authors are very personable, sharing some of their own
experiences. Their writing style is very conversational.
The
authors have included questions for reflection and discussion
throughout the book. That would make the book a good one to use in a
teen group. This book is a good starting point for teens with
questions. Unfortunately, there was not a list of additional
resources or books for further study in the egalley I read. While it
is a good introductory book, readers will have to go elsewhere to
pursue a deeper discussion of these questions.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Bruce
Bickel received a degree in Theater Arts, tried performing, then went
to law school. He has been practicing law for twenty years. He has
co-authored 60 books. He is a popular speaker and has appeared on
many radio and television programs. He and his wife live in Fresno,
California. You can find out more at http://www.brucebickel.com/
.
Stan
Jantz serves as the executive director of the Evangelical Christian
Publishers Association. He was previously interim CEO of Gospel Light
Publishing and is the founder of content consulting company The Muvum
Group and co-founder of Conversant Media. He also managed a chain of
Christian retail stores for 25 years. He lives in California.
Bethany
House, 208 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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