Christianity Considered: A Guide For Skeptics and Seekers
Author
John M. Frame
Publisher Info
Lexham Press, 2018. 140pp.
Category
Religion/Christian Theology/Apologetics
Summary
There have been times in my life when I have prayed for a concise, understandable, and well written book I could give to a skeptic or a new believer which provides a defense of the Christian faith and Christian ethic. Many of the books on the market are geared toward helping Christians or may be filled with Christian terms that someone with no idea or concept of Christianity may not understand. In Christianity Considered, Frame’s mission “is to speak the language of the inquirer, not that of the theologian” (pg. XIV) and provide a concise apologetic not just for the seeker but also a primer on the Christian Faith for the new believer.
In Christianity Considered, Frame takes the seeker on a journey explaining Christianity as an intellectual radicalism. Frame argues a person cannot be fully educated until he or she has at least considered the Christian truth-claims because of its vast influence on the world. He then continues to deal with topics on belief and believing, why it’s difficult to believe today, believing and autonomy, belief and reasons for our believing. He moves on to address the questions Why believe in God? Does God speak to us? What about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection? He tackles the topic of the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible, prayer and going to church. Frame answers the questions about the role of the church in our world, other religions, morality and politics. He ends this book speaking to the return of king Jesus and his judgement on the world.
Benefit for Pastoral Ministry
One of the benefits I find when I read various books is discovering new ways to explain ideas and concepts. For those of us who have been in the church world for a while, it is easy for us to speak church-y lingo and make the assumption people know what we are talking about. Reading a book like Frame’s Christianity Considered explains concepts and ideas to a seeker, rather than a church audience.
Christianity Considered is also helpful as an evangelistic tool. As a book written for a seeker, it would be very helpful to handout to seekers or even read along with a seeker.
A good discipleship tool will answer questions but at the same time will leave you desiring to learn more. Christianity Considered would be beneficial as a discipleship tool and is a good starting point for a new believer. Frame provides a foundation for growth and a springboard to further conversations.
Rating
Essential — Recommended — Helpful — Pass It By
