Five Favorite Apologetic Resources

by Daryl E. Witmer In the course of my work as a Christian apologist I am asked many questions about the Christian faith. For answers, I often refer folks, or I personally turn to, the multiple hundreds of books, tapes, web sites, organizations, DVDs, and other excellent apologetic resources that are available today. Following are five favorites - not necessarily the top five, or the most popular - but five proven and frequently very helpful places to go for reasonable answers to a wide range of tough questions about Christianity. 1. Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, ©2001 Zondervan This time-tested text is part of a very select company of classics, e.g. Paul Little's Know Why You Believe, and Francis A. Schaeffer's The God Who Is There. Before anyone discounts the Christian faith, they need to read this profound work by a man who was himself once an unbeliever. Mere Christianity addresses issues such as: How can we know that God really exists? Was Jesus truly God in human form? Is God a Trinity? and What Christian beliefs are essential? 2. The Case for Faith, by Lee Strobel, ©2000 Zondervan This book offers simple and readable answers to some of the toughest objections of all to faith. It is authored by a former, legally exacting, investigative reporter. Alongside Strobel's companion volume, The Case for Christ, and in combination with Josh McDowell's More Than a Carpenter and The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, this is a book that makes a powerful case for faith to anyone reading with an open mind. Sample issues: Isn't it awfully narrow to claim that Jesus is the only way of salvation? How could a loving God torture people in hell forever? Why has faith so often engendered conflict? 3. ChristianAnswers.Net Since 2000 AIIA has been a participating member of the alliance associated with this megawebsite project. Over 34-thousand files provide thoughtful, seasoned, and biblical responses to almost every conceivable question that can be asked about Christianity by folks of all ages and nationalities. Why would an all-powerful and loving God allow good people to suffer? Look for the answer here. How does anyone know that the Bible is reliable and of Divine origin? What about all of those alleged contradictions in the Bible? Look for the answers here. Got questions about science, origins, or evolution vs. creation? Questions about other religions? Wondering about such personal issues as money, sex, and entertainment? Check the latest movie reviews and find lots of other answers. All available in up to 33 languages. 4. www.Watchman.org Have you ever puzzled over any  of the following questions: Aren't all religions true? Is anything ever absolutely true? How can you recognize a cult? Is God a person or a force? Can God really be known? Isn't God one with creation? What is A Course in Miracles? Who is L. Ron Hubbard? Is astrology dangerous? Along with other excellent similar resources like the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs and the Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions (both by John Ankerberg), the well-respected Watchman Fellowship offers an inventory of spiritually discerning facts and commentary on a vast number of alternative worldviews. An online downloadable and fully searchable Index of over 1,200 religious organizations and beliefs, with associated profiles of many groups mentioned in the Index, makes this a tremendously valuable resource. 5. The Norman L. Geisler Apologetics Library  on CD-ROM Published in 2002 by Baker, this electronic resource features the full text of 12 titles by Geisler, including two books which I frequently reference in  my lectures and workshops: When Critics Ask and When Skeptics Ask. In these texts you'll find reasonable answers to questions like: How can we know that we know the truth about anything? Where do values come from? Is it good that evil exists? SPECIAL NOTE!  AIIA regularly updates and publishes an Index of 100 Leading Apologetic Resources. Just ask. We'll send you a free copy.