In Tough Questions, Honest Answers<, Christian theologian Cameron Harder explores pressing contemporary challenges to religion--from religion itself to modern "big ideas" that often confound thoughtful seekers. Asking, "Is it good to believe in God?" he examines some of the social costs and benefits of religious commitment. Issues addressed include religion and violence, religion and child sexual abuse, mystery and miracle, the compatibility of science and faith, and God's role when bad things happen. Harder also reflects on whether there is room for faith and religion in the twenty-first century and shares his own reasons for claiming the Christian faith. Tough Questions, Honest Answers is an excellent conversation starter for inquirers, skeptics, and faithful doubters. Young parents who are wondering how to nurture their child's spirituality and older readers who want to re-think their faith in light of what they've learned about the world over the decades will appreciate Cameron Harder's forthright, accessible discussion. Harder strives in this book to be personally honest with the questions he raises, to push past common platitudes and propaganda others offer in response to them. He acknowledges, "I'm an explorer too--looking for a clearer view of what religion could be, and should not be, for my children and grandchildren."

Is the Bible historically accurate? Are there any contradictions in the Bible? If we look too closely at the Bible might we find things that will destroy our faith? Should I be afraid that some new archeological discovery will prove the Bible wrong? How much freedom do I have to interpret the Bible? Combining history, Scripture, and an understanding of human nature, Dr. Thompson takes on the difficult questions regarding the Bible and inspiration. He goes beyond the question of whether you can trust the Bible to ask whether you can trust yourself as you study. This unique study of inspiration uses internal evidence from the Bible text, its history, collection, and transmission to look at the way in which God works through prophets and Bible writers. As an experiential lens, he uses the experience of the Seventh-day Adventist community, of which he is a part, and its reception and use of Ellen White as God’s messenger. This provides an example of someone who produced an incredible volume of written material in her lifetime, yet maintained a great humility and understood her own spiritual experience as one of growth. However, Inspiration: Hard Questions: Honest Answers is not just for Seventh-day Adventists. The lessons, drawn from the experience of one community, have wide applicability as we look at a range of views on biblical interpretation, experience, tradition, and contemporary claims of a prophetic word. All communities of faith would do well to ask the hard questions addressed in this book and to learn from the history and experience of others. Ultimately, the author is addressing a question that comes to all of us: What is God’s will and how can I know it? Can I be certain? To find the answers we need, Dr. Thompson reminds us “We cannot just know Scripture, we have to know God. In this Second Revised Edition, you will find a new “bridge” chapter, designed to invite readers outside of the Adventist tradition to join in the conversation, as well as a number of minor updates, and a set of beautiful photographs and drawings inspired by scripture, prepared for this edition by Wanda Thompson. It is not enough to determine how the inspiration of scripture works as a theological tenet or a doctrinal point. Ultimately, for God’s Word in scripture to accomplish its mission, we must each be inspired by it as well.

From how the current crisis happened to the role of banks to how money works, this book addresses complex ideas in an easy to understand Q&A format with lively prose. With examples throughout from personal finance issues such as how to negotiate the best price for a car, and should you buy a warranty for a new computer, to big picture questions that affect our national and global economy such as: What is deflation and inflation? How does monetary policy really work? How does a corporation actually go bankrupt?

Many questions are currently being asked about the place of Islam in the modern world. Among these questions the most important one of all sometimes gets lost: Is Islam true? With his new book author Peter Townsend invites you to accompany him on a journey through the foundational texts of the Muslim religion. In the process the truth-claims of Islam will be respectfully, honestly and impartially evaluated. Along the way the following questions will be asked: - Can the traditional Islamic historical accounts be trusted? - Is the Qur'an a 'Perfect Book, Perfectly Preserved'? - Was Muhammad indeed a 'Beautiful Pattern of Conduct'? The answers to these questions will not be sought from modern commentaries on Islam. Instead Questioning Islam goes straight to the classic sources of Islam namely the Qur'an, hadiths (traditions) and biographies of Muhammad. Questioning Islam is not an attempt to promote any other belief system or ideology. Its focus is simply on asking the hard questions about Islam that are all too often ignored or swept under the carpet. Simply put, if you have ever wondered whether the truth-claims of Islam can withstand critical scrutiny then this book is for you!

From the Our Daily Bread VOICES Collection Women who are looking for answers to questions they may be embarrassed to ask about life issues and everyday living can find help in the pages of Dr. Sabrina D. Black's book Live Right Now. Offering hard-hitting answers to tough questions, this insightful book covers a broad range of topics such as spiritual growth, grief and loss, burnout, sexuality, parenting, leadership, and more. Live Right Now speaks honestly to the hearts of readers, reminding them to combine the knowledge of God's Word with their actions and encouraging them to wholeheartedly follow God. Perfect for individuals, pastors, and counselors.

Now in paperback after six hardback printings, the damn funny...wild collection of bracingly intelligent essays about topics that aren't quite as intelligent as Chuck Klosterman'(Esquire). Following the success of Fargo Rock City, Klosterman, a senior writer at Spin magazine, is back with a hilarious and savvy manifesto for a youth gone wild on pop culture and media, taking on everything from Guns'n'Roses tribute bands to Christian fundamentalism to internet porn. 'Maddeningly smart and funny' - Washington Post'

Followers of Jesus need not fear hard questions or objections against Christian belief. In A Reasonable Response, renowned Christian philosopher and apologist William Lane Craig offers dozens of examples of how some of the most common challenges to Christian thought can be addressed, including: Why does God allow evil? How can I be sure God exists? Why should I believe that the Bible is trustworthy? How does modern science relate to the Christian worldview? What evidence do we have that Jesus rose from the dead? Utilizing real questions submitted to his popular website ReasonableFaith.org, Dr. Craig models well-reasoned, skillful, and biblically informed interaction with his inquirers. A Reasonable Response goes beyond merely talking about apologetics; it shows it in action. With cowriter Joseph E. Gorra, this book also offers advice about envisioning and practicing the ministry of answering people’s questions through the local church, workplace, and in online environments. Whether you're struggling to respond to tough objections or looking for answers to your own intellectual questions, A Reasonable Response will equip you with sound reasoning and biblical truth.