Rick Stedman - 31 Surprising Reasons to Believe in God: How Superheroes, Art, Environmentalism, and Science Point Toward Faith

This is a wonderfully creative and fascinating read that reveals hints of the divine all around usin what we believe, what we love, what we have, and what we know. Ricks carefully reasoned yet whimsical approach to apologetics is more about engaging in better conversations than about arguments. And for skeptics who read this book, they may find they are closer to faith than they had ever imagined.

Terry Glaspey, author, 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know and Not a Tame Lion: The Spiritual Legacy of C.S. Lewis

This excellent book deals with topics that matter to all of us and uncovers, hidden within those topics, surprising clues to Gods existence. 31 Surprising Reasons to Believe in God will be encouraging for believers and eye-opening for those who are not, and hopefully will open conversations between them. It meets people where they are, like the apostle Paul did with the Athenians. Ill be picking up multiple copies for my friends.

Francine Rivers , New York Times bestseller author; recipient of American Christian Fiction Writers Lifetime Achievement Award

In a breezy, genial style that combines engaging story-telling with acute cultural analysis, Rick uncovers proofs of Gods existence and reality in everyday situations and experiences to which all people, believers, seekers, and skeptics alike, have access. God is all around us, if only we will have eyes to see and ears to hear. I hope this fine book reaches a wide audience.

Dr. Louis Markos, professor in English and scholar in residence, Houston Baptist University; author, Apologetics for the 21st Century

Descartes might have meant ego miror, ergo credo : I wonder, therefore I believe when, in his Discourse on Method , he wondered about the complexity and beauty of the world around him and the dark night souls doubts within himself. It was through these wonders, then, that he found a way back to God, a way filled with surprise and awe.

Stedmans book takes us down Descartess path by detailing some 31 ways that we wonder about the world. His delightfully rich writing points us back to an unavoidable belief in God and His ways.

Dr. Don Thompson, professor of Great Books & Mathematics, Pepperdine University

It is rare to come across a book that deals with profoundly philosophical issues yet is true to Scripture and written with such clarity that a person of any age could understand it. This is one of those books. In the style of C.S. Lewis, Rick has given us a gift by pointing out the evidence for Gods existence that can be found all around us if we know where to look. Drawing from contemporary culture to the most respected writings in human history, Rick makes the teleological argument for the existence of God so abundantly clear.

Dr. Mark W. Baker, psychologist, executive director, La Vie Counseling Centers, CA

Once the existence of God (or the gods) was taken for granted. Today it is otherwise. Yet we still enjoy music, detest animal cruelty and human trafficking, and defend our inalienable right to free speech and the pursuit of happiness. Rick Stedman has written 31 delightful and slightly whimsical essays showing how these common beliefs and attitudes make todays atheism dubious. One need not find all of the essays equally persuasive to be convinced that belief in God is still a rationally defensible position.

Ric Machuga, professor of philosophy, Butte College, CA; author, Life, the Universe, and Everything

Rick provides a helpful entry point to cultural apologetics, with his multi-faceted exploration of how film, stories, music, art, morality, and human experience all contribute to a cumulative case for the existence of God.

Dr. Holly Ordway, Houston Baptist University, author, Not Gods Type: An Atheist Academic Lays Down Her Arms

This book will rock your world! Could sex, zombies, art, nature and music all be neon signs pointing to the existence of God? Atheists, agnostics, skeptics and Christians alike will be challenged by the thoughtful and well-reasoned arguments in this book.

Erik Neilson, senior pastor, McMinnville Christian Church, McMinnville, OR

If you want an intelligent, relevant, and gracious appeal to believe in God, look no further! With the mind of a scholar and the empathy of a friend, Rick reveals clues to Gods existence, hidden all around us. Devour 31 Surprising Reasons to Believe in God , and give copies to your friends so they too can enjoy the feast.

Caleb Kaltenbach, lead pastor, Discovery Church; author, Messy Grace

This amazing book has echoes of C.S. Lewis. Comprehensive and easy to read, Rick takes the wonders of everyday life and reveals the fingerprints of God. Learn from Rick, and your soul will thank you for bringing out insights that are often overlooked.

John Seitz, senior pastor, Antioch Christian Church, IA

This is the first book I have read that explains apologetics in a way that relates to the perspective of todays nonbeliever. The authors connecting examples and expressed humility will compel even the most cynical to keep reading. I intend to use this as my primary evangelism tool.

Brad Dacus, president and founder, Pacific Justice Institute

Rick Stedman sails the readers across the sea of scientific mysteries regarding the origin of the universe and the information needed for life, a sea that deepens each decade with far more questions than answers. He exposes either the flippant foolery of some scientists, or the respectful awe of others, while gently guiding the reader to an accurate yet simply packaged presentation of the problems faced by the pondering researcher. As only a philosopher and theologian can do, Stedman then brings the reader back to the fundamentals: reason, humanity, and the love of God.

Dr. James M. Tour, professor of NanoEngineering, Chemistry, Applied Materials and Computer Science, Rice University

The fraction of people who are atheists remains tiny. However, several of the more outspoken ones have recently become media darlings. Thus there is a need for fresh approaches to the fact that ultimately nothing makes sense apart from a belief in the sovereign God of the universe. Rick tackles this important challenge very effectively.

Dr. Henry Schaefer III, professor and director, Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia; five-time Nobel Prize nominee

My friend Rick has made a huge impact for Jesus as a pastor-philosopher, church planter, and Christian leader. He has found a way to communicate the good news that makes sense across a spectrum of cultural contexts. This book will help you do the same!

Cam Huxford, senior pastor, Compass Christian Church, Savannah, GA

Rick Stedmans 31 Surprising Reasons to Believe in God is engaging and thought-provoking as he uncovers clues that point unexpectedly (and convincingly) toward the existence of God.

Rodney L. Morris, Morris Editorial, Eugene, OR

Rick obviously has his eyes wide open watching for the whispers of heaven here on earth. He writes with an understanding that there is indeed a God-shaped hole at the center of every human heart and all creation is pointing us toward our Creator. No matter where you are on the spectrum of belief, this book will resonate with your soul.

David Garison, Lead Pastor, Northside Christian Church, Spring, TX

Life is full of mysteries and wonders. Rick takes what is familiar to our own personal experience and opens our eyes to the personal touch of God in them. In a culture that has blinded itself to God, Ricks 31 reasons help restore our vision to see and experience the wonders and mysteries of God in our everyday experience.

Randy Watson, former missionary to Chile, founder/senior pastor, Gateway Christian Church, Rhonert Park, CA

Rick has taken a palette of 31 colors and designed a picture that clearly presents God in ways one might expect Him to be found and ways that will surprise you. In any case, one finds themselves without excuse.