R.C. Sproul - Reason to Believe: A Response to Common Objections to Christianity

The Christian faith has never been without its critics. Criticisms from every source have been leveled against Christianity since its inception. It is remarkable that after experiencing almost 2,000 years of such criticism the Christian faith continues to thrive as a viable life and world view. Philosophies and alternate religious systems that have sought to supplant Christianity have come and gone. Current philosophical isms tend to have a very short life span. Yet classic objections to Christianity continue to be raised. Some of the objections are raised in a spirit of prejudice and hostility. Others are raised out of a genuine attempt to resolve very perplexing issues and mysteries.

The purpose of this book is not to provide a technical study in the science of apologetics, which science is designed to give a comprehensive defense of the intellectual credibility of Christianity. Rather this book is designed for laymen; to offer basic answers to the most common and frequent objections that are raised about Christianity. This book treats matters that range from such philosophical questions as the problem of evil to the very practical and personal frustrations that people encounter when confronted by hypocrisy. Ultimately it is the hope of the author that students and critics of the Christian faith would direct their attention to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments in a serious attempt to discover answers within its pages to the questions of life.

I hope this book will serve as an introduction and springboard to more in-depth examinations of the problems that are discussed. The Christian must always be prepared to give honest answers to honest questions. Flights into private preference of belief or irrational assertions of dogmatism bring no honor to Christ. It is our responsibility to give a reason for the hope that lies within us. (See 1 Pet. 3:15.)

Special thanks are offered to the man to whom this book is dedicated, Archie Parrish. It was out of his concern to answer questions people raised in discussion about the Christian faith that this work was prompted. Through his ministry of training laymen for evangelism the need for such a basic training guide was established. The list of questions dealt with have been supplied by laymen involved with Mr. Parrishs ministry. I particularly hope that these laymen will find thisvolume helpful.

I must express gratitude for the assistance rendered by Mr. Stuart Boehmig, Mrs. Alane Barron, and Miss Mary Semach who helped with the preparation of the manuscript.