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¡Qué Buena Pregunta!
En forma práctica e ingeniosa, y con un enfoque experimentado y sensato de la Palabra de Dios, el Dr. R. C. Sproul aborda más de 300 preguntas frecuentes formuladas por gente interesada en la fe y la vida cristiana.
In a personable, easy-to-read style, and an experienced and sensible approach to the Word of God, Dr. R. C. Sproul addresses more than 300 common questions asked by people interested in faith and Christian living.
In a personable, easy-to-read style, and an experienced and sensible approach to the Word of God, Dr. R. C. Sproul addresses more than 300 common questions asked by people interested in faith and Christian living.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
136 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
673 books1,953 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 7, 2019
I'm in shock, I've finally finished this after working on it for soooo long. This book took me almost two years to read. It wasnt neccesarily because it was boring or because I didnt enjoy it. It was mostly because of the format.
I think this book is a compilation of some sort of blog post series or something similar. Because of that, I dont knownif it's supposed to be read right through or if it should be used more as a reference.
Inusually read paperbacks and nonfiction as a sort of "wind down" before bed, to rest my eyes from the screen and get my mind thinking about something other than the days stressed before I lay down. But because the format was as it is, I would just be getting into a topic before it switched. I couldn't ruminate on one thing and dig deeply and was hurried on to a different topic before I could fully digest. So I often got distracted or tired out from trying to refocus.
Sometimes the format really worked against this book in other ways too. Sometimes the same answers were repeated, in part. To address multiple questions in a row. Or sometimes a topic that could be a whole book (or as at least chapter) in and of itself, was cut short for a brief answer.
As far as the content, I found myself agreeing with Sproul in most areas, which is not entirely surprising, but there were a few areas I disagreed. A lot of the content, because it was forced to stay short, wasnt new to me, but Sproul obviously has a deep mind and he often addressed things in a way or from a direction I wouldn't have typically come from. And, despite having a solid theology and a reformed background, a tradition of theology that can struggle with empathy at times, he clearly has a great amount of love for his readers as well as for the people who specifically wrote these questions
(Like I said, this is clearly a blog-type format and the questions were clearly sent in by people and not generalized FAQs)
Overall, it's a great read, but I wonder if it's better suited for use as some sort of reference book, or even better, as a discussion starter for a small group or Bible study, or mentoring situation. It doesn't seem well suited for the type of reading I was using it for.
I think this book is a compilation of some sort of blog post series or something similar. Because of that, I dont knownif it's supposed to be read right through or if it should be used more as a reference.
Inusually read paperbacks and nonfiction as a sort of "wind down" before bed, to rest my eyes from the screen and get my mind thinking about something other than the days stressed before I lay down. But because the format was as it is, I would just be getting into a topic before it switched. I couldn't ruminate on one thing and dig deeply and was hurried on to a different topic before I could fully digest. So I often got distracted or tired out from trying to refocus.
Sometimes the format really worked against this book in other ways too. Sometimes the same answers were repeated, in part. To address multiple questions in a row. Or sometimes a topic that could be a whole book (or as at least chapter) in and of itself, was cut short for a brief answer.
As far as the content, I found myself agreeing with Sproul in most areas, which is not entirely surprising, but there were a few areas I disagreed. A lot of the content, because it was forced to stay short, wasnt new to me, but Sproul obviously has a deep mind and he often addressed things in a way or from a direction I wouldn't have typically come from. And, despite having a solid theology and a reformed background, a tradition of theology that can struggle with empathy at times, he clearly has a great amount of love for his readers as well as for the people who specifically wrote these questions
(Like I said, this is clearly a blog-type format and the questions were clearly sent in by people and not generalized FAQs)
Overall, it's a great read, but I wonder if it's better suited for use as some sort of reference book, or even better, as a discussion starter for a small group or Bible study, or mentoring situation. It doesn't seem well suited for the type of reading I was using it for.
February 20, 2012
Dr. Sproul is probably one of the most knowledgeable Bible scholars I've ever read, studied or listened to. On the whole I'm greatly impressed and take what he says to heart and consider his statements and arguments.
I do disagree with some of the teachings of the branch of this Presbyterian church and I disagree with some things Dr. Sproul espouses (and should I say that to him I'm sure he'd be willing to set me straight).
This book while interesting and informative is to me ultimately unsatisfying. It will I believe be a good read for those who are looking for answers from the actual denotational point of view. This would be for (or from) the chapters on things like Christian responsibility to and in government, the Christian stand on the death penalty. He comments and answers questions on Christian living issues and so on. When we get to questions of doctrinal and theological differences the book is less complete. There is the Presbyterian take. When the question moves beyond that there is frequently a "read this other book" answer on a "we don't really know answer.
Not being of Dr. Sproul's denomination and having thought through many of these questions I was hoping for more on why he teaches and believes what he does (beyond the basic Presbyterian doctrine). I was hoping for a sort of "you're wrong and I'm right because" take on some of these questions.
Still, that's not what this book is. It's for laymen who wish answers to denominational and "Christian living" questions. On that level it works and is a pretty good book.
I do disagree with some of the teachings of the branch of this Presbyterian church and I disagree with some things Dr. Sproul espouses (and should I say that to him I'm sure he'd be willing to set me straight).
This book while interesting and informative is to me ultimately unsatisfying. It will I believe be a good read for those who are looking for answers from the actual denotational point of view. This would be for (or from) the chapters on things like Christian responsibility to and in government, the Christian stand on the death penalty. He comments and answers questions on Christian living issues and so on. When we get to questions of doctrinal and theological differences the book is less complete. There is the Presbyterian take. When the question moves beyond that there is frequently a "read this other book" answer on a "we don't really know answer.
Not being of Dr. Sproul's denomination and having thought through many of these questions I was hoping for more on why he teaches and believes what he does (beyond the basic Presbyterian doctrine). I was hoping for a sort of "you're wrong and I'm right because" take on some of these questions.
Still, that's not what this book is. It's for laymen who wish answers to denominational and "Christian living" questions. On that level it works and is a pretty good book.
August 8, 2020
Si tenemos preguntas difíciles, encontramos respuestas simples y directas basadas en la Biblia al buen estilo del autor
June 20, 2021
This book sets down Sproul's answers to over 300 questions. Almost all of them are the kinds many Christians would ask. The questions are organized by topic. I would suggest you pick up the book and only read the sections you have questions in. Reading through it wasn't all that enjoyable -- the book has more utility as a resource than it does something to be read through. If you did want to read it through it is organized in a logical fashion, almost like a systematic theology would be organized (as far as the arrangement of the topics, not the treatment of them).
Some of the topics: Knowing God, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Sharing the Faith, Career Issues, Suffering, and Christians and Government
Some of the topics: Knowing God, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Sharing the Faith, Career Issues, Suffering, and Christians and Government
November 26, 2023
I read this book for my morning devotions, reading a handful of questions and Rev. Sproul's answers every morning.
The book is a compilation of questions people asked Sproul during Ligonier's Q&A sessions. It was published in 1996, so none of the post-1996 Q&A sessions made it into the book (but those are available on YouTube under Ligonier Ministries.)
The questions are divided up into 22 sections. The 3rd section, "The Work of the Holy Spirit," has 10 questions, the 2nd of which was a highlight for me. Answering the question, "What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament," Sproul writes:
I was disappointed with the questions in section 22, "Puzzling Passages." There are so many puzzling passages that Sproul did not address (maybe no one has asked him questions about them). For example, he did not address some of the numerical discrepancies in the Old Testament (these, I believe, are scribal errors, but I would have liked to hear Sproul's thoughts on them). Another question I'd have liked to see Sproul answer would have been about the passages in the Old Testament that say God repented (see Rev. John Piper's list of them and his excellent explanation of what "God repented" means in those contexts).
It is clear that Sproul's book does not intend to exhaustively explain each of the 22 categories, but rather it is just a somewhat random collection of questions, categorized by an editor into these 22 sections. As a result, the quality of the book is very much dependent on the quality of what people asked Sproul. Thankfully, most of the 300+ questions in this book are good, and I appreciated getting to know how Sproul, who was an excellent theologian, thought by reading his answers. Hopefully, some of his way of thinking—which is much more orderly and logical than my creative, rather ADHD way of thinking—rubbed off on me.
The book is a compilation of questions people asked Sproul during Ligonier's Q&A sessions. It was published in 1996, so none of the post-1996 Q&A sessions made it into the book (but those are available on YouTube under Ligonier Ministries.)
The questions are divided up into 22 sections. The 3rd section, "The Work of the Holy Spirit," has 10 questions, the 2nd of which was a highlight for me. Answering the question, "What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament," Sproul writes:
The role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was not principally different from the role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.... People were regenerated in the Old Testament just as they are regenerated in the New Testament, and people cannot be regenerated except through the influence of God the Holy Spirit. David needed the regenerating power of God just as much as the apostle Paul needed it in the New Testament. We also know that the Spirit was very active charismatically; that is, by gifting certain people in the Old Testament and equipping them for specific tasks. For example, the king of Israel was anointed with oil, symbolizing his being anointed by the Holy Spirit to be empowered to carry out his vocation in a godly way. The same was true of priests."This part of his answer I like to read when explaining the symbolic meaning of the Christian practice of anointing with oil. It's a very clear and concise explanation of that practice.
I was disappointed with the questions in section 22, "Puzzling Passages." There are so many puzzling passages that Sproul did not address (maybe no one has asked him questions about them). For example, he did not address some of the numerical discrepancies in the Old Testament (these, I believe, are scribal errors, but I would have liked to hear Sproul's thoughts on them). Another question I'd have liked to see Sproul answer would have been about the passages in the Old Testament that say God repented (see Rev. John Piper's list of them and his excellent explanation of what "God repented" means in those contexts).
It is clear that Sproul's book does not intend to exhaustively explain each of the 22 categories, but rather it is just a somewhat random collection of questions, categorized by an editor into these 22 sections. As a result, the quality of the book is very much dependent on the quality of what people asked Sproul. Thankfully, most of the 300+ questions in this book are good, and I appreciated getting to know how Sproul, who was an excellent theologian, thought by reading his answers. Hopefully, some of his way of thinking—which is much more orderly and logical than my creative, rather ADHD way of thinking—rubbed off on me.
May 15, 2016
Sproul answers many thought-provoking questions, several of which I've asked myself. Unfortunately, the answers are very brief (half a page to 2 pages), and Sproul includes few verses, making his answers sound like his informed opinions, even though I know he has a biblical basis for his answers. He has deeper answers in his other publications, and it would be nice if this book had referred the reader to those.
I don't agree with Sproul on everything, but I've learned a lot from him over the years and highly respect him as a theologian.
Below are my notes. They're taken from the book, so they represent Sproul's views, not necessarily mine.
Who Is Jesus?
"All these things" in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 could refer to destruction of Jerusalem, which happened in 1st century.
The Book of Books
Sproul looks to Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, Luther, Calvin, Edwards for biblical interpretation.
About the testaments, Augustine said, "The Old is in the New revealed; the New is in the Old concealed."
About 75% of NT is quotation from or allusion to OT.
The Way of Salvation
"You don't get into heaven by your works, but your reward in heaven will be according to those works."
"I get into heaven by Jesus' righteousness, but my reward in heaven will be distributed according to my obedience."
Baptism isn't necessary for salvation; see thief on cross.
The reprobate won't respond to God's invitation because they don't want to. "It's their very freedom that's keeping them away from Christ. They have the freedom to choose what they desire" and they refuse Christ.
James 2:24 means that works justify a person's claim to faith before the eyes of man, not that they add to the person's justification before God.
Sin and the Sinner
The NT says at least 25 times that we'll be rewarded in heaven according to our obedience or works. Jesus frequently said that on the last day we'll be judged for all our actions, good and evil. The elect won't be punished for sin, but it will lesson our reward.
Jesus' statement to "judge not" refers to judgment as condemnation, not judgment as discernment or evaluation. The Bible often tells us to judge between good and evil, truth and lie.
The Growing Spiritual Life
Fasting is supported by OT and NT, including Jesus. Protestants pushed aside because Catholics viewed it as meritorious. We should fast in ways that allow us to be good stewards of our bodies.
Heaven and Hell
"We hope and have a certain level of confidence" that God saves children of believers who die before they can believe. God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. David was confident he'd see his child who died in heaven. Children are saved by grace, not due to innocence.
Church Life
In 2 Tim 2:12 "I think that what Paul is saying is that women can be involved in all kinds of functions of ministry in the church but that the role of juridical authority or of governing authority is not to be held by women. … in certain denominations, ordination means that a person has been given governing authority."
"I am convinced that when Paul says the women are to cover their heads [in church], he is basing that action on how God created male and female. … I'm persuaded that the principle of covering the head is still in effect because it was built into creation."
God ordained the Sabbath at Creation, so it's still in effect. God says, "This is my Sabbath unto all generations" (Exodus 31:13). NT church worships on Lord's Day (Sunday) (Heb 10:25). It requires rest from unnecessary commerce and labor. Sproul holds Continental view, seeing recreation as legitimate form of rest.
The heart of worship in the Bible is the proclamation of God's Word. Yet in the OT, worship involved all 5 senses. Modern worship should actively involve people too.
Sproul can't say for sure that pictures of Jesus violate 2nd Commandment, but has a problem with them because they may give an inaccurate image.
Marriage and Family
OT implies that polygamy is wrong. It's contrary to Creation, and was practiced by Cain's ungodly descendants (including Lamech).
The Bible doesn't specifically address the issue of a mother working outside the home. The virtuous woman of Prov 31 is a mother who does business.
Divorce is only biblical for adultery (Matt 19) and willful and irreparable separation of unbelieving spouse (1 Cor 7:15).
1 Cor 7:15 means that innocent party is free to remarry. Sproul believes guilty party can remarry if they genuinely repent.
Career Issues
There's nothing in Bible against Christians partnering with non-Christians in business. But, Christians may experience friction with non-Christians due to different priorities.
Money Matters
OT doesn't speak of prosperity as a sin; God frequently promises material well being to the obedient. Jesus spoke not against money, but against prioritizing it above the Kingdom. God can bless with prosperity those seeking the Kingdom.
Tithing isn't explicitly repealed in NT, so it's still in effect. Since NT describes the new covenant as richer than the old, a tenth is the bare minimum.
Biblical warnings against debt are wisdom sayings, not absolute prohibitions.
The End Times
When Jesus said "this generation will not pass until all these things be done" (Matthew 24:34) He was referring to destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Lifestyle Ethics
"I would be very hesitant before imposing uniquely Christian principles upon non-Christians." Christians ought to protect 1st Amendment rights for ourselves and everyone else.
Turning the other cheek refers primarily to being insulted (backhanded slap to right cheek). Jesus meant we shouldn't be involved in bitter vindictiveness, not that we need to be doormats or can't defend ourselves.
There may be occasions when it's appropriate to lie to protect others. The Bible doesn't rebuke the Hebrew midwives, Rahab, or others who did so. Some say these people were blessed despite their lying, not for it. Lying may be legitimate to prevent evil in cases of war, murder, and other criminal acts.
Christians and Government
The government doesn't need to enforce commandments given only to Christians (such as participation in Lord's Supper). But the government should "stand for what is right" in "those spheres of ethics that are right for all people."
Governments are to be ministers of God for sake of righteousness (Rom 13). Governments must uphold righteousness and justice. In OT, God's authority went beyond Israel to heathen rulers.
Puzzling Passages
God doesn't directly punish a person for someone else's sin, but the consequences of sin can affect one's descendants (see 10 Commandments, curse on Ham).
I don't agree with Sproul on everything, but I've learned a lot from him over the years and highly respect him as a theologian.
Below are my notes. They're taken from the book, so they represent Sproul's views, not necessarily mine.
Who Is Jesus?
"All these things" in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 could refer to destruction of Jerusalem, which happened in 1st century.
The Book of Books
Sproul looks to Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, Luther, Calvin, Edwards for biblical interpretation.
About the testaments, Augustine said, "The Old is in the New revealed; the New is in the Old concealed."
About 75% of NT is quotation from or allusion to OT.
The Way of Salvation
"You don't get into heaven by your works, but your reward in heaven will be according to those works."
"I get into heaven by Jesus' righteousness, but my reward in heaven will be distributed according to my obedience."
Baptism isn't necessary for salvation; see thief on cross.
The reprobate won't respond to God's invitation because they don't want to. "It's their very freedom that's keeping them away from Christ. They have the freedom to choose what they desire" and they refuse Christ.
James 2:24 means that works justify a person's claim to faith before the eyes of man, not that they add to the person's justification before God.
Sin and the Sinner
The NT says at least 25 times that we'll be rewarded in heaven according to our obedience or works. Jesus frequently said that on the last day we'll be judged for all our actions, good and evil. The elect won't be punished for sin, but it will lesson our reward.
Jesus' statement to "judge not" refers to judgment as condemnation, not judgment as discernment or evaluation. The Bible often tells us to judge between good and evil, truth and lie.
The Growing Spiritual Life
Fasting is supported by OT and NT, including Jesus. Protestants pushed aside because Catholics viewed it as meritorious. We should fast in ways that allow us to be good stewards of our bodies.
Heaven and Hell
"We hope and have a certain level of confidence" that God saves children of believers who die before they can believe. God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. David was confident he'd see his child who died in heaven. Children are saved by grace, not due to innocence.
Church Life
In 2 Tim 2:12 "I think that what Paul is saying is that women can be involved in all kinds of functions of ministry in the church but that the role of juridical authority or of governing authority is not to be held by women. … in certain denominations, ordination means that a person has been given governing authority."
"I am convinced that when Paul says the women are to cover their heads [in church], he is basing that action on how God created male and female. … I'm persuaded that the principle of covering the head is still in effect because it was built into creation."
God ordained the Sabbath at Creation, so it's still in effect. God says, "This is my Sabbath unto all generations" (Exodus 31:13). NT church worships on Lord's Day (Sunday) (Heb 10:25). It requires rest from unnecessary commerce and labor. Sproul holds Continental view, seeing recreation as legitimate form of rest.
The heart of worship in the Bible is the proclamation of God's Word. Yet in the OT, worship involved all 5 senses. Modern worship should actively involve people too.
Sproul can't say for sure that pictures of Jesus violate 2nd Commandment, but has a problem with them because they may give an inaccurate image.
Marriage and Family
OT implies that polygamy is wrong. It's contrary to Creation, and was practiced by Cain's ungodly descendants (including Lamech).
The Bible doesn't specifically address the issue of a mother working outside the home. The virtuous woman of Prov 31 is a mother who does business.
Divorce is only biblical for adultery (Matt 19) and willful and irreparable separation of unbelieving spouse (1 Cor 7:15).
1 Cor 7:15 means that innocent party is free to remarry. Sproul believes guilty party can remarry if they genuinely repent.
Career Issues
There's nothing in Bible against Christians partnering with non-Christians in business. But, Christians may experience friction with non-Christians due to different priorities.
Money Matters
OT doesn't speak of prosperity as a sin; God frequently promises material well being to the obedient. Jesus spoke not against money, but against prioritizing it above the Kingdom. God can bless with prosperity those seeking the Kingdom.
Tithing isn't explicitly repealed in NT, so it's still in effect. Since NT describes the new covenant as richer than the old, a tenth is the bare minimum.
Biblical warnings against debt are wisdom sayings, not absolute prohibitions.
The End Times
When Jesus said "this generation will not pass until all these things be done" (Matthew 24:34) He was referring to destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Lifestyle Ethics
"I would be very hesitant before imposing uniquely Christian principles upon non-Christians." Christians ought to protect 1st Amendment rights for ourselves and everyone else.
Turning the other cheek refers primarily to being insulted (backhanded slap to right cheek). Jesus meant we shouldn't be involved in bitter vindictiveness, not that we need to be doormats or can't defend ourselves.
There may be occasions when it's appropriate to lie to protect others. The Bible doesn't rebuke the Hebrew midwives, Rahab, or others who did so. Some say these people were blessed despite their lying, not for it. Lying may be legitimate to prevent evil in cases of war, murder, and other criminal acts.
Christians and Government
The government doesn't need to enforce commandments given only to Christians (such as participation in Lord's Supper). But the government should "stand for what is right" in "those spheres of ethics that are right for all people."
Governments are to be ministers of God for sake of righteousness (Rom 13). Governments must uphold righteousness and justice. In OT, God's authority went beyond Israel to heathen rulers.
Puzzling Passages
God doesn't directly punish a person for someone else's sin, but the consequences of sin can affect one's descendants (see 10 Commandments, curse on Ham).
June 18, 2019
This is a good book to use a basis for discussion topic with others. I enjoyed learning about Sproul's stances on certain topics; however, the answers are very brief and warrant more depth. This is merely a good starting point to look for other books that go into greater detail on many of the topics he addressed.
October 25, 2022
Answers Many Questions
R. C. Sproul covers many Biblical topics and answers difficult questions in an easy to understand way. This book is definitely worth reading and keeping for reference.
R. C. Sproul covers many Biblical topics and answers difficult questions in an easy to understand way. This book is definitely worth reading and keeping for reference.
October 2, 2018
Great bible study text for groups!
November 8, 2018
Great questions along with great answers from Dr. Sproul.
December 18, 2023
This book gives great answers to the most commonly asked questions about faith and the most common challenges Christians face.
January 1, 2024
We read this book with our small group from church and there are a lot of good questions it asks to help you with your faith. I think we all enjoyed the book. I disagreed with some of his teachings, but that's what makes it good too so you can feel strength in what you believe. I would recommend it.
July 17, 2025
RC Sproul gives short answers to more than 300 questions. The answers may be short, but they contain good insights.
November 14, 2014
The luxury to read through a book in its entirety is not one that everyone can afford nowadays, so certain kinds of volumes, such as reference books and question-and-answer treatments, fill a certain niche for some people.
R.C. Sproul's Now, That's A Good Question is a Q-and-A book meant to provide, as the late James Boice wrote, "short, sharp, satisfying answers to important biblical and theological questions" - over 300 in fact, covering all of the following topics: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, sin, faith and philosophy, prayer, spiritual growth, Satan, heaven and hell, sharing faith, church life, marriage and family, career issues, money matters, life-and-death issues, suffering, the end times, lifestyle ethics, Christians and government, and finally, puzzling Scripture passages.
The inclusion of the last section is somewhat ironic, because the book's one major shortcoming is that is that there is a lack of Scripture references. While Sproul's thoughts are undoubtedly based on the truth of the Bible, it would have been nice for him to demonstrate how they are derived from it. Still, this is a fabulous resource - especially for those who have only recently embraced the Christian faith, and those who want to review the "basics" of evangelical Christianity from a Presbyterian and Reformed perspective.
I strongly agree with this statement made by Jerry Bridges: "I'm always amazed at R.C. Sproul's ability to explain profound truths in an easy-to-understand manner. He has done it again in this book, where he tackles some difficult and controversial issues in a humble, yet insightful way."
R.C. Sproul's Now, That's A Good Question is a Q-and-A book meant to provide, as the late James Boice wrote, "short, sharp, satisfying answers to important biblical and theological questions" - over 300 in fact, covering all of the following topics: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, sin, faith and philosophy, prayer, spiritual growth, Satan, heaven and hell, sharing faith, church life, marriage and family, career issues, money matters, life-and-death issues, suffering, the end times, lifestyle ethics, Christians and government, and finally, puzzling Scripture passages.
The inclusion of the last section is somewhat ironic, because the book's one major shortcoming is that is that there is a lack of Scripture references. While Sproul's thoughts are undoubtedly based on the truth of the Bible, it would have been nice for him to demonstrate how they are derived from it. Still, this is a fabulous resource - especially for those who have only recently embraced the Christian faith, and those who want to review the "basics" of evangelical Christianity from a Presbyterian and Reformed perspective.
I strongly agree with this statement made by Jerry Bridges: "I'm always amazed at R.C. Sproul's ability to explain profound truths in an easy-to-understand manner. He has done it again in this book, where he tackles some difficult and controversial issues in a humble, yet insightful way."
July 19, 2019
Perhaps no other ministry active today has done more than Ligonier Ministries to take Christian theology and package it in a format that is easily accessible to the average layperson. R. C. Sproul has written many wonderful works detailing various aspects of Christian doctrine and practice, with such classics as The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, Knowing Scripture, and more recently, Everyone's a Theologian.
This work is an excellent supplement to these works. Drawing from years of answering questions via radio and other formats, Sproul answers many of the most common queries that Christians and non-Christians alike may have regarding the faith. Although it is neither a work of systematic theology nor of apologetics, it manages to combine elements of both, as well as cover such practical issues as marriage and family life, as well as Christian involvement in politics. This book does this in a conversational format that really makes it feel like the author is speaking directly to the reader's concerns.
Now That's a Good Question! is the kind of tome most laypeople and pastors should have on hand in other to get a quick answer to common questions regarding the faith. At the same time, I would recommend Sproul's other works as well, as they provide more in-depth answers to many of the questions posed within this book but are answered only in a few pages.
This work is an excellent supplement to these works. Drawing from years of answering questions via radio and other formats, Sproul answers many of the most common queries that Christians and non-Christians alike may have regarding the faith. Although it is neither a work of systematic theology nor of apologetics, it manages to combine elements of both, as well as cover such practical issues as marriage and family life, as well as Christian involvement in politics. This book does this in a conversational format that really makes it feel like the author is speaking directly to the reader's concerns.
Now That's a Good Question! is the kind of tome most laypeople and pastors should have on hand in other to get a quick answer to common questions regarding the faith. At the same time, I would recommend Sproul's other works as well, as they provide more in-depth answers to many of the questions posed within this book but are answered only in a few pages.
January 18, 2011
This was an interesting read. It's a collection of brief answers to questions posed to Sproul during his radio program. There are a wide variety of topics and it's interesting to hear his views across that broad spectrum. The answers are, at times, redundant when somewhat similar questions are asked (the questions are grouped topically which probably caused this redundancy to be more noticeable that it was when the questions were originally posed). I also wish there was more depth to some of the answers, but the format does not allow for that. I'd probably give it a 3.5 if I could, but a 3 seemed too low.
January 29, 2014
In this collection of question and answers, Sproul compiled hundreds of questions and his forthwith answers from audio tapes into this massive tome for the layperson. Many of the questions are quite provocative, yet some are downright silly. Nonetheless, Sproul offers a fresh look at some of the more interesting questions that seem to still be floating around our Christian sub-culture. Not a bad read, and especially would be good for reference, given the index in the back of the book. Again, this book serves the layperson well, especially if they do not have the time or resources to research many of these questions in-depth themselves.
September 25, 2012
The book is ultimately unsatisfying in terms of depth. It's a good resource if you want some quick answers to some common questions about Christianity, but given the amount of questions tackled and the limited space the book has, it's really difficult to give an in-depth answer to the topics tackled. If you want to really deepen your knowledge about apologetics, then read another book. This book would probably help you, though, you're someone new to the faith.
July 22, 2008
I agreed with all but 1 or 2 of his 300 answers to common spiritual questions, and the way he writes is really accessible. Too bad his spiritual support of the invasion of Iraq and insistence that they started it with 9/11 will always taint him for me. And the fact that he hates the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
June 8, 2010
I love this book and actually gave it away to a person I was sharing the gospel with because it answers so many questions that people have about God and Christianity, If my memory serves me Dr. Sproul addresses other religions as well.
Part of Dr. Sprouls genius is the ability to speak to common folk. This book is a must have for the new Christian.
Part of Dr. Sprouls genius is the ability to speak to common folk. This book is a must have for the new Christian.
December 25, 2007
Not deep theology, but R.C. poses and tries to answer a number of interesting questions on all sorts of faith-related issues. Good to use in small group discussions.
March 23, 2008
I'd like this book a whole lot better if it had a decent index.
August 25, 2008
God is always in Control... no matter what happens
August 25, 2008
Good book - answers some great fundamental questions of the Christian faith. Excellent for Apologetics!
October 21, 2008
A great book to have to answer questions you might get asked concerning Biblical beliefs from a reformed view.
January 24, 2009
Deeper perspective on many important issues for the Christian by an author who has a vast knowledge of the Bible, including Greek and Hebrew words.
July 20, 2009
Basic and purty good! Good reference book.
April 18, 2012
A very handy easily accessible book with tons of thorough answers!
February 9, 2013
A great question and answer resource.
May 19, 2014
Well written, brief answers to over 300 questions related to Christian theism. I keep this book handy for reference before and after evangelistic encounters. Vintage Sproul!
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