7 Truths That Changed the World: Discovering Christianity's Most Dangerous Ideas

by Kenneth R. Samples

Examines seven controversial Christian truths that have challenged the cultural and religious status quo, addressing topics ranging from religious pluralism to cosmology and creation from nothing.
Title: 7 Truths That Changed the World
Author: Samples, Kenneth R.
Publisher: Baker Pub Group
Publication Date: 2012/05/01
Number of Pages: 237
Binding Type: PAPERBACK
Library of Congress: 2011043952

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Kenneth Richard Samples began voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. For seven years, Kenneth worked as Senior Research Consultant and Correspondence Editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly cohosted the popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr. Walter Martin.

As a youth, Kenneth wrestled with "unsettling feelings of meaninglessness and boredom," driving him to seek answers to life's big questions. An encounter with Christian philosophy in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis led Kenneth to examine the New Testament and "finally believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Lord and Savior of the world." From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying faith.

Today, as senior research scholar at Reasons To Believe (RTB), Kenneth uses what he's learned to help others find the answers to life's questions. He encourages believers to develop a logically defensible faith and challenges skeptics to engage Christianity at a philosophical level. He is the author of Without a Doubt and A World of Difference, and has contributed to numerous other books, including: Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men, The Cult of the Virgin, and Prophets of the Apocalypse. He has written articles for Christianity Today and The Christian Research Journal, and regularly participates in RTB's podcasts, including Straight Thinking, a podcast dedicated to encouraging Christians to utilize sound reasoning in their apologetics. He also writes for the ministry's daily blog, Today’s New Reason to Believe.

An avid speaker and debater, Kenneth has appeared on numerous radio programs such as Voice America Radio, Newsmakers, The Frank Pastore Show, Stand to Reason, White Horse Inn, Talk New York, and Issues Etc., as well as participated in debates and dialogues on topics relating to Christian doctrine and apologetics. He currently lectures for the Master of Arts program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University. Kenneth also teaches adult classes at Christ Reformed Church in Southern California.

Over the years Kenneth has held memberships in the American Philosophical Association, the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Evangelical Press Association.

Reviews

[David Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 Truths that Change the World is a well written book that briefly expounds seven truth claims of Christianity. Kenneth Samples does so in a theological and apologetical fashion. I highly recommend this book to Christians look to refresh and strengthen their faith, also to nonbelievers looking to better understand the key claims of Christianity.

The only contention I had was Kenneth's Reformed Calvinist leanings. Especially as it seemed to lead to some contradictory statements concerning God's sovereignty and human freewill. At times appealing to mystery. Appealing to mystery isn't necessarily when there's a position that has explanatory scope, explanatory power, illumination, and “less ad hoc” on its side, that being Molinism.

That aside, this book is well worth the read.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second reading of this book - as I grabbed it shortly after it was released, and think I rushed through it a bit. So I was feeling like a bit of an apologetics refresher, and I always enjoy this Author, so I thought I would give it a re-read.

I do appreciate that the Author works hard to not only use Logic and Philosophy but also to teach and encourage these tools - whilst also clearly indicating that there is much more to learn. Unlike some other Christian apologists, I find that Samples is quite gracious with the views of his opponents - avoids creating "straw men" - and that he shows humility in his arguments. Even if you disagree with him, Samples shows a fine way to argue :)

In this book, he covers 7 topics ("ideas") that have been apologetic topics since the Early Church - and as such, the Author does give us some good insight into Church History, including frequent references to Augustine, Luther, Pascal and others - as well as good references to modern philosophers and scholars. I would've liked more on the development of the arguments over history but understand that this would've been beyond the scope of the book - rather it should whet the appetite of the reader to go and find out more. Thankfully, Samples is one of this fine authors who does give references for further reading. I think this is essential in books like this.

I would encourage any Christian who is interested in being able to give a defence of their beliefs, to give this book a try.

[David Nagor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Ryan Kaufman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book by Ken Samples, a Philosopher/Theologian that expounds and defends some of the paradigm shifting, world changing (dangerous) truths claimed by Christianity. The 7 truths are The Incarnation, The Resurrection, Creation ex nihilo,the compatibility of faith and reason, justification by grace alone through faith alone, Man made in God's image, and suffering having a good purpose. As usual, Samples does a good job at offering basic (though compelling) answers and arguments that can be accessed by most laypeople. Initially I was going to rate the book 3 stars because as I read it for the first time, it seemed like I read it before, because of the similar arguments and topics given by Ken Samples in his other works, which made it not as exciting as a read for me, but decided it would be fair to treat it as a standalone book. I find myself using it as a reference book, just going back to specific sections every now and then. Would especially recommend to Christians new or unexposed to apologetics.

[Nina]

Samples makes a great case for the Biblical world view of God's natural laws and moral laws being universal. Christianity was an earth shattering religion. If changed everything about how we saw the world. When human beings were declared Imago Dei, it altered how we educate, care for the poor, nurse the sick, our systems of jurisprudence and how the world is ordered. Samples explains the intersection of science and Christianity. Evil and suffering are only adequately explained and addressed by Christianity. Samples explains how even these are part of God's magnification plan.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The easiest-to-read philosophy and theology book I have ever read. Ken Samples poses provocative challenges to laissez-faire humanism/secular naturalism arguments. He distills foundational historical events and attributes of the Christian faith and provides straightforward philosophical arguments to how well they actually fit to the world we know--not just the physical world that seems to get much of the attention, but the world including relations, aesthetics, morality, and logic.

[Steve Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have great admiration for authors who can write about complicated and dry topics in a way that's understandable and interesting and Ken Samples is one of those authors.

This is another great book by Samples that tackles the difficult questions about the existence of God the is smart, whimsical, and clear.

[Peter Spung · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource on Christian theology that tackles a broad array of topics. The chapters on the cosmos and design are superb, as well as the chapters on why evil and suffering exist, and arguing against atheism. Very well written, researched, and written. I highly recommend it to those wishing to dive deeper into 7 Truths of Christianity that literally changed the world.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of some of the central claims of Christianity. Could be more apologetically rigorous, but this is geared to a mainstream audience. Worth reading and thoughtfully considering!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good discussion on apologetic arguments and discussion topics.