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Answering the Toughest Questions About God and the Bible

Bruce Bickel,

Christopher Greer

3.71 · Rating details · 14 ratings · 8 reviews

Bestselling Authors Tackle Difficult Issues for Believers and Doubters

When it comes to the big questions about God--Is he real? Why are Christians so unlike Jesus? Does he really care about me?--Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz don't pretend to have all the answers. But they do know how to wrestle with doubt. They welcome questions, and in these pages they ask some of the most ...more

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Paperback, 208 pages

Published October 18th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

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Oct 24, 2016 Phillip Cole rated it it was amazing

New and long time Christians alike have a tendency to hide doubts about God. Somewhere, the idea became widespread that you have to keep them to yourself instead of seeking answers. Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz counter this concept in Answering the Toughest Questions About God and the Bible. They encourage Christians to ask questions, and know where to find answers.

I've been in church all my life, and read the Bible through many times, but I still wonder about God and the Bible. It isn't so much ...more

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Nov 12, 2016 Natacha Ramos rated it liked it

I was really attracted by the concept of this book, and I found it very interesting that these authors got the top 10 questions by asking real people what their doubts were.

However, I thought I would find a different kind of approach. I expected the answers to be more skeptic-oriented, and it was like that at first, but at some point it changed. Some answers are so biblical that they require some trust in the Bible as the Word of God to find them relevant.

They do considerate people from all kind ...more

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Nov 07, 2016 Joan rated it liked it

We shouldn't be afraid of tough questions, Bickel and Jantz write. Ultimately, questions will deepen our love for God and lead to sound faith.

The authors chose the top ten questions young people are asking today about God and what it says in His Word. Before answering the questions, however, they lay a foundation by investigating certainty, the importance of listening to others, and the role of trust.

The characteristics and intellectual nature of this book make it suitable for teens. For example We shouldn't be afraid of tough questions, Bickel and Jantz write. Ultimately, questions will deepen our love for God and lead to sound faith.

The authors chose the top ten questions young people are asking today about God and what it says in His Word. Before answering the questions, however, they lay a foundation by investigating certainty, the importance of listening to others, and the role of trust.

The characteristics and intellectual nature of this book make it suitable for teens. For example, when relating the rebellion of Adam and Eve, the authors write, “Like rebellious teens, they stood smiling in agreement as the instructions for life were given, but as soon as God the Father turned around, they stuck out their tongues and ran off to do what they wanted.” (434/3274) The authors do write that they aimed their book at “young adults.” (2552/3274) I would not recommend the book for those into a college experience because of the book's lack of intellectual rigor.

Youth pastors might use this book but I would suggest additional study to supplement it. An example of why I make that suggestion is when the authors write that God is “the unmoved mover, 100 percent free to do as he chooses without being acted upon by any other force...” (565/3274) I think teens would then ask questions about prayer and why one should even pray. Information to help in that discussion is not included in the book so further study would have to have been previously completed.

It seems this book is aimed at those not very familiar with Christianity and the Bible. In describing the major themes of the Bible, the authors write, “If you are familiar with the Bible or Christianity, these six 'Acts' will likely ring a bell.” (1423/3274) I would not recommend this book to seasoned Christians.

I recommend this book to those who have basic questions about God and Christianity and are not looking for something with intellectual rigor. The authors are very personable, sharing some of their own experiences. Their writing style is very conversational.

The authors have included questions for reflection and discussion throughout the book. That would make the book a good one to use in a teen group. This book is a good starting point for teens with questions. Unfortunately, there was not a list of additional resources or books for further study in the egalley I read. While it is a good introductory book, readers will have to go elsewhere to pursue a deeper discussion of these questions.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. ...more

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Dec 05, 2016 A.C. Cuddy rated it really liked it

When it comes to the big questions about God, Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz don't pretend to have all the answers. But they do know how to wrestle with doubt. They welcome questions, and in these pages they ask some of the most important ones you have about God and the Bible.

With candor, insight, and a disarming touch of humor, Bruce and Stan provide some answers to these critical questions, yet they leave enough space--and grace--for you to keep wrestling, asking, and seeking truth.

Answering the ...more

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Sep 16, 2018 Mark Little rated it did not like it

Not my style of book - can see why someone left it at a South Africa B&B. Pertinent to the title; I hoped this book would answer some of the questions discussed unfortunately it didn’t and left more questions and a great sense of vagueness. However, chapter 9 on the trinity was quite useful for highlighting scripture on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also recommended further reading; UNDERSTANDING THE TRINITY - ALISTER MCGRATH perhaps worth checking out!

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May 16, 2017 James Frederick rated it really liked it

I really like books like this that cause me to challenge and question what I believe and why. There was nothing here that shocked me or caused me to change my Faith in a revolutionary way. But I liked the tone, for the most part. The book was highly readable and did not bog down in super technical terms that make your eyes water and cure any potential insomnia. This is a great book for seekers or for longtime Christians who are looking for clarity.

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Aug 20, 2017 David Pierce rated it it was amazing

I didn't read this book I studied it. This is well written and straight forward. It was not written to impress but to teach. It accomplished this noble task. It is recommended reading. ...more

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Jan 03, 2017 Jeanie rated it liked it

The kind of faith that leads to salvation involves attitudes of your mind (belief), your spirit (trust), and your heart (adoration).

Ten key questions that author Bruce Bickel has experienced with his ministry that he shares in a question format. In other words, he brings the question - starting with the first one "Is God Real and How Can You Know. Each question reflects how an individual might wrestle with the question and using scripture, you are brought into other questions. The questions are ...more

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