Building Belief: Constructing Faith from the Ground Up

by Chad Meister

There are many apologetics resources available on bookstore shelves across the country, but none are quite like this one. Based on the Apologetics Pyramid method developed during Meister's work in the Defender's Ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, Building Belief begins not with assumptions of people's biblical knowledge but with their experiences. Author Chad V. Meister developed his strategy to begin where most contemporary unbelievers find themselves-filled with uncertainty and doubt. From there he seeks to lead them objectively through levels of reasoning to the apex of the pyramid: the ultimate truth of God found in Christ. By meeting people where they are in life, Meister creates a resource that promotes greater understanding and spiritual development. Lay readers, spiritual seekers, and Christians who want to strengthen their own faith will appreciate this fresh take on a traditional apologetics approach.

Genres: Christian Living

230 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meister opens his presentation by recounting a sudden realization he had while preparing to meet with an atheist to discuss the merits of Christianity: “In preparation for our time together, I sketched out a diagram that was the culmination of several years of study and reflection as well as what I take to be a divine epiphany that afternoon. I call it the Apologetics Pyramid, and this book consists of that same basic structure . . . plus ten years of research and reflection on the topics of which it is composed.” This “epiphany” lays out the framework of the book. Imagine an equilateral triangle divided into six parts horizontally from top to bottom. Each section, starting from the bottom, is to aid the reader in building belief. The reader begins the journey at the base and “through real-life stories, examples, and evidences, we will continue our journey until we reach the peak of the pyramid.” Like Beatrice guiding Dante up through the levels of paradise, Meister guides the reader up each step of the pyramid.
Although Meister has not provided any new apologetic information, his clear prose and presentation was refreshing. The Apologetics Pyramid provides a needed format or template for presentation, and the list of works in favor as well as against his conclusions is an elevating touch to the many apologetic works in the market.

[Dan Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful basic apologetic. I think his 'cumulative case' approach is the right approach. His progression is logical. His 'further reading' sections are helpful for going deeper with topics. I'd offer mild critique of his evaluation of Calvinism, but will recommend book nonetheless.

[Cory Shumate · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion the single BEST book on introductory apologetics. I recommend this book to people from any background and with any worldview. Christians - this book will solidify your faith at a secular level. Christianity is no longer seen to be a "feel good" belief system, but rather a logicallym scientifically, and existentially reconcilable worldview. This book is great if you know someone who is on a path to discovering truth, or even someone who believes there is no such thing as objective truth. This book meets every reader where they stand, and makes no assumptions, but rather questions everything. Studies have shown that the single most common reason Christians do not evangelize is because they are scared that they will misrepresent Christianity if they are asked a question they do not know. Apologetics is not an option, Christians. We are called to "give reason for the hope that is withing us." This is the reason God is talking about. Meet your unbelieving friends on their level. Show them truth. Read this book!

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago, so I may not be as impressed with it now as I was then since I've grown some since. But as I remember it, this book is absolutely amazing. It takes you on a (hypothetical) journey from believing in nothing at all, to coming to believe in Christianity.
It utilizes common sense, logic, and evidence to show that there is only one Truth, and that there is consequently only one right way, one true and rational worldview.
Then it takes you through the faith pyramid (I think it's called) and refutes relativism, etc, and effectively rules out every religion but Christianity as being completely consistent with itself and therefore worth believing.

[Law Wei Xiang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and concise faith building tool in helping believer to see how Christianity stands out from the midst of worldviews and religions in systematic ways. This book contains good logical arguments worth attention and study. The flow of the book require thinking in every section before proceed to next. I would recommend to those who wish to understand how Christianity different from other religions or for believer about why their believe is right from historical and logical arguments.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Met Dr. Meister at a World View Conference in Seattle, a very clear and coherent speaker and author. A systematic presentation of faith.

[Todd Briscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great logical defense of the Christian faith.