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20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists: Discover Why Believing In God Makes so Much Sense

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Is it Reasonable to Believe? Remarkably, even though millions upon millions of us do believe in God, when we are asked why we have such faith, we become tongue-tied and struggle to give a reason for our hope. No wonder those who don't believe God exists remain unconvinced—there's too few of us ready to speak on God's behalf! Ken Boa and Robert Bowman, have provided a resource that tackles the most profound arguments from philosophy, science, sociology, psychology, and history ... and presents twenty clear, concise, and compelling evidences that show that faith in God—and specifically Jesus Christ—is reasonable.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1902

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About the author

Kenneth D. Boa

104 books51 followers
Kenneth Boa is an author, a speaker, and the president of Reflections Ministries. He is the author of over fifty books, including Conformed to His Image, Faith Has Its Reasons, Face to Face, and Rewriting Your Broken Story. He is a contributing editor to the Open Bible, the Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible, and the Leadership Bible, and is the consulting editor of the Zondervan NASB Study Bible.

Boa earned a BS from Case Institute of Technology, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, a PhD from New York University, and a DPhil from the University of Oxford. He teaches a weekly Bible and Faith study at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he resides with his wife.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Anthony.
310 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2013
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of “20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists” (Discovering Why Believing in God Makes So Much Sense) by Kenneth D. Boa and Robert M. Bowman Jr.
October 1, 2013

This book was loaned to me by a neighbor friend who has a close association with Kenneth Boa. That neighbor thought I would appreciate reading something recent from a man whom they think very highly of, to wit, Kenneth D. Boa. This friend has mentioned Boa's name at least a dozen times, and that he has greatly influenced their life and understanding of Jesus Christ. This neighbor is a life long Catholic like myself and thought I would get something out of this book.

Both Boa and his co-author Robert M. Bowman Jr., are Christian Scholars with a wealth of pedigrees behind their names. I was hesitant to read this book, knowing that both authors were “Evangelical Christians” and in my experience these type of Christians were often Anti-Catholic and their emphasis is not on “Church” but on Jesus Christ and his Gospel writers. As a life long Catholic, I have recognized that these types, irrespective of their fervent belief in Jesus Christ, are very negative of the Catholic Church and as part of their approach, to Christ abandon all traditions of the Catholic Church, including Dogmas, Traditions and most often writings of Catholic Scholars. This notwithstanding that the Catholic Church is the cornerstone for all Christian beliefs. Instead, their foundation is predicated on the concept of “Solo Scriptura”. For my Catholic friends who have not yet embraced the bible, Solo Scriptura is the idea that everything and anything we need for salvation is contained in the Bible. This concept is the outgrowth of evils and abuses in the Catholic Church during its early days which resulted in a rude awakening for Catholics, namely the Reformation and its counter part, the Counter Reformation. I mention all of this because Churches are made up of humans who often time place their imprint on belief systems. All Christian sects have done this and the splits from each other has grown geometrically and yet there is still but one Catholic Church existing today after 2,000 years. Remember Christ said to Peter “You are the Rock upon whom I shall build My Church” Most Protestant Churches split over perceived real or unreal conditions existing at the time they left the Catholic Church. Many of those reasons were political in nature and some even less than holy. I mention all this so that my readers/reviewers will understand where I am coming from.

In reading Boa and Bowman's book, I had my antenna up for anti-Catholic views and comments. In fact, I found few if any, though some Catholic scholars may disagree.

I believe that the proof of God was convincingly made and that in itself is worth the effort and time to read this book. I also believe they (the authors) proved that Christ was an historical man who lived and had the most significant impact on mans thinking today. That he was divine, I am not as sure but as a Christian myself, I believe with all my heart that he existed both as man and as God and every time I receive the Eucharist I know and feel he is “in me and I am in Him” additionally, if I make it to heaven it will be through Him.

I also believe that nothing the Authors wrote was contrary to my own beliefs as a Catholic. Now if only, all Christians can come together under one roof, what joy would be sung in Heaven.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian or aspiring Christian and have rated with four stars.
Profile Image for Amanda.
259 reviews66 followers
January 23, 2015
Sometimes, being a Christian in this world really sucks. Individuals, groups, and the media are constantly belittling you, insulting you, and all but bullying you into renouncing your faith. Even if you can hold your own for a bit, the Achilles heel is: "Can you prove God exists?"

Obviously, we can't. No Christian should make that claim. But what we can do is look at the historical and scientific evidence and try to explain (whether to others or to ourselves) why we believe what we believe.

Not all 20 evidences are truly compelling. (If you reject creationism, for example, those chapters won't do anything for you.) But some of them really are, and for that reason, you might want to pick this book up.

However, be aware: You can show someone all the evidence there is for the historical reliability of the Gospels and the fact that Jesus did indeed live and die on this earth, but you can never convince someone that doesn't want to know. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, either we will say to God, "thy will be done," or he will say to us, "THY will be done." Happy reading.
48 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2018
The authors clearly have different definitions of the words 'Compelling' and 'Evidence' to me. A huge amount of cherry picking of examples, misrepresentation of alternative positions, faux reasonableness, (deliberate?) ignoring of more challenging rebuttals, etc. Some examples:
In the early chapters there is the claim that the universe being suitable for life is evidence of divine creation, but the anthropic principle suggests that it is only because it has those properties that humans exist and can analyse it, yet this viewpoint was not mentioned.
Later, there is a rebuttal of the proposal that Jesus' disciples stole his body from the tomb that is based on their being a guard around the tomb, yet there is no mention of the view that the guard itself may have removed the body (after all, the presence of the guard suggests that there was some concern from Pilate about repercussions following the execution).
The historical accuracy of (aspects of) the bible are introduced early on and used throughout to suggest that everything else in them is credible. Yet there are many series of novels by writers such as Bernard Cornwell and George MacDonald Fraser where ahistorical characters are placed into a narrative based on factual events. This isn't addressed at all, instead the fall back is 'The bible was right about that, therefore this must also be true'.
Towards the end, there is the claim that "our inner need for God points to God's reality as surely as our need for water would prove that water existed". Leaving aside the strange concept of proof in this statement, an alternative view that isn't addressed is that this inner need would provide the reason for the creation of God and other gods - the cause and effect aren't as clear as the authors contend.
All in all, if you'll pardon the expression, this book does a good job of preaching to the converted, but I don't think it is likely to change anyone else's viewpoint. And maybe that is fine, it just wasn't sufficient for me.
15 reviews
February 6, 2016
Excellent Objective Arguments

Detailed explanation of the classic proofs about Jesus Christ presented in a respectful way supported by references that cannot be ignored by honest searchers of truth. And highly readable.
15 reviews
September 14, 2008
the book is exactly as the title suggests...compelling
1 review
January 16, 2015
Heavy Theology

Respectable read. But I like the evidence that was presented. You can share with your non believing friends for support.
Profile Image for Arleen.
42 reviews
April 16, 2015
This book takes you down a road that both has substance but also leads to questions. It would be so good for discussion.
1,354 reviews
March 6, 2017
Well laid out. Really makes you think about belief in a logical manner.
Profile Image for Filipe Araujo.
43 reviews
April 17, 2018
Interesting book that tries to compile evidence that God exists

I mostly liked the book. It uses good arguments to direct readers towards the conclusion that God exists, and showing how weak is the dominant skepticism of the day, if we think about it. It is a pity that authors embrace such a deeply anti-catholic perspective, especially as they keep talking about “the church”. The final chapters were pretty shocking to me with respect to this. Didn’t protestants engage in wars too? Authors clearly try to claim the good of Christianity to their side and the bad to the Catholics. Can’t be done. They should either start the clock on the day their specific denomination was founded (e.g. 1517), or take everything from the beginning. Otherwise it is cherry picking.
Profile Image for Jenny.
10 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2017
An easy read considering the topic; a concise explanation of all the things in the world and in history that give us good reason to believe in God. It's not irrational to believe in an invisible God, the authors argue--in fact, His existence is the most rational conclusion when you look at the evidence. Especially appreciated the chapters focusing on why the God of the Bible in particular (not just any god) is most compelling. Highly recommend this for Christians AND skeptics.
Profile Image for Jessica .
282 reviews26 followers
November 28, 2018
A very good book that is brief in writing but serves as an excellent introduction to God and Christianity and gives some compelling evidences for both God and Christ and why you should believe in them. I don’t know that this book alone will convince most people but it does offer a good starting point.
Profile Image for Heshua Evans.
11 reviews
December 31, 2023
A solid book, it lives up to the title. On a basic level it would handle 90% of skeptics. It jays a good foundation for the tough nut. I will most likely reread the chapter the discussed fine tuning. If new to apologetics this book may blow you away. If you have done background then it’s still solid and makes a strong cumulative case. I’m thankful for books like c this.
Profile Image for Nathaniel Ace.
33 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2020
As a Christian I encourage more books like this. But this book won’t convince a true skeptic, so I wouldn’t use the word compelling. It’s a great work but the title made me over estimate it’s detailing and arguments
315 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2025
pretty standard review of bible and its claims about God and Christ. Would recommend for a new Christian or someone leading a study group.
10.7k reviews35 followers
September 16, 2025
A BROAD PRESENTATION OF SCIENTIFIC, HISTORICAL, AND BIBLICAL EVIDENCES

The authors wrote in the Foreword to this 2002 book, "So, if you're not sure what to believe and you want some evidence that Christianity isn't just a nice uplifting myth, we can relate. In this book, we offer twenty evidences supporting belief in God. We think these evidences are compelling. But whatever you do, don't take our word for it. Consider the arguments, investigate the evidence, check out our facts, seek out alternate opinions---do whatever you need to do to settle the issue in your own mind...

"All of the twenty evidences we discuss in this book pertain to showing that the God of the Bible---the God who created us and who has demonstrated His love for us in Jesus Christ---really exists.... They are more like signs that God himself has posted to show people where to find Him and that many people, we ourselves included, have found to be personally compelling pointers to God." (Pg. 8-9)

Later, they add, "Our purpose in this book is not merely to persuade you that God exists, as important as that truth is. We want you to know that the God who created the universe has lovingly reached down to us in a very concrete and tangible way. As astonishing as it seems, we are convinced that He has made himself known in the man called Jesus of Nazareth." (Pg. 189)

They ask, "Why is there something---a something that includes us---rather than nothing? The theist's answer is that Someone who has always existed, whose existence is in no sense dependent upon anyone or anything else, brought everything else into existence. This Someone is commonly called God." (Pg. 48)

They point out, "The most basic requirement for a decent planet to support life is its location. Presumably, as one or more planets formed around a star, such planets could form at virtually any distance from that star (between the extremes of so close that it is pulled into the star or so far that it escapes the star's gravity). Yet the region around the star within which a planet must consistently orbit in order to sustain life, at least above the level of a microbe, is a very narrow band...

"Many other such factors have been discovered. The size and surface gravity of the planet... must be just right. Too big and heavy, and the atmosphere will be rich with noxious elements like ammonia and methane; too small and light, and the atmosphere won't retain water. The planet must turn on its axis and be tilted just enough to prevent extremes of temperature and weather. The planet must be composed of various heavy elements to make complex molecules and compounds (such as water) possible. It must have a crust that's thick enough to keep volcanoes from dominating the surface and thin enough to allow the atmosphere to retain oxygen...

"These are merely a few of the parameters that must be just right for a planet to sustain biological life of any kind. A fair, even generous estimate is that among all the planets that may exist in acceptable solar systems, probably no more than one in ten billion will be hospitable to life..." (Pg. 72-73)

On the interpretation of Daniel 9, they states, "the seventy weeks did not necessarily start on the very day or even the very year of Artaxerxes' decree... [his] decree fell somewhere during the first of these seven-year periods... Artaxerxes' decree, dated 445 or 444 B.C., will have occurred during the first sabbatical cycle even if the dates are as much as two or three years off. The analysis is therefore not dependent upon having exact dates for these events. The sixty-ninth cycle covers the period from A.D. 28 to 35.

"So, what was supposed to happen then? Daniel's prophecy states that 'after the sixty-two weeks, the Messiah ... will be cut off'... In Hebrew usage, to be 'cut off' meant to be killed... It was during this period that Jesus conducted his public ministry of preaching and healing, and it was during this period... in either A.D. 30 or 33, that Jesus was put to death. (Biblical scholars are divided on whether it was A.D. 30 or 33; note that for our purposes, it doesn't matter.)...

"So... Jesus was executed for claiming to be the Messiah during the very seven-year period in which Daniel prophesied that this would occur. Again, the latest possible date for the Book of Daniel according to the most skeptical scholars is fully two centuries before Jesus' execution. This may be the most astonishing fulfilled prophecy in the Bible." (Pg. 167-169)

They admit, "Skeptical scholars sometimes try to discredit the empty tomb on the grounds that the later Gospels supposedly embellish the story of Jesus' burial. Such a criticism is illogical, since later embellishments by other authors cannot undermine the credibility of the original account." (Pg. 236)

This is an excellent, broad series of apologetic arguments, that will be of keen interest to anyone studying Christian apologetics.
129 reviews
July 10, 2020
If you consider that you are a Christian then you already know that God exists. I didn't read this because I wasn't sure, I read it because I want to know if and when I'm talking to someone who isn't sure or has questions. The worst thing I can say as a Christian is "I don't know." Or even worst (IMO) "Because that's how its' always been."

The author pulls each type of belief, or thinking and explains it. Example: Atheism - No God at All; Pantheism - God is all; Theism: God Made All. He does this with every topic so presents it from all points of view. Bottom line; your beliefs (if any) are in one of the categories.

You have the option to read and review each discussion point and see the evidence presented. This is a great read for anyone who has questions and wants an impartial opinion.

I read books like this in sections everyday. I have time to think about it and make notes. And check the bible for additional infomation.
If you are just starting to study the bible; this is a great tool.




Profile Image for Eddie.
71 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2023
This was so much better than I anticipated—a strong, very well thought out and easy-to-read book for the unconvinced. Thanks to the authors’ thoughtful study and writing, this book helped me as a Christian to see that what apologetics students call the “evidentialist” and “presuppositional” approaches are really two sides of the same coin—not competing models. I approached this book as someone with a presuppositional background, but as I took in the first couple chapters I realized the authors were making the same points, just from a different angle—looking at something particular that all can agree on, with the goal of tacitly exposing the impossibility of that reality without the God of the Bible. I’d give it 4 1/2 stars if I could. The only thing holding it from a perfect 5 in my opinion are the “old earth” age view in one chapter, but that’s forgivable because it wasn’t the main point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pam.
34 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2009
Although written for the non-believer, this book is valuable to believers as well. Matt has given copies of this book to friends. Ken Boa is one of my very favorite theologians and strikes me as a modern-day CS Lewis. The portions on the creation of the universe from a scientific perspective are absolutely fascinating.
Profile Image for Jordan.
35 reviews
June 3, 2016
This book has some good points, and logical facts. I just can't decide if I like it or not.
1 review
January 8, 2015
Can you REALLY pluralize ¨evidence¨... ? It's in the TITLE, for goodness' sake.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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