The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask:

by Mark Mittelberg

2011 Retailers Choice Award winner!
“Why are Christians against same-sex people getting married? . . . Why do you believe God exists at all? . . . Why would God allow evil and suffering? . . . Why trust the Bible when it’s full of mistakes? . . . How could a loving God send people to hell? . . . What makes you think Jesus was more than just a good teacher? . . . Why are Christians so judgmental?”
Some questions can stop a conversation. Today, more than ever, people are raising difficult, penetrating questions about faith, God, and the Bible. Based on an exclusive new Barna survey of 1,000 Christians, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask presents compelling, easy-to-grasp answers to ten of the most troubling questions facing Christians today. These include everything from the existence of heaven to the issues of abortion and homosexuality, as well as the question of whether evolution eliminates our need for a God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Religion, Theology, Christian Living

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2010

About the author

Mark Mittelberg is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and a leading strategist in evangelism and apologetics-oriented outreach. He is the primary author (with Lee Strobel and Bill Hybels) of the updated Becoming a Contagious Christian Training Course, through which more than a million people have learned to effectively and naturally communicate their faith to others. Mark’s newest book, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask, is based on a survey of 1000 Christians commissioned through the Barna organization, and deals with the ten issues that believers most want to avoid—but must not! Prior to that Mark collaborated with Lee Strobel to develop The Unexpected Adventure, a six-week devotional designed to inspire Christians and churches to enter into the excitement of sharing Christ. His previous book, Choosing Your Faith ... In a World of Spiritual Options, strengthens the faith of believers and is a great resource to give to friends who are figuring out what to believe — and he’s developed a DVD study course for Christians based on that book, Faith Path: Helping Friends Find Their Way to Christ. Mark also wrote the articles for the Choosing Your Faith New Testament. His other books include the updated Becoming a Contagious Church, which sets forth an innovative blueprint for mobilizing churches for evangelism, and the classic best-seller Becoming a Contagious Christian, which he co-authored with Hybels. In addition, Mark was contributing editor for The Journey: A Bible for the Spiritually Curious, and a contributor to Reasons for Faith: Making a Case for the Christian Faith, edited by Norman Geisler and Chad Meister, and God Is Great, God Is Good: Why Believing in God Is Reasonable & Responsible, edited by William Lane Craig and Chad Meister — which won the 2010 Christianity Today award for best book in the area of apologetics and evangelism. Mark was the evangelism director at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago for seven years and for the Willow Creek Association for a decade. He is a frequent contributor for Outreach magazine, and he was an editorial consultant and periodic guest for Lee Strobel’s Faith Under Fire television show. He and Strobel have been ministry partners for over twenty years. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business, Mark earned a Master's Degree in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. In recognition of his achievements in the areas of evangelism and apologetics, he was recently honored by the conferring of a Doctor of Divinity degree from Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mark and his wife, Heidi, have two teenage children, and live near Denver, Colorado.

Reviews

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review of the Questions Most Christian Hope No One Will Ask

Got Questions?
Mark Mittelberg offers biblical answers”

In his newest book, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask: (With Answers), Mark Mittelberg gives addresses ten of the most asked questions from unbeliever to believer. If you are looking to find biblical references to answer the hard questions, pick up this book.

The questions were chosen based on a survey of 1000 Christians commissioned through the Barna organization. The span of questions include topics such as: abortion, creation/evolution, same-sex marriage, and judgement.

In nine of the chapters, the hot topics that unbelievers most often ask are addressed. The last chapter was my favorite. Titled “The Questions Our Friends Need Us to Ask Them“, it is a chapter that moves the reader from defense to offense by acknowledging that people don’t ask questions unless they are curious. We need to be ready to answer them and have questions of our own.

What were my favorite portions of this great read? The questions that I encounter the most, evolution and bible inerrancy.

Regarding evolution, Mittelberg addressed the central issue of evolutionist handbook (The Origin of the Species) by getting to the heart of the matter and stating Darwin never really addressed the origin of the ‘stuff’ that makes up the environment we live in. Simple but profound.

Chapter Three is packed out with scripture, case studies, and a list of the most common objections others have to the authenticity of the bible and all the worn out comments of so-called contradictions. Loved that. I’ve never found a contradiction in the bible. When there is something that appears to me to be in contradiction, it is my lack of knowledge not the bible that is in error.

There is much more included in this book. It should be in every Church library. It is a training manual in simple English answering the questions that Christians are most asked.

The best defense is a good offence and this book equips the reader first to seek out the references, increase his/her knowledge (as I did), and then be fully prepared to response when these questions arise. I recommend it highly.

Disclaimer:
The review copy of this book provided free of charge by Tyndale Publishers and donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Tyndale House Publishing

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a progressive Christian, this book grabbed my attention and I hoped to gain some insight into difficult questions that people ask about Christianity. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. I read the first chapter ("What makes you so sure that God exists at all?") and agreed with the conclusion that of course God exists, but disagreed with much of Mittelberg's supporting evidence, which used circular reasoning and other faulty arguments. For example, he states that apart from God there can be no objective moral standards, but we clearly live in a world that has objective moral standards, so there has to be a divine moral lawgiver. Why do moral standards necessarily come from God though? Or: one of the ways we can know that God is real and active in our world is that he's real and active in our lives. What?

So I turned to Chapter 7 ("Why do you condemn homosexuality when it's clear that God made gays and that he loves all people the same?") Mittelberg takes a step in the right direction by saying we shouldn't condemn gay people, that we should seek to understand them, etc. But his answer to the question is essentially "love the sinner but hate the sin" or "we condemn gay people because the Bible says we should." He especially turned me off when he essentially said "notice I haven't used any scriptures to condemn homosexuality because they can be used to make people feel bad" but then goes on to outline them all. Ugh. I had hoped for something more progressive here.

I figured I would give the book one more chance. So I read Chapter 5 ("How could a good God allow so much evil, pain, and suffering?) The answer was basically "that's just how it is and we have to live with it", and gave the standard answers I hear at church every Sunday -- pain can deepen our character, it gives a spiritual and eternal perspective, he uses pain to protect us from ourselves (what?!), etc. Sigh...no real answers here for a non-Christian asking the question, let alone a Christian sincerely struggling with the issue.

I read the summaries of the rest of the chapters, but disappointingly it was more of the same. Mittelberg is a good and engaging writer, and (from my perspective) comes from a loving, caring, but conservative and traditional approach. For a more hopeful approach, I would recommend "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian D. McLaren.

[Ruomie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book addresses 10 thought-provoking questions regarding the Christian faith. The questions were curated from a survey of a sample size of a 1000 Christians in the US.

They were grouped in chapters, with one question in each chapter.

The questions read;

“How could a good God allow so much suffering?
“Why should I believe heaven and hell exist?”
“Why do you condemn homosexuals?”
“Why trust the Bible? It’s full of myths.”
“Why are Christians so judgmental?”
“Sure, Jesus was a good man. Why make him into the Son of God, too?”
“Didn’t evolution put God out of a job?”
“Why are Christians so obsessed with abortion?”
“What makes you so sure God even exists?”
“Christians are hypocrites—so why should I listen to you?”

I was really contented with the responses the author gave. Also, though the earlier chapters were a bit more philosophical, it was definitely an easy read, and he brought his points home in a very logical manner. I don’t say this loosely, but this book really helped me boost my confidence in my faith and what I believe in!

The arguments in the later chapters of the book were mostly based on the Bible, but what I do like is that the author attempts to answer the question as to why we ought to believe in the Bible in earlier chapters, thus his later arguments can be acceptable and justifiable. That was very brilliant of him!

Now who should read this book? If you are a Christian who’s constantly dreading on having any of these questions asked, or you probably ask these questions yourself and need responses.

[Mike Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title is misleading. It is a lure to agnostics and atheists who might think there are good questions here to refute Christianity. This book is, in fact, an attempt at defense of those uncomfortable questions that believers struggle to confront.

In the end, the author uses scripture to defend scripture, which is a circular reference, and creates answers with little or no basis which are then used to justify the author's beliefs and ongoing defense. There is little or nothing here that is new or unique to long time Christians who have chosen to ignore the errors and filters and chosen scripture through which Christianity is interpreted and expressed. On the other hand, it may well be a comfort to those who have strong faith devoid of critical thinking.

[Book Shark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask by Mark Mittleberg

"The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask" is an apologetics book that attempts to provide answers to difficult questions regarding faith. Author Mark Mittleberg makes a faith-based attempt to respond to some thought-provoking questions of today. Are his answers satisfactory? Find out what this freethinking reviewer has to say. This 350-page book is composed of ten chapters that cover a wide spectrum of inquiries.

Positives:
1. Generally well written and pleasant conversational tone used throughout.
2. Accessible book ideal for the masses.
3. The author does inject some humor into his prose.
4. I like the format of the book. Each chapter begins with the question that will be answered. At the end of each chapter it provides a summary of the question and answer. Plus thought-provoking questions and recommendation on how to approach a non-believer. Best thing about the book.
5. "If there were a culture in which men kept females as slaves and beat and raped them at will, we would be morally outraged." Good, because the Bible never denounces slavery as evil and in fact provides guidelines for it. We at least agreed on the first part.
6. The questions selected are thought provoking.
7. Links worked fine.

Negatives:
1. The book fails miserably to answer questions to my satisfaction. In fact, it only strengthens what I call my realistic worldview. A worldview in which I try to the best of my ability to incorporate the best evidence that corresponds to reality.
2. Fails to define some basic terms that are essential in making compelling arguments. As an example, define truth. Furthermore, what is a Holy Spirit?? How can you tell an unholy spirit from a holy one? What characteristics does a spirit have that would enable me to know objectively that a "spirit" exists let alone how it works.
3. If you continue to use terms that are meaningless to me you can't possibly convince me to your argument. As an example, "Then, when I finally gave in to what I'm confident was the Holy Spirit drawing me to trust and follow Christ, I sensed his forgiveness and his acceptance as God's newly adopted son." Once again, what characteristics does a spirit have that would enable me to know objectively that a "spirit" exists let alone how it works. Sensed forgiveness, for what?? Acceptance for what??
4. Prayers?? What objective evidence do you have that provides empirical evidence of its efficacy?
5. "We know he exists because he's our friend!" Really? Love me or go to Hell...does that sound like an arrangement between friends. Please, I'm so frustrated with this book.
6. Personal experiences are not reliable. There is nothing unusual about sensing things that do not exist. Religious believers of all kinds of beliefs have sensed different gods. It's impossible for all believers of different gods to be right...
7. So many poor arguments, "It can also influence those who have seen clear evidence of God's work in us, they can't see him, but they can see what he's done in our lives." Really? I'm a moral person. I'm successful...but I don't believe there is compelling evidence for gods yet I'm able to conduct myself in an ethical manner and others can see that. In fact, there is not a single moral act that you perform as a Christian that I can't do as an atheist.
8. The cosmological argument has been debunked for years. Who created "God"? The more interesting version is the Kalam argument; it maintains that the most plausible explanation for the universe coming into being is that "God" brought it into existence. The introduction of "God" only adds an even bigger mystery into the equation and says nothing about the characteristics of these gods. Furthermore, it begs the question that coming into existence does not apply to "God" who always existed (a faith-based claim not one based on compelling evidence). It is better to have the intellectual courage to accept that we don't know and continue to pursue answers instead of filling gaps of knowledge with gods than to claim to know without compelling evidence. If one thing history has shown us; given time, technology and curiosity, gaps of knowledge have been filled with superior natural explanations. In my further recommendations section of this review you will find a number of books that present much better arguments against the arguments for the existence of gods. You are welcome.
9. The fine-tuning argument is very weak. "The universe is not fine-tuned to us; we are fine-tuned to our particular universe."
10. The author makes misrepresentations. For instance, there is no scientific consensus that states a "divine designer" was involved in the creation of the universe.
11. "There are countless examples of goodness and virtue in our world." So what? There are countless examples of evil. Let me be kind and leave it at that.
12. The author's view of objective moral values is sickening! As a realist, I GROUND my morality on reason and logic. You can't ground your morality on an unsubstantiated supernatural entity. You must first establish the existence of gods, and then prove that your god is the right one and then and only then can you possibly ground your morality on the "right" god(s). Once again, there is not a single moral act that you perform as a Christian that I can't do as an atheist.
13. "We believe in many things that we don't see or directly experience with our senses -the virtue of love being a great example. Yet we see evidence of love through its effects. Similarly, we can't see God, but we can believe in him based on his work in us and in the universe around us." Really? Personal experiences do not necessarily correlate to reality. You can love your wife based on your personal experiences and have faith in her to be faithful only to find out that in fact she wasn't. So you as countless others of various faiths and gods at the disposition of humans all over the world may share common experiences of the supernatural and you may all be wrong.
14. "It's almost a cliché to say atheists are angry. But if your friends don't believe in God and do seem angry, ask why." Really?? It's more about being frustrated than angry. I'm frustrated that with everything we know about the world today we as a species still hold on to unsubstantiated beliefs in gods. We need to move on and have the courage to accept the facts no matter where they lead us and understand that there is no compelling evidence for a theme park called heaven. There is no compelling evidence of an afterlife and that we should rely in the best interest of all learn to love one another and work toward making this planet a better place to live in.
15. It's not about being anti-God it's about being pro-evidence.
16. The only difference between micro and macro evolution is time. Same principles and guidelines just more time. Don't let faith get in the way of the evidence. The consensus among biologists is clear: evolution (including micro and macro) is a scientific fact. Since evolution is true, we were not created we EVOLVED; Adam and Eve is a myth and original sin is a fallacy.
17. The author consistently inserts "gods" where humans lack knowledge this approach does not help in any way to properly answer the questions.
18. I can't forgive this author for misrepresenting evolution. The OVERWHELMING consensus among the subject matter experts (SMEs) around the world is that evolution is a fact (both micro and macro). To even attempt to minimize how strong the theory of evolution is among the SMEs is a disgrace and just fuels my contempt for such misleading assertions. It is one thing to state your case with certain biases; it is another to misrepresent the facts about science! An expert in the evolution-creationism controversy, professor and author Brian Alters, states that "99.9 percent of scientists accept evolution." That means about 500,000 scientists in the US support evolution over the alleged 800 scientists who don't! That's what I call overwhelming! I would never lower myself in misrepresenting the number of believers in the U.S. in such a manner with the purpose of deceiving.
19. "Darwin's theory does not explain the origin of the `stuff' that makes up the environment we live in..." the theory of evolution is about describing how diversity of life occurred over time not origins. That being said, it debunks this notion that Adam and Eve were created...humans evolved! Science doesn't know for a fact how life originated...but it does not cheat by claiming to know what it doesn't have evidence for, as theists have!
20. Genetic evidence proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that we share a common ancestor with the great apes. The same DNA that is used in the courts of law to determine paternity is used to determine common ancestry. Look up Chromosome #2.
21. So the proper answer to the question, "Didn't evolution put God out of a job?" In short, it puts the biblical god out of a job! We are not sure on other potential gods, superior beings, life forms perhaps and such but we can discard the biblical god since the Bible clearly got that wrong. Perhaps, just perhaps it may just be nature.
22. The Bible can't be trusted as a moral instrument. It endorses acts that we consider immoral today such as slavery just to name one. A book that was inspired by God should leave no room for doubt. The fact that the words were not protected for posterity as evidenced that we don't have the original copies should give any reasonable person pause. Furthermore, when one looks at the history of how the Bible was assembled well that leaves a lot to be desired. Add to that blatant scientific mistakes and errors of logic, and contradictions...
23. "How could a good God allow so much evil, pain, and suffering - or does he simply not care?" A good "God" simply doesn't exist...perhaps a bad one but not a good one based on the problem of evil.
24. "Our primary focus should be on affirming the positive model God gives us for sexual expression within a biblical marriage -between one man and one woman, for life." What at the expense of the "negative" model. Honestly, what do we say to hermaphrodites? "God" was wrong because "God" had nothing to do with the Bible, we can say so much with certainty.
25. "And why are Christians judgmental toward everyone who doesn't agree with them?' Because they are empowered by thinking they have the "right God" on their side and hence have the divine authority to impose...
26. "Why should I think that heaven really exists -and that God sends people to hell?" There is no compelling evidence for a theme park called heaven. There is no compelling evidence for an afterlife and thankfully no compelling evidence for hell. These were made up in order to provide religion with the tools to control societies by creating the disease and the cure. A way to create the fear and provide the hope...The notion that a good "God" would have the audacity to send otherwise good people to a burn in hell for eternity without compelling evidence for them
27. I must stop here...it would take me too much time and effort to go over all the negatives of this book. I can rarely read a page where I can't find an error, a misrepresentation, something that totally baffles me. I'm sorry this reviewer can only take so much!

In summary, I had to stop my negatives to a point, otherwise, I would have been writing a book of refutation instead of a review. I don't enjoy giving bad reviews. It's not in my nature to do so but this book left me no other choice. I was expecting an even-handed, a valiant attempt to defend the indefensible but what I got instead was a book that totally misrepresents science with the purpose of elevating Christian faith. Clearly this author felt the need to resort to such tactics because faith can't stand on its own. I'm open-minded enough to listen to opposing views, on the other hand, I will not put up with blatant misrepresentations of the facts. The misrepresentation of Evolution is a total disappointment. This author went out of his way to LIE about evolution, what a shame! If you want to read about apologetics please go elsewhere, hopefully you will find someone who has the decency to represent the opposition without resorting to lies and misrepresentations. I was ashamed for the author.

Further suggestions: "The Fallacy of Fine-Tuning..." by Victor J. Stenger, "50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God" Guy P. Harrison, "The God Debates: A 21st Century Guide for Atheists and Believers" for John R. Shook, "Can We Be Good Without God?..." By Robert Buckman, "Bible Thumper to Atheist" by Tom Crawford, "Society without God" by Phil Zuckerman, "Why I am Not Christian" by Richard Carrier, "The Invention of the Jewish People" by Shlomo Sand, "Man Made God..." by Barbara G. Walker, "God and the Burden of Proof" by Keith M. Parsons, "God?: A Debate between a Christian and an Atheist" by William Lane Craig, "Decoding the Language of God..." by George C. Cunningham and "Why I Became an Atheist" by John W. Loftus.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asking and answering many of the tough questions of the Christian faith:
1. How can we know God exists?
2. How can we know He is a morally good creator?
3. Didn't evolution negate the Christian creation account and the Christian faith?
4. Why trust the bible?
5. Jesus was a good teacher - why try to make him into the Son of God?
6. How could a good God allow so much evil, pain, and suffering?
7. Why is abortion such a big deal for Christians? Why can't women be left alone to make their own choices?
8. Why do you condemn homosexuality when it's clear that God made gays and that he loves all people the same?
9. How can I trust Christianity when Christians are judgmental hypocrites?
10. Why should I believe that heaven exists, and that God sends some people to hell?

The book does a great job of answering 1-7, and 8. Questions 9 and 10 are harder,and the book does a good job there but it felt to me like the book needed stronger answers to the complexity under both of those questions.
Well researched, good structure, I recommend it.

[Rebecca Wojton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not hard hitting questions or answers

[Taylor Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve have learned so much by reading this and it has opened me up to a huge interest in apologetics. I can’t wait to read more like this.

[greta long · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75 stars*

I wish it went more in depth and some examples were a little far fetched if you’re really trying to earnestly help people come to Christ. I understand why it didn’t because it was trying to give a broad overview, so I did like that it gave extended resources, and references

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A COMPENDIUM OF APOLOGETICAL RESPONSES TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Author Mark Mittelberg wrote in the Introduction to this 2010 book, “The Bible is clear, and the crisis in our culture is great: people---of all ages, but especially younger folks---need help sorting out what to believe, and we who are followers of Christ are called to respond to their questions and to point them to the truth of Jesus. But let’s be honest. Many of us are not ready. When someone looks us in the eye and sincerely asks a challenging spiritual question… most of us don’t know how to respond.” (Pg. xv)

He notes, “highly unlikely events can be explained without God if a very large number of universes exist besides our own… One big problem with this objection is that there is no scientific evidence that it is true or even possible. It’s purely speculative… Another problem is that if there are an infinite number of universes, then those must have been produced by some kind of a ‘many-universe generator.’ But this generator itself must be a very sophisticated device in order to produce countless universes… What kind of incredible intelligence could account for such an astounding machine such as that?” (Pg. 14-15)

He asserts, “[Darwin’s] theory can’t even get off the ground without three preconditions that neither Darwin nor broader science has been able to explain: 1. How did the universe and matter in general get here? (Yes, I accept some version of the Big Bang, but … the entire universe exploding out of one infinitesimally small point… sounds to me not like a scientific explanation, but like a miracle of God.) 2. How did life originate in the first place? … 3. Who wrote the information instructions… that are required for life to form or replicate? (Information always emanates from intelligence.)” (Pg. 44-45)

After outlining Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, and Theistic Evolution, he asks, “Should every Christian feel comfortable with all three? Not at all… But can I accept my brothers and sisters in Christ who hold to them? Absolutely! I see this as the kind of issue that fits broadly into the message of Romans 14…” (Pg. 51-52)

He explains, “Liberal biblical scholars who are engaged in the so-called quest for the historical Jesus use specific … criteria, for determining what material in the Gospels they think most likely goes back to Jesus himself… One of these criteria is that if the Gospels report Jesus … saying things that are very unlike what Christian writers typically said, then those saying are believed by the critics to very likely go back to Jesus…. One good example … is Jesus’ habit… of referring to himself as ‘the Son of Man.’ … Many modern readers assume that the title simply indicates his humanity. But… he was referring to a visionary prophecy in the … book of Daniel, in which ‘one like a Son of Man’ was going to … receive authority to rule over the whole world forever (Dan 7:13-14). That’s what Jesus thought of himself!... What’s more, in Mark chapter 14, during his trial … Jesus used this title for himself and specifically tied it to the passage in Daniel 7… If we stopped right there, we would have sufficient evidence that Jesus thought he was much more than just a good teacher… Consider the Sermon on the Mount… Jesus claims that he came to ‘fulfill’ the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets… Jesus then launches into his teaching about God’s Word in the law of Moses. So yes, he was a teacher, but no teacher had ever taught like this!” (Pg. 107-109)

He states, “A by-product of the moral evil that has infected the human race is the natural evil that has affected the world around us… when Adam and Eve sinned, the results were cataclysmic… for the whole of humanity and for the entire cosmos… the entire relationship between God and people and the relationships between people and other people were gravely impaired. In fact, things have never been the same since then… We should recognize this natural evil and its roots in the moral failure of humankind---but without ascribing each incident of suffering to a specific sin or action.” (Pg.144-145)

He suggests, “With a little thought---and lots of honesty---it’s actually easier to make the case that we all deserve hell rather than heaven: *God is perfect, and as a just judge he has to condemn sin, not overlook it… *God doesn’t owe anyone a second chance, and yet he gives repeated opportunities to repent, even though people stubbornly refuse… *God has given us this planet… and we have abused it as if we had no one to answer to… *We treat our fellow human beings with disregard… *We fool ourselves about where we are on the moral spectrum, but truly we have more in common with criminals and convicts, morally speaking, than with Jesus, the sinless Son of God.” (Pg. 267-268)

About “those who have never heard,” he says, “many of the people we thought never had a chance are already Christians today, and some of them are mobilizing to come and reach some of US in the increasingly secular West! … How will this happen? Our answer is ‘in many ways’… For example, many Muslims around the world today who seem unreachable with the gospel are having dreams and visions of Jesus, and great numbers of them are coming to faith in Christ…” (Pg. 273)

This book will be of interest to those studying Apologetics.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid on the basics

A good resource to get people started in defending the faith. Written in a very conversational tone and easy to understand.

[Phallen (Helen) Sakhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Questions and the Journey to Truth

Spiritual questions—when thoughtfully addressed—can bring light, clarity, and open the way toward genuine spiritual life. But when ignored or left unresolved, they can sow seeds of doubt, frustration, and even lead to alienation from God.

Three Vital Elements: Preparation, Prayer, and Proximity

Effective spiritual conversations begin with listening more and speaking less. This posture helps us truly understand our friends’ questions and respond with grace and wisdom. We must also go to God in prayer, asking Him to work through us, granting the insight and discernment needed to speak truth with love. We should intercede for those we’re speaking to—that their eyes may be opened, minds made receptive, hearts softened, and spirits attuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice.

Proximity matters. We can’t wait for people to come to us with their spiritual questions; we must intentionally draw near to them with compassion and purpose.

Understanding the Nature of God and Moral Reality

God is spirit, and spiritual realities are not perceived through our physical senses. Yet, He is not only the powerful and wise Creator of the universe—He is also morally good, deeply concerned with right and wrong. Christianity offers a firm foundation for objective moral values, rooted in the character of a transcendent, personal God.

The cumulative case for God’s existence—from moral, philosophical, and historical evidence—is more than enough for the open-hearted to believe. As Timothy Keller once said, “Since Christian believers occupy different positions on both the meaning of Genesis 1 and on the nature of evolution, those who are considering Christianity as a whole should not allow themselves to be distracted by this intramural debate.”

Sometimes the most profound answers are also the simplest. But accepting them requires humility—a willingness to acknowledge the presence, power, and authority of the One who created us.

The Uniqueness of Christ and the Resurrection

While other belief systems may contain partial truths or benefits, Jesus made it clear that salvation is found in Him alone. Christianity did not begin as a philosophical movement or a memory of a dead teacher—it began with the unshakable belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. There would be no Christian faith today if His followers had not been absolutely convinced of His resurrection.

Without God, evil becomes meaningless. If life is merely the result of chance evolution, then no objective moral standard exists—and without such a standard, nothing can truly be called evil. Yet our universal sense of right and wrong suggests otherwise.

God did not create evil. He created human beings with the freedom to love and follow Him—and that freedom includes the ability to reject Him. Love, by its nature, cannot be forced. Forced love is not love at all.

The Value of Life and the Responsibility of Truth

When discussing hard issues like abortion, we must speak truthfully but compassionately. It’s a tragic reality that many loving and nurturing women are pressured—often unknowingly—into participating in something that ends the life of a distinct human being. The unborn child is not simply a part of the woman’s body, but a unique life growing within her.

As we navigate difficult conversations, we are called to speak the truth in love, always pointing people to God’s grace. Desires can be from God, but every desire must be submitted to His wisdom and boundaries. Temptation is not sin—but how we respond to it matters.

We need the mind and heart of Christ—especially when relating to those whose lives differ from our own. Grace and truth must go hand in hand.

Faith, Struggles, and Sharing the Good News

Becoming a Christian does not eliminate life’s struggles. Temptations and trials still exist. But we now face them with Christ. We’re not superior to others—we’re simply recipients of God’s mercy, privileged to share what we’ve found in Him.

As C.S. Lewis put it: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done.’”Each of us is not the plaything of fate or the victim of chance. We are loved by God and invited to receive His grace. But we are also responsible. The only thing standing between a person and salvation is their sin—and their will. Sin makes us deserving of separation; but through Christ, God offers rescue. The choice to accept it remains with us.

[Maelen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, the title is almost correct. After reading this book, you can certainly appreciate why Christians wouldn't want these questions asked. But there are no real answers, only a confused mass of ridiculous assertions and recycled C. S. Lewis that accentuates the degenerate state of Christian apologetic. It's little wonder that the faith is failing in the Western world. The miracle is that it lasted so long, but like a stubborn nightmare, it appears to be fading at last.

Mittleberg lays himself open by trying to deal with ten basic questions in a limited number of pages. This gives him very little elbow room for the usual stable of evasions. The assertions of god's omnipotent power and the citations of things that god can definitely not do are too close to be ignored. The author seems to have trouble understanding the meaning of the word "omnipotent." He tells us again and again that god has to do this and has to do that, with the "has to do" items suspiciously congruent with his own fancies. If I were Mittleberg's god, I'd go on strike for better treatment.

There are other confusions. The author clearly doesn't understand the difference between religion and science, for instance. He thinks that scientific theories are held with the same stubborn ignorance as his religious doctrines, and so his entire argument centring around the Big Bang as a beginning of time is tottering towards destruction. It turns out that there may never have been a Big Bang at all, at least as a universal beginning of everything (https://www.sciencealert.com/big-bang...). Scientists don't burn people at the stake for disagreeing with orthodoxy; science progresses to better and better hypotheses, while religion sulks in the corner, terrified of revisions.

Ah well. I suppose Mittleberg can claim that the steady state universe being proposed isn't "philosophical" enough. That's what C. S. Lewis did with quantum indeterminacy, and now he looks a proper fool for writing such trash.

I'm tempted to write my own The Questions Christians Wish That No One Would Ask (Because They Can't Answer Them). In a way, it would be kicking a dead horse, but since the Christian God seems to think it respectable to torture people forever for their mistakes, maybe it would be worth the effort.

[Isaac Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Mittelberg's book, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with Answers), is a helpful manual for addressing many of the tough challenges posed to biblical faith. Based on a survey of one thousand self-proclaimed Christians, the book looks into the leading ten objections the faithful fear they may hear from others. Such objections include belief in God, science v. religion, hang-ups with abortion and homosexual practice, the reliability of the Bible, and so forth. Mittelberg does an outstanding job of providing thoughtful, well-researched, and pertinent arguments in defense of Christianity. He doesn't stop at that point, however. His last chapter is devoted to helping believers take the initiative in posing some questions of their own, that is, assisting them to move from defense to offense without being offensive.

Mittelberg is careful throughout the book to remind his readers of the purpose of any conversation with those who have objections to the faith. It is not to win arguments but rather to win hearts. The real mission is not to convince people they are wrong about this or that issue but to lead them to Christ, who can transform their lives, not just change their minds.

[Danielle Ma · Rating 3 out of 5]

finaaaally got around to finishing it, think I gave up with 2 chapters left for a month or so. wanted to finish it since we left off halfway
topics are good, helpful for an introduction to getting people really thinking about their beliefs and how to respond to their world around them
-think I'd enjoy it a lot more if I read it around 9th or 10th grade?
-it's a really nice as a basic beginner's look into apologetics so I have to give them that
-bUT did you really have to simplify it so much that you use the new living translation...........in their defense i guess it does make it more accessible and less daunting for his target audience
-stories are cute, feels interactive
Yeah, all in all, it's really not for me. But every topic mittleberg introduces are very worthwhile diving further into, he does a good job rousing interest and encouraging students by pointing them to further resource and giving tips!

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If ever there was a book that would make me NOT want to believe in God, it's this one. And, of course, that's not the book's intent. But if you grew up, like me, half-heartedly attending Protestant church services and voting liberal, this book's answers do not suffice. I've read the Bible. All of it. And I have a REALLY hard time understanding how most of the verses pertain to contemporary life. To understand the Bible, you have to understand context, and when verses are taken out of context.......

Anyway, here's an example of a "sufficient" argument from the book.

Non-christian asks: Why this?
Mark Mittelberg says: Because the Bible says so!

And that's supposed to be enough. But how can you use the Bible as a reason when the person asking the question doesn't believe in the Bible????????

And don't even get me started on the chapter about abortion, which completely ignored rape, incest, and health matters.

I wrote more of my thoughts on these chapters with each progress update I posted, so hopefully GoodReads will preserve those because I really don't want to relive the frustration I felt when reading this book.

[Harikrishnan Tulsidas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started reading it under the impression that it could help me - a Hindu - in understanding the border aspects of Christianity. Mark Mittelberg, however provides the narrowest possible solutions to the 10 foremost questions that Christians often ask about their own religion. He tries to teach fellow Christians how straitjacketed one could possibly be and glosses over many questions, especially those concerning evil, hell and freedom from miseries. In the end the book fails to a satisfactorily address almost all the questions.

In his conservative quest Mark doesn't forget take a few jibes at other religions, especially Hinduism, his favorite stoning pillar. He admits religions like Hinduism speaks a few good things, but not the correct things. For example, Hinduism doesn't admit that 'Christ is the only way' and other sundry propositions. He has difficulty with an impersonal Hindu God (or god for Mark), or the fact that all merge back to that God and that encompass both good and evil.

The Hindu God should have been squashed like a fly centuries ago and supplanted with that of Mark. In the book Mark claims this is in fact happening, albeit some six centuries late. He chooses to single out the tiny Hindu country of Nepal as the epitome of religious ill-treatment of God's people, a place where a grand success according to him is becoming visible. Among the almost 1 billion Hindus world-wide, he exhibits at least one specimen who actually grasped the 'truth that will set him free', a former Hindu priest who 'fed the idols'.

To be true, this former priest could be called anything, but an Hindu, for Hindus do not worship idols. Hindus do worship the Deity in a temple or at home, and this Deity is believed to be the incarnation of the Supreme Person, just as Jehovah incarnated in many forms on earth - as a traveler, a fighter and also in the form of Jesus. This could be construed as a fantasy, but then all religions have similar constructs. The Hindu God is not impersonal as clamied by Mark. Hinduism does not teach dissolution of living beings back into an impersonal God.

When Mark speaks of earthly life and evil, he mentions that hardships are occasional and extremely rare, in our long holiday amidst peace, happiness and plenty. Mark forgets that this come from the plunder his ancestors in Europe had let loose on an unsuspecting world, accompanied with sword, fire and the name of God on lips. This benevolent act was inaugurated in India, the land of Hindu God, but soon fanned out to rest of the world, including in the land Mark's predecessors claimed for themselves.

The problem of evil, as that of the proof of existence of God, consumes both the religious and non - religious alike. Though the 'problem of pain and suffering does present challenges to the Christian faith' Mark takes comfort that 'small problems of biblical belief are far easier to live with than the big problems of any of these denials'. He has either misunderstood Hinduism or is deliberately lying, when he states that the impersonal God 'as is taught by these pantheistic world views' encompasses good and the evil.

Neither Hindu God is impersonal, nor do living beings 'join with the very thing that contain evil within itself'. Hinduism do not deify evil. One can only wonder whether it is so in Christianity, where Lucifer -though fallen, of late - is the controller of all evil. Mark admits it was God who 'created the potential for evil' though not evil itself. Ultimately, he gives up saying 'it's better to grapple with the problem of evil than to deny it through atheism or deify it through Eastern pantheistic philosophies'.

Mark does not seem to actually comprehend the biblical extortions such as 'here on earth you have many trails and sorrows' and that '...sickness and sin are illusions ...'. The bible further goes on urge intelligent people to awake from 'this mortal dream, or illusion, [that] will bring us into health, holiness, and immortality'. On the contrary he seems to believe that we are not 'temporary residents and foreigners' and we should forget the 'pervasive meaninglessness in this earthly life'. No wonder he is out of sync with Hindu scriptures which also states that 'the non permanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons' and therefore asks us to 'Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear'.

Mark rightly points out that 'almost all of Jesus' companions lived lives of deprivation and suffering and died martyrs' deaths', but fails to explain why the present day church elders are noblemen, who live in palaces, some of them accomplished sexual perverts. They spent time in engaging in power politics, of the sort that put best of the politicians to shame. They spent endless hours discussing why Turkey should be kept outside European Union and other pedantic topics. The rest of their fruitful time is devoted to running schools, hospitals, banks and governments. No wonder church attendance dwindling in the land from which missionaries went forth. Rightly the bible calls them 'half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition ...'

Just as he refers to 'The Da Vinci code' in a few places, and fails to touch open the central theme - Mary Magdalene - a constant companion of Jesus, who was condemned to be a prostitute by the church for centuries, and whom Mark fleetingly refers to as 'a formerly demon - possessed woman', Mark fails to drill down to the essence of 10 questions. Therefore, he spits venom on alternate world views and ends up with a flawed defense of Christianity.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

A great book that outlines some of the biggest questions about Christianity that believers dread being confronted with. It was organized very nicely, making it a good basic resource to remind us why we can be fully confident in what the Bible says and what we believe while sharing our faith with others. There weren’t many questions that I hadn’t previously been equipped to answer, but it’s very easy for me to forget some of the specifics and therefore books like this are always a helpful reminder. And it’s always good to be reminded that sharing our faith isn’t all about winning the argument, but ultimately about presenting the gospel and allowing the Lord to work in their hearts through that.

[Bob Bransdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book as a group in our Men's Bible Study. It provides a very interesting perspective for Christians who are not sure how to answer questions from those sceptical of Christians or unbelievers. The questions included in the book are the most asked questions based on a national poll conducted by The Barna Group. Mark Mittleberg, the author did a huge amount of research before putting the book together. It includes discussion questions on each topic to assist group leaders who use the book in studies. It is interesting and enlightening reading for both Christians and non Christians or unbelievers.

[Max Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does what it sets out to do well. Reading other reviews on this book, it seems that some people were hoping for a doctoral level work in an easy to understand 300-page book. But that's not what this book is trying to be. This book is very clearly a starting point for young Christians and doubting atheists/skeptics. There is no intention that this book will ever answer all of the questions set forth to a totally satisfactory end. Here is a book that will propel you into deeper study, just as it intends.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reminder

Having read different books on apologetics, I liked the angle of this book, which was to link it to a conversational and non confrontational approach. The goal after all is to win people’s hearts, not win the conversation. Finally I’m encouraged to reminded again of the cumulative case for the existence of God, which creates an incredibly solid foundation for those who believe.

[Nicole Bernadette Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great place to start if you want to be better equipped with Biblical and practical knowledge to tackle pertinent questions regarding Christianity. The answers are reasonable, logical, and above all, empathetic.

At the end of each chapter, the author summarises the points being discussed, how we can go about sharing the answer, and provides tips on how to do so in a loving and Christ-like manner - an aspect that is so crucial when it comes to sharing the faith.

[Jim Tolbert Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faith that works where the rubber meets the road.

Not an intellectual mind stretch by any means but a great place to start learning on a practical level how to answer some potentially conversation or witness effort ending questions. Good references for deeper study. Recommend this to anyone serious about sharing their faith in a winsome manner.

[Amber Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been extremely helpful in not only equipping me to answer difficult questions people might throw my way, but it has also been faith-strengthening. I would recommend this to anyone who is afraid of the difficult questions people might pose. It's a good springboard and will help you to dig deeper and know where to find answers to difficult questions.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a bad book, though I didn't feel I got much new knowledge, it was a great reminder on a few things. I liked how some of the information was presented, and the reminder to LOVE PEOPLE first. That doesn't mean we condone all that they do, but it means we treat them as people made in the image of God.

[Adelaide Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with my friend Bethany. Overall like the way these topics were discussed and felt as though it’s a practical resource going forward. Each chapter has a synopsis of the question being discussed as well as tips and recommendations for discussing with unbelievers. All in all I think it’s a great resource!

[Kim Schuelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Christians don't need to hide. They need to know WHY they believe WHAT they believe. Oftentimes churches just tell them what to believe but never elucidate the Scriptural basis. I believe this is why 70% of church raised children leave and never return after high school.

[Mark Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent advice, great insights

Another great book by Mark Mittleberg! Great insights dealing with questions people have regarding faith in Christ. I am encouraged in my own faith and better prepared to talk with others.

[Sam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Thoughtfully composed and structured, highly informative and balanced, taking the time to respectfully acknowledge and address counterpoints. Fantastic resource

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very straightforward and explains well questions that people struggle with.