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Answering the Objections of Atheists, Agnostics, and Skeptics Paperback – February 1, 2006
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Many arguments from atheists, agnostics, and skeptics are difficult, or at least intimidating, for most Christians to answer. With clear reasoning and understandable language Ron Rhodes provides readers with the explanations and scriptural background they need to respond to common arguments against faith including:
- There is no such thing as absolute truth.
- Genesis is a myth, not a scientific account.
- A loving God cannot exist--there is too much evil and suffering.
- If God created all things, how did He create Himself?
- Sin is an outdated concept.
With this resource, Christians will be able to confidently respond to logical arguments against the foundations of Christianity.
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarvest House Publishers
- Publication dateFebruary 1, 2006
- Dimensions5.53 x 0.67 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-100736912886
- ISBN-13978-0736912884
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--Debbie Chavez, co-host of The Connection on KGMI in Washington State
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2006)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0736912886
- ISBN-13 : 978-0736912884
- Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.53 x 0.67 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,496,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #288 in Agnosticism (Books)
- #675 in Atheism (Books)
- #3,644 in Christian Apologetics (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Dr. Ron Rhodes received his Th.M. and Th.D. degrees in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating with honors. He is currently the president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, an apologetics organization located in Texas.
The author of more than 60 books, with millions of books in print, Dr. Rhodes is a keynote speaker at conferences across the United States and Canada. As time permits, he also teaches at a number of seminaries, including Dallas Theological Seminary and Veritas Evangelical Seminary. He has been a guest on many national and regional radio and television programs produced by CBN, Trinity Television, FamilyNet Television, Cornerstone Television, Worship Television, Crossroads Christian Communications, LeSea Broadcasting, Salem Communications, USA Radio, Moody Radio, and others. He and his wife, Kerri, reside in Texas.
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Customers find the book informative and well-written. They say it's a great resource for Bible studies or small groups, and the writing style is persuasive.
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Customers appreciate the book's Christian content. They find it informative and well-written, suitable for Bible studies or small groups. The author is praised for his knowledge of the Bible and its major doctrines. Readers appreciate the bibliography for further study resources. The book also tackles the existence of God in an intelligent way.
"...higher criticism of the Scriptures, as well as morality and God’s role as a lawgiver, doing so with reason along with respect for unbelievers...." Read more
"...; there should be no excuse; he gives us strong, undeniable evidence for the existence of God, Savior, Holy Spirit, and the inerrancy of the bible...." Read more
"Another Ron Rhodes masterpieces. Ron Rhodes is a fantastic Bible Scholar who I've listened to on KTIS radio two hours a month on "Live the..." Read more
"The book deals with the existence of God in a very inteligent way...." Read more
Customers find the writing quality good. They mention it's well-written and persuasive. The format for objection and answer reads well for dialogues.
"...this book for its useful question/objection and answer format reads well for dialogues...." Read more
"...of both, but they are at least sound and very well thought-out and written." Read more
"Well written and persuasive......" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021I’ve read quite a few of Ron Rhodes’ books and have found them to be excellent, faith-building Bible study aids. This book is no exception. It deals with the theory of evolution, higher criticism of the Scriptures, as well as morality and God’s role as a lawgiver, doing so with reason along with respect for unbelievers.
In fact, one of the last sections advises Christians to respond to critics with graciousness and respect based on 1st Peter 3:15. Sound advice in these days of internet feuds, advice I wish I’d followed more often myself.
I’d recommend Mr. Rhodes’ books to any Christian looking to deepen their understanding of the Bible.
With one or two caveats, which I’ll go into below.
In the chapters that build faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Rhodes acknowledges that the Trinity doctrine is an obstacle for Jews and Muslims. The Trinity is the doctrine that Almighty God (Yahweh) is a triune Godhead consisting of three co-equal persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and yet, these are not three gods but one. In another words: 3 x 1=1.
This teaching is a stumbling block for many rational persons and is even depicted as such in motion pictures such as Million Dollar Baby.
This would be fine if the Trinity was clearly taught in the Bible, in a way that the resurrection or salvation by faith alone are.
On page 212, Rhodes makes the point that 1st century Jews had to abandon many cherished, long-held beliefs when they embraced Christ. This is true. Salvation by faith and not works of law is one of them. Related to that is Gentile admission to the Church and that circumcision was no longer necessary for Yahweh’s approval.
The difference with salvation by faith and the Trinity is that the entire book of Galatians and much of Romans discusses salvation by faith. Acts 15 relates the Apostolic council where circumcision is deemed no longer necessary.
There are no books or chapters where the apostles discuss the Trinity.
None.
Acts 10 relates Peter’s heavenly vision where it was revealed to him that Gentiles would now be admitted to the Church. Where is his vision revealing the truth of the Trinity?
There isn’t one.
When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, this would have been the perfect time to reveal to Saul that, although the concept was unknown to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David etc., Yahweh is a Trinity.
But that didn’t happen.
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. Cleopas nowhere expresses belief in the Trinity and Jesus nowhere reveals it to him.
If Jews resisted the idea of Jesus being the Messiah, surely they would have resisted the idea of Jesus being the 2nd co-equal member of a triune Godhead.
Read Peter’s speech to Jews in Acts 2. Not a single mention of a triune Godhead. There are several speeches given by evangelists in Acts. Acts 2, 10, 13, 17 etc. Nothing about a triune Godhead. When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian in Acts 8, did he bring up the Trinity?
No.
I’ve gone into detail about this because the Trinity is a stumbling block to many people, and rightly so. It’s contrary to both reason and Scripture.
There are a handful of vss Trinitarians use to support the teaching, most of which can be and are translated more than one way. Others describe Jesus in a similar way that the OT describes Yahweh. Yet, Rev. 10 describes an angel clothed with a cloud, a rainbow, having a face like the sun. This description is similar to descriptions of Jesus elsewhere. In his excellent book on Revelation, Rhodes explains how this could not be Jesus, despite the similarities. The fact is, the Bible often describes heavenly beings in similar poetic terms. It also ascribes texts originally applying to Solomon to Jesus.
That doesn’t make Jesus Solomon.
Furthermore, John 5 and 14 say that the Son is to be honored the same as the Father, and that Jesus resembles his Father perfectly. Such similarities are to be expected.
It is my opinion that if a person with no theological background were to read the Bible cover to cover, he would never conclude that Yahweh was a co-equal Triune Godhead. He would agree with John who wrote in 20:31 that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, we may have life. (Paraphrased from the New King James Version)
Jesus is now seated at Yahweh’s right hand, exalted above all others as our high priest in the manner of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:1-4, Acts 2:34, 35. He is nowhere called a “God-man” or “God in the flesh”, but is consistently called “man” and God’s “servant” by His apostles (Acts 2:22, 17:31, 3:13, 26).
Both before and after Jesus' ascension to heaven, God is portrayed as having more power and authority than Jesus. (John 14:28, 1st Cor 11:3). Almighty God and Jesus are spoken of as two separate persons in Revelation. (Rev. 21:22, 22:1)
Most of the “proof texts” Trinitarians use give the impression that they already believed it, then searched the Bible for whatever they could to support it. The Trinity is a highly emotional issue and I respect my Christian brothers and sisters who sincerely believe it.
But they might consider Rhodes’ excellent reasoning with evolutionists on pages 89, 90. He points out that if evolution were true, there would be overwhelming fossil evidence of it. But there’s not. There are only scraps.
If the Trinity were true, there would be chapter upon chapter of the apostles proving and re-proving the doctrine for hard-headed Jewish converts, just as there are for the circumcision and salvation by faith. There’s a whole chapter on the resurrection (1st Cor 15), but nothing on the Trinity.
Did the Transfiguration reveal the Trinity? (Matt 17, Mark 9, Luke 9)
No.
If you are a skeptic, don’t let the Trinity hoax prevent you from investigating God’s Word, The Bible. The teaching was developed generations after the death of Jesus and the apostles. If you’re a Christian who sincerely believes the Trinity, perhaps you’re like Apollos who needed the way of Christ explained more accurately. (Acts 18:26). I’ve been there, believe me.
One other small matter. On page 256, Rhodes cites 2nd Peter 3:9 in support of the Hellfire doctrine. The vs doesn’t say “hell” but "perish". He also cites Luke 16:19-31 in support of Hellfire. The Greek word for “hell” in those vss is “Hades”. Revelation 20:14 says Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire. Hades can’t be the lake of fire if it’s going to be thrown into the lake of fire.
On page 258, he cites five vss in support of the degrees of punishment in Hell, not one of which uses the word “hell”.
Otherwise, Ron Rhodes’ book is outstanding. Pick it up, along with any others of his you can find.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2006Rhodes answers objections made by non-believers. He is easily understood; makes sure his point gets across. Important and outstanding work; there should be no excuse; he gives us strong, undeniable evidence for the existence of God, Savior, Holy Spirit, and the inerrancy of the bible. Ron quotes a variety of individuals who were influential throughout time. Apologetics: gaining the faith and strength one needs to share the truth. Excellent bibliography for further study recourses.
Ron explains how similar atheists, agnostics, and skeptics really are: the origins, history, beliefs, religion of fear, the illogical position. Agnostics: cant know or not sure; unknowable; if he believes this He can not entirely be unknowable. Skeptic: he is not skeptical, his worldview of skepticism is correct.
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'."
Good accompaniments: "Darwin's Black Box", "In the Minds of Men", "Mere Christianity"
Wish you well
Scott
- Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2016I am reading through this book at this time. So far its a well presented defense of Christianity and its major doctrines. The book contains charts which are laid out well in the chapters they are used. Any serious atheist/skeptic should give this one a read, and those in dialogue with them should consult this book for its useful question/objection and answer format reads well for dialogues. The only major gripe I have (as I do with all Ron Rhodes books) is the lack of a helpful topical scripture and index which would make looking up terms much easier. Contrary to the views of some people these are still used in books despite e-books. Many of John MacArthur's books for example contain scripture and topical indexes. Also I expect most of the negative reviews to be from atheists/skeptics.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2016Another Ron Rhodes masterpieces. Ron Rhodes is a fantastic Bible Scholar who I've listened to on KTIS radio two hours a month on "Live the Promise". He's an exceptional scholar and his books are filled with information and answers.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017This is a great book to stir thought and answer those difficult questions that friends and co-workers like to throw out at Christians.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2014The book deals with the existence of God in a very inteligent way. I highly recommend for the ones who still think that everything can happen without an acting God.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2018great book
- Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2007This is not a book of Christian apologetics at all. Rather, it is a basic and at all not comprehensive compendium of popular Christian thought. Rhodes has really no arguments to defend his points. Like many apologetic Christians (and atheists, for that matter) he limits himself to stating the points in a way you would hear at Bible study groups or in Sunday school. The few justifications he has, for example against evolution, are a joke, along the lines of the old creationist mantra, "what good is half a wing?"
I bought this book expecting some sort of philosophical or even theological discourse on "the objections of atheists, agnostics, and skeptics," but it's merely a propagandistic book of Christian-like indoctrination (complete with invitation to prayer and 1-800 prayer hotline... yeah) that has no bearing whatsoever on the constructive dialogue that some Christians and some atheists/agnostics/skeptics wish to start with each other.
I recommend, instead, "Mere Christianity" and "A Layman's Introduction to Christian Thought." I disagree with the content of both, but they are at least sound and very well thought-out and written.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on August 17, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Christians need to know how to respond intelligently to the questions of our adversaries and win some ...
We are living in a time where the Christian faith is under tremendous attack. As such, Christians need to know how to respond intelligently to the questions of our adversaries and win some for Christ. Dr. Ron has provided brilliant answers to some of the most often asked questions from atheists, agnostics, and skeptics. I have read the entire book. It is an excellent book for any Christian who desires to know how to engage the opponents of our faith from an intellectual perspective. I highly recommend every believer in Christ to try and read this book.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Marmite type book!
A great book which goes through objections to christianity and shows their inconsistencies. Whilst talking to most atheists, agnostics and sceptics it is apparent that the samr arguments appear. This book deals with them in a thoughtful and logical manner. In fact you can tell that Rhodes has succeeded in his aim by the reviews. Its either well liked or panned! This work is helpful and useful in helping christians realise that their world system is coherent, that objections in and of themselves mean nothing and that thinking through the objections using common sense shows them to be foolish in what they assume or are based on. It must be remembered that salvation is a spiritual work and that no amount of correct thinking can get sceptics to believe. This is a moral problem not intellectual one. Having said that, this book is very helpful as is Tactics by Greg Koukl- get both :)