confronting christianity 12 hard questions for the world's largest religion

confronting christianity 12 hard questions for the world

It is a rigorous, compelling, and fresh defense of the Christian faith, centered on 12 hard and perennial questions. Note: This reviewer received an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.įor another excellent Christian resource see Janie’s recent review of *Transformed by Truth by Katherine Forster.I just finished Rebecca McLaughlin’s incredible new book Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion.

Extensive footnotes in each chapter encourage readers to dig deeper, both into other sources, and into the Bible.įor a graduating Christian senior, a Christian parent, or even an unbeliever curious to learn more, Confronting Christianity is an excellent resource. Her tone and style will especially appeal to thoughtful and academically inclined readers. Throughout the book McLaughlin engages respectfully with liberal arguments. However it might prove too much for a younger reader, and parental discretion is advised.

Mature teenagers who are already encountering these issues will benefit from this discussion. McLaughlin frankly discusses issues ranging from rape to homosexuality, genocide to abortion. In her chapter, “Isn’t Christianity homophobic?” she shares her own experiences as a Christian women who struggles with same-sex longings. Early in the narrative, she hints at struggling with same-sex attraction. McLaughlin doesn’t shy away from hard topics. (Which completely surprised this reader yet was very effective in driving home her point.) Her chapter answering the question, “Doesn’t Christianity denigrate women?” uses for illustration a surprising plot twist in Harry Potter. Throughout the book, McLaughlin assumes her readers will be familiar with contemporary culture. In addition, her wealth of research and cultural references lend credibility to both the questions and her answers. While academically precise, her tone does not detract from the book’s readability. McLaughlin then lays out how she will respond to the chapter’s question. She provides a thoughtful, loving, and most of all biblical framework in how readers should respond today.Įach chapter begins with an example or illustration. Using history, literature, modern events, and most of all, going back to the Bible, McLaughlin shows how Christians have interacted with these questions over the centuries. And what about diversity? Doesn’t Christianity crush diversity?Ĭhapter by chapter, Christian thinker Rebecca McLaughlin interacts with twelve of the hardest questions facing Christians today. So you are a Christian? Chances are, you’ve encountered someone who believes we are better off without religion.

Confronting christianity 12 hard questions for the world's largest religion