Nine Arguments for Christians to Use Against the Ideas of Atheists: God's Not Dead by Rice Brooks

Rice Brooks has written an extremely useful book for believers, and for non-believers who want to know more about God. In nine chapters, Brooks addresses the most critical debating points about God's existence: naturalistic vs. theistic worldviews; faith vs. reason; the reality of the existence of good and evil; instantaneous creation of the universe; Darwinian evolution vs. an intelligent creator; the purpose of life; the Resurrection; scripture as history, not fiction; and the Grace effect.

Each chapter tackles one of these nine issues. Rice's points are buttressed by numerous cites to other authors. I also found it an excellent device to include arguments for Dawkins, a well known atheist, and the answers formulated by committed Christians to his points. The chapters on the Resurrection and the historical accuracy of the scripture are particularly important. I won't go into all the arguments, but those two chapters are well worth reading for anyone. Some of the other chapters deal with philosophical arguments, if you're not familiar with the philosophers, it may take a little longer, and perhaps some additional study, to become easily conversant with the arguments.

One of my favorite parts of the book was a testament by Dr. Augusto Cury. Dr. Cury is a well known psychiatrist and author. As a committed atheist, he decided to study the man, Jesus Christ. What he discovered brought him to a sincere faith in Christianity. He believed that Christ didn't fit the characteristics of someone who would want to be the leader of a revolution, no neurotic need for control and power over others. Jesus' responses to the dreadful events as his life approached the cross were unbelievably calm and forgiving. Jesus was a very unique man to exhibit the characteristics he did. This study convinced Cury that this was no ordinary man. His analysis is well worth reading.

I highly recommend this book. It's an easy, relatively quick read. However, for those who are interested there are many references that allow for further study.

I reviewed this book for the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.