Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)There is great value to this book than you'll realize when you first read through it. You have to appreciate it for what it is. Sterrett's "Why Trust Jesus?" is a popular level book that addresses many questions and objections in today's society for why one shouldn't trust Jesus. This is not a piece of scholarship that warrants peer review. If you want scholastic answers and peer review, go to a journal or a book that focuses on that specific objection you may have. If you want a general, but sufficient, response to one of these questions, than this is the book you need.
Intro. The Need for Trust-- The introduction is brief but important for to answer the books thesis (why one should trust Jesus). Sterrett examines what it really means to "trust" someone and why it's so important. He lays out what type of people are generally trustworthy (truthful, reliable, transparent, authentic, loving, faith, and forgiving) and then goes from there. Is this Jesus? This section really helps lay down the foundation to the answer the book provides.
Ch. 1 So Many Spiritual Paths-- This chapter may be good from someone who is awestruck at postmodernism and/or leaning towards universalism/inclusivism. Why do Christians seem so intolerant? They're so arrogant in saying Jesus is the only way. Why are people so intolerant of the intolerant? All great questions. This chapter really lays down a worldview for Christianity, that is, there is absolute truth and Jesus is the only way to heaven. As a student in academia myself, I rarely see genuine postmodernism, however, this is really important in high schools and for people who interact outside of a classroom where the vein of social worldview plays its role.
Ch. 2 Not Sure God is Real-- Arguably, I would personally place this chapter at 1 instead of 2, but it's not that big of a deal. I have a particular interest in natural theology and the arguments for the existence of God. I personally enjoyed reading this chapter and Sterrett sources, yet again, are of trustworthy note. He opens with CS Lewis' testimony and gets in to miracles and his response (primarily to David Hume) is extremely brief and to the point. Laying aside the Bible, Sterrett meets the secularist on his own terms, without using the Bible as an authority. The first major argument presented is the argument from design and focused on both the biochemical design and the cosmological design closing with Antony Flew's conversion to deism in response to the design argument. The second argument is the argument from the beginning of the universe, mores specifically, the kalam cosmological argument. This one's my favorite. (If you're a young earth creationist, close your eyes for a page). I don't know Sterrett's personal views on creation but I appreciate him using the kalam here and using it appropriately (I'm an old earther in case you were wondering).
Ch. 3 Been Let Down Before-- This is really an emotional objection and Sterrett takes it for what it is and handles it appropriately. He focuses on the promises of God and obeying His commandments.
Ch. 4 I'm Doing Fine Without Him-- This was a great chapter! It's easy to think you're okay without God but you're not. Take a look at yourself and see what you need to fill your day. What does it take to satisfy you? Food? Money? Women/Men? Porn? Cars? Social status? The problem is with taking pleasure and satisfaction in temporal pleasures is that it is temporal! It doesn't last! You will always need more and more and more. God is the only satisfaction to anything you could ever need. If you need a commentary on this chapter, read the book of Ecclesiastes.
Ch. 5 Trust Myself-- This chapter really just focuses on trust Jesus as God and that we can't do it by ourselves and that Jesus sustains everything there is. The section is brief and the main thesis is spirituality and truth in Jesus. There's a lot of focus on pantheism, which may take you off guard for a second, but you'll get back on track.
Ch. 6 Who is the Real Jesus?-- This is a little more academically oriented, much like chapter 2. This is an evaluation of the historical Jesus and the Jesus of faith (two distinctions only made in academia). He really focuses on the Scriptural presentation and representation of Jesus.
Ch. 7 Why Jesus Over Another Spiritual Leader?-- This chapter could have been combined with with chapter 1. Basically, Sterrett argues that Jesus is the one and only true God. Sterrett answers the questions of who Jesus really was and is there good reason to trust that He existed and is who He said He was.
Ch. 8 So Much Suffering-- This is important and must be taken seriously by the Christian. There's the intellectual objection because of evil and the emotional. If the objection is intellectual go to a journal or book that discusses that. Sterrett discusses the emotional problem. I'm not denying there is intellectual claims or arguments, but the emotional problem needs to be handled differently. It's handled by taking everything back to the cross of Jesus and the suffering that He went to. It was because of our evil that Jesus suffered to redeem us from that very evil that put Him up there. This is a somber yet joyful passage. If you don't know Gary Habermas, you need to read the last few pages of this chapter on Habermas' suffering.
Ch. 9 Failure-- This chapter is encouraging. It nails down the whole nature of grace and when we fail, it's something that makes grace appreciated. This will change your perspective of failure and your reaction to it. In the end, after a little pep talk here and there in the chapter, it's God's forgiveness that allows you to trust Jesus because He won't fail you.
Sterrett has a legitimate amount of research done for his book with great sources. He cites some of the leading scholars (so if you have a scholastic question, go to the endnote and use that source). I appreciate the book on the popular level where it is. I'm not going to use it in a research paper but I would use it for a small group study. I'm actually having some young leaders read this book during the upcoming summer to help them prepare spiritually and to help engage their mind a little bit. The book will get you thinking, it won't take you to all the answers, but it will get you going. It's easy to read and relevant. I appreciate Sterrett's work in writing this book and I thank him for sharing it. Please buy this book.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Why Trust Jesus: An Honest Look at Doubts, Plans, Hurts, Desires, Fears, Questions, and Pleasures
Having spent a half century in the endeavor of defending the Christian faith, I can assure Christian leaders and parents that there is nothing more important to the future of the Christian Church than reaching this generation with the message of this book.--Dr. Norman L. Geisler,Distinguished Professor of Apologetics at Veritas Evangelical Seminary in Murrieta, CADave Sterrett combines the mind of a classical philosopher with the heart of a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Critical-thinking Christians and non-Christians alike will find Why Trust Jesus? to be a must-read and will undoubtedly come away convinced.--Jonathan Merritt, Spokesperson of the Southern Baptist Environment and Climate InitiativeDavid Sterrett, in his book, Why Trust Jesus?, has posed the question that so many people have asked throughout history.As you read this book, you will find that he has wrestled through the issues in order to give us practical, biblical answers, not just theological idioms. --Naeem Fazal, Pastor of Mosaic Church, CharlotteDave has an uncanny ability to take Biblical truth and put it in a format that is easy enough to inspire those who have never been formally theologically trained, yet deep enough for someone seminary trained to discover new insights. --Chris Plekenpol, I Am Second, Community OrganizerWhy Trust Jesus? accentuates the necessity of loving God with both heart and mind by demonstrating the connection between knowledge and trust, emotion and intellect. Dave Sterrett offers a fresh approach to how we can know Jesus as a reliable, transparent, unconditionally loving friend, in whom we can place our complete trust.--Dr. Jack Graham, Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist ChurchIn Why Trust Jesus? Dave Sterrett carefully and concisely responds to common questions in the hearts and minds of many of today's seekers of truth.He writes with authority as well as from personal experience, offering substantial historical references for anyone genuinely looking for answers that will lead to the peace that passes all understanding. --Zig Ziglar, Author/Motivational TeacherThis book by Dave Sterrett has offered the Christian community a rare gem - a type of homeland security for faith. With an unflinching eye and astute observations, this book will enable you to do more than defend the truth of the Gospel... you will understand it. --Dr. Ergun Mehmet Caner, President of Liberty Theological Seminary, Author of Unveiling Islam: An Insider's Look at Muslim Life and BeliefsDave Sterrett's book Why Trust Jesus? provides a true foundation of trust for both the Christian and the spiritual seeker. Dave tackles some of the toughest objections against trusting in Jesus in a way that is philosophically true and relationally relevant.--Josh McDowell, Author of more than eighty books including More than a Carpenter and New Evidence that Demands a VerdictOne of the most endearing qualities of Christ was His ability to connect with the person on the street.The common people gladly listened to Him because He could frame eternal truth in terms that made sense to them.Why Trust Jesus? is in that same spiritual vein.Its value goes beyond the classroom and into the breakroom, and its place in this "bottom-line society" of ours is well-warranted.--Bob Coy, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale
Get 30% OFF
0 comments:
Post a Comment