Barrett’s Book Notes: Christian Answers to Hard Questions

For today’s book notes, I would like to highlight a new booklet series published by P&R titled, Christian Answers to Hard Questions. Each book in the series is short (around 30 pages) and designed to think through a hard issue in an instructive manner. The authors of each book are outstanding as well. The series is edited by Peter A. Lillback and Steven T. Huff.

Here are the books published so far:

Was Jesus Really Born of a Virgin? By Brandon D. Crowe

Why do Christians hold so strongly to Christ’s virgin birth as a significant doctrine? Can it be discarded from its key position in our faith? Crowe looks at seven objections to the virgin birth and investigates the relevant biblical texts.

Christian Interpretations of Genesis 1. By Vern S. Poythress

Scholar of science and theology, Vern Poythress, examines which of the contemporary interpretations of Genesis are most consistent with scientific evidence and careful biblical interpretation. He presents the case for young-earth creationism, mature creation, the day-age theory, the analogical-day theory, and the framework hypothesis to see which of them stand up to scrutiny.

Christianity and the Role of Philosophy. By K. Scott Oliphint

A philosophy, as a worldview, must have an anchor if it is to be meaningfully discussed and assessed. If God exists, then philosophy must find its anchor by being subservient to theology. So says Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, who demonstrates that only by beginning with God and his Word can we engage in true philosophy.

Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design. By Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards

What are creationism, evolution, and intelligent design really about? Do they have similar levels of credibility, or has materialism displaced God as the best explanation for our existence? Gonzalez and Richards serve up a guide for the perplexed that shows us the real issues at stake.

The Morality of God in the Old Testament. G. K. Beale

How can God be morally good if he commands apparently evil actions—for example, the extermination of the Canaanites? This booklet explores this important Old Testament topic.

Should You Believe in God? K. Scott Oliphint

As society increasingly demonstrates a disbelief in God, what happens when that viewpoint is questioned? In a conversational style, Oliphint discusses why belief is a preferable and more coherent position than unbelief and answers objections to common questions about Christianity.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University (OPS), as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of The Grace of Godliness: An Introduction to Doctrine and Piety in the Canons of Dort, Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration, as well as the coeditor of Four Views on the Historical Adam (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology), and Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy. He is the author of several other forthcoming books, which you can read about at matthewmbarrett.com.