The Battle for Truth: Defending the Christian Worldview in the Marketplace of Ideas

by David A. Noebel

This is, in my opinion, one of the finest books to come off the press in this century. —D. James Kennedy David Noebel’s landmark guide, Understanding the Times, is available in an abridged, easier–to–read version! In this thorough treatment of Humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and the New Age movement each worldview is presented in the words of its own proponents to expose their inconsistencies and inaccurate assumptions. Comparing these views with biblical truth affirms the coherence and truthfulness of Christianity. Readers will— The Battle for Truth helps Christians make a greater impact for Jesus in today’s world.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2001

About the author

Founder and former president of Summit Ministries.

Dr. Noebel has been a college professor, college president, and candidate for the U.S. Congress. Dr. Noebel has a B.A. from Hope College in Holland, a M.A. from the University of Tulsa, and was a Ph.D. candidate in Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin.

He is an Author, Editor, Public Speaker, and Ordained Minister. He is recognized as an expert on worldview analysis and the decline of morality and spirituality in Western Civilization. He travels worldwide lecturing in high schools, universities, and churches. David has been a guest on numerous national radio and television programs. He has authored a number of books and has written extensively on the subject of Western Civilization's moral and spiritual decline.

His most popular works include Understanding the Times (which has sold over 500,000 copies), the New York Times' best selling Mind Siege (co-authored with Tim LaHaye), and Clergy in the Classroom (co-authored with Kevin Bywater and J.F. Baldwin).

He and his wife Alice live in Manitou Springs, CO. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in textbook style (actually condensed from the "Understanding the Times" textbook and curriculum for high-school students), this book earns a very literal "worth my time" rating.

Not written to inspire, but to inform, The Battle for Truth is an even-handed comparison of the secular humanist, Marxist, cosmic humanist (New Age) and Christian world views in disciplines of theology, economics, biology, and so on. It relies extensively on quotes and ideas from self-proclaimed proponents of each world view, to give each a fair hearing.

One minor criticism of the book is its typeface which was small and hard to read. Perhaps a hardback or large print edition would be easier to read. And maybe I'm just getting old.

[Patriot]

I'm reading it for Apologetics:)

[Scott Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to worldview in which Noebel conmpares and contrasts a Biblical Christian worldview with Secular Humanist, Marxist and New Age worldviews. His approach is to look at the Theology, Philosophy, Biology, Psychology, Ethics, Law, Politics, Economics and History of each worldview. He demonstrates how the theology and philosophy of each worldview impacts thinking on the other worldview categories he speaks of.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for any Christian who wants to gain a basic understanding of the worldviews that are challenging Christianity in the world today. As one Christian to another, I would urge people to read this to help themselves to understand the times in which we live and to be able to "give a reason for the hope you have."

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Excellent book. I had to borrow from teh library and I loathed to return it.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful reference for Christians encountering a secular worldview in their field of work or study.

[Elkaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book and got a lot out it. It was a very easy read for me, reading it within an afternoon. I agree with most points of it, even with a catholic view point of the subject matter within the chapters. The only issue with it, as it did not have a catholic viewpoint of the subject matter, as often we focus on our tradition, not just the bible. Hence, was always looking it up, after each chapter.

But, really liked the lay out this book, and all charts throughout it. A must for anyone who wants to explore all the worldviews, that are clashes today.

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple structure - compares Christianity, secular humanism, New Age religion and Marxism in 10 different areas, ranging from belief in God, politics, history, etc. I think it's probably dated somewhat - I'm not sure Marxism is huge on the list of opponents to Christianity any more (though I could be wrong). Though useful to look through if you never considered Christianity to be a philosophy that applies to all areas of life.

[B. J.]

Scanned briefly, Sept 2009 for Battalion units on worldview. At WPL

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn't really help that I read this in 8th grade, so all the brilliant knowledge flew straight over my head.

[Daniel Alvers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for your worldview.