What do you think?
Rate this book
If God Then What: Wondering Aloud About Truth, Origins & Redemption
A profound, quirky and amusing take on life's biggest questions.
People encounter truth by sharing stories and asking questions. Andrew Wilson asks nine big questions about truth, origins and redemption, and wonders aloud about the possible answers, representing a new fresh way of communicating the gospel.
People encounter truth by sharing stories and asking questions. Andrew Wilson asks nine big questions about truth, origins and redemption, and wonders aloud about the possible answers, representing a new fresh way of communicating the gospel.
Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Wilson
14 books149 followersAndrew is Teaching Pastor at King's Church London, and has theology degrees from Cambridge (MA), London School of Theology (MTh), and King's College London (PhD). He is a columnist for Christianity Today, and has written several books, including Echoes of Exodus (Crossway, 2018) and Spirit and Sacrament: An Invitation to Eucharismatic Worship (Zondervan, 2018).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 9, 2023
Initially written during the new atheists' height of popularity, If God Then What remains an excellent example of popular level apologetics. I was surprised at how little it had dated. Especially suitable for older teens and younger adults.
November 17, 2017
I find it hard to write reviews for Christian books I read, because I always factor in my own personal journey into how I respond to the books themselves. So perhaps my reviews aren't as accurate as the other books I talk about on here.
Overall, from my personal perspective on this part of my faith journey, I found this book a bit heavy. It took me longer to read than I'd wished... I kept putting it down and re-reading sections.
A few people recommended this to me as a new Christian (returned though), but I felt it wasn't suitable for me. It's more for Christians who already understand the basics. Additionally, the way it was written felt harder to take on board in comparison with One Life, by Rico Tice (another intro book).
Despite my little struggles, I recommend this... try it and if it's too heavy, slow down or come back when it feels right.
Overall, from my personal perspective on this part of my faith journey, I found this book a bit heavy. It took me longer to read than I'd wished... I kept putting it down and re-reading sections.
A few people recommended this to me as a new Christian (returned though), but I felt it wasn't suitable for me. It's more for Christians who already understand the basics. Additionally, the way it was written felt harder to take on board in comparison with One Life, by Rico Tice (another intro book).
Despite my little struggles, I recommend this... try it and if it's too heavy, slow down or come back when it feels right.
November 28, 2018
This is a really good apologetics book - neither basic (as I felt the cover perhaps communicated) nor impenetrable. I particularly appreciated the way Wilson presented the solution to the world's problems not just being a God of good works but a God of salvation by grace. I'll definitely be reading this again, probably with a notebook and pen alongside to fully make the most of it. This would also be great as a gift for people who might vaguely believe in a god but aren't sure what that means.
October 4, 2025
Andrew Wilson takes a long time to get to each point he wants to make but there is no denying that he keeps us entertained and interested along the way. From how boring his school Physics lessons were and to being called a fundamentalist by his RE teacher, to being run out of town for wearing a tuxedo, we find out a lot about his varied and interesting life. And it’s all told with a wry and infectious sense of humour.
Hidden away behind all his engaging chat is some serious reflection on fundamental questions of life: the relation between evidence and faith, how we can know anything, how to decide between competing world views, the evidence for a creator, the possibility of miracles, what’s wrong with the world and what is the answer, culminating in evidence for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
The argument the author spins along the way is that the Christian world view and the Biblical account of origins, of man’s problems and of the solution, although they cannot be proved in a scientifically demonstrable way, are the best explanation of the facts. As a Christian, I thought he took me with him but I wasn’t so sure that a non-believer would find the lines of argument convincing. Sometimes he might be accused of setting up or jumping to the answer he wanted.
Certainly, I think this book would be helpful to Christians—especially the younger generation, to whom it seems to be pitched—in assuring them of the rationality of Christian faith and the solid evidence behind it. It could also be a good introduction to philosophy of religion.
Hidden away behind all his engaging chat is some serious reflection on fundamental questions of life: the relation between evidence and faith, how we can know anything, how to decide between competing world views, the evidence for a creator, the possibility of miracles, what’s wrong with the world and what is the answer, culminating in evidence for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
The argument the author spins along the way is that the Christian world view and the Biblical account of origins, of man’s problems and of the solution, although they cannot be proved in a scientifically demonstrable way, are the best explanation of the facts. As a Christian, I thought he took me with him but I wasn’t so sure that a non-believer would find the lines of argument convincing. Sometimes he might be accused of setting up or jumping to the answer he wanted.
Certainly, I think this book would be helpful to Christians—especially the younger generation, to whom it seems to be pitched—in assuring them of the rationality of Christian faith and the solid evidence behind it. It could also be a good introduction to philosophy of religion.
November 6, 2025
A work friend gave me this, as he is a member of Emanuel church and we have discussions about each others opinions on life/faith/morals etc. He; Christian, myself Agnostic/Atheist.
The opening chapter I enjoyed, the author showed humility and understanding. However the further I got into the book chapter by chapter I felt myself disconnecting.
I struggled to relate with the author's way of expressing his opinion, continually bringing up the name of a person he didn't share the same opinion with, further opinions towards atheism or other faiths, came across passively derogatory.
Although I do not practice/follow any religion, I believe I have good intentions and morals. so to write and publish a book expressing an opinion in a belittling manner I disagree with.
The humility the author showed in the first chapter, was unfortunately lost more and more in the chapters that followed.
I think it is important for those of us who aren't people of faith to have amicable discussions and to accept each other's opinions, but I don't think this is a book for that. I feel it's lacking in respect for the opinions of others.
The opening chapter I enjoyed, the author showed humility and understanding. However the further I got into the book chapter by chapter I felt myself disconnecting.
I struggled to relate with the author's way of expressing his opinion, continually bringing up the name of a person he didn't share the same opinion with, further opinions towards atheism or other faiths, came across passively derogatory.
Although I do not practice/follow any religion, I believe I have good intentions and morals. so to write and publish a book expressing an opinion in a belittling manner I disagree with.
The humility the author showed in the first chapter, was unfortunately lost more and more in the chapters that followed.
I think it is important for those of us who aren't people of faith to have amicable discussions and to accept each other's opinions, but I don't think this is a book for that. I feel it's lacking in respect for the opinions of others.
Read
November 14, 2020Accessible, enjoyable and helpful read regarding truth, origins and redemption.
Helpful writing about worldviews - accessible and enjoyable reading about these and thoughtful analysis of what is helpful and what is problematic.
I found the first half + interval (focussing more on the above) better than the second half.
The second half was still good, as it put forward the Christian worldview - I appreciated some new-to-me approaches to some of the big questions of life, e.g. when thinking about what is wrong with the world. I like the focus on Jesus, when considering what God is like in the final chapter.
I would be inclined to give most sceptics / seekers a different book, with more emphasis on why the Christian faith is good, but would generally be happy to pass this on, for thoughtful people who are interested in why the Christian worldview makes sense of the world.
Helpful writing about worldviews - accessible and enjoyable reading about these and thoughtful analysis of what is helpful and what is problematic.
I found the first half + interval (focussing more on the above) better than the second half.
The second half was still good, as it put forward the Christian worldview - I appreciated some new-to-me approaches to some of the big questions of life, e.g. when thinking about what is wrong with the world. I like the focus on Jesus, when considering what God is like in the final chapter.
I would be inclined to give most sceptics / seekers a different book, with more emphasis on why the Christian faith is good, but would generally be happy to pass this on, for thoughtful people who are interested in why the Christian worldview makes sense of the world.
December 27, 2022
Andrew Wilson is a gifted writer and communicator, and this book offers a winsome Christian account of how we know things, the origins of the universe, what's wrong with the world, the resurrection of Jesus, and God's redemptive purposes.
The target audience is not always clear, but Christians will find his exploration encouraging. As for engaging and addressing unbelief, the tone is more suggestive than proclamatory.
The target audience is not always clear, but Christians will find his exploration encouraging. As for engaging and addressing unbelief, the tone is more suggestive than proclamatory.
June 1, 2017
A great holiday read full of humour and nuggets of wisdom. Asks the big questions of life and seeks to answer them in a very accessible way, while delving into the worlds of history, science, philosophy and theology for answers. A great reminder that getting sucked into the merry go round of 'go to work to get the money to get the food to get the strength...' is not enough. Brilliant book!
July 25, 2018
Brilliant book. I wanted to start rereading as soon as I turned the final page. Very thought provoking and accessible to anyone who has wondered about these things, whether “religious” or not. Would highly recommend.
January 18, 2019
Fantastic and easy little read. Like sitting down with the author for a chat about life and meaning over a glass of wine. Humorous stories, challenging arguments, showing the logic and evidence behind Christianity. A great primer on the existence of God.
March 10, 2022
Great down to earth apologetic, given away quite a few copies... my own has disappeated as well.
April 11, 2017
It seems trite to compare every single apologetics work to Mere Christianity yet here we are again. If you are looking for a fresh, colloquial apologetic for the 21st century, look no further than 'If God, Then What?'.
Wilson writes in a style that comes across more as a stream of unbroken consciousness than philosophical musing and it makes his work incredibly easy to read and incredibly easy to understand. This is an excellent book for Christians who wish to read a sound apologetic work that isn't by Lewis or Keller and also for non-Christians who wonder why the world is how it is.
"So then, what is possible? Well if there is no God, then only things that conform to scientific laws are possible (unless you believe in an infinite number of universes, in which case everything must be possible somewhere- but that idea is so weird that I can't really get my head around it, because it means there must be at least one in which Shakespeare is a nude bungee jumper and Alan Partridge is president)."
Wilson writes in a style that comes across more as a stream of unbroken consciousness than philosophical musing and it makes his work incredibly easy to read and incredibly easy to understand. This is an excellent book for Christians who wish to read a sound apologetic work that isn't by Lewis or Keller and also for non-Christians who wonder why the world is how it is.
"So then, what is possible? Well if there is no God, then only things that conform to scientific laws are possible (unless you believe in an infinite number of universes, in which case everything must be possible somewhere- but that idea is so weird that I can't really get my head around it, because it means there must be at least one in which Shakespeare is a nude bungee jumper and Alan Partridge is president)."
June 10, 2016
OK, let's get the disclosure out of the way - I know the author and am fairly well disposed towards most things he writes. I also own all his books and yet strangely this is the first that I've actually read!
In a post-Christian society it's so important to discuss with those who don't follow Christ in such a way so as to have more conversations about Jesus. We need to listen without caving in, disagree without being disagreeable, challenge without being arrogant and perhaps come to a fresh understanding of what a 'win' might be.
Wilson opens up the book with the admission that he was a fundamentalist (ie he was right and everyone else was wrong) but that had changed. The point now is not necessarily to 'win' the argument but perhaps to win a hearing. Christians may have a right to speak but they don't have a right to be heard. The tone of this book is conversational, disarmingly honest and poses questions that engage the reader. This is less William Lane Craig and more Tim Keller for the masses.
I found particularly helpful the chapter on knowledge and the importance of forming conclusions that best fit the evidence, with of course an openness to new information. This disarms the 'science has disproved God' line of thinking because as Wilson, says 'what kind of experiment would you need for that?'
Once we've worked out how we can know what we know, the book goes on to cover the reasonableness for believing in a Creator (not proof, mind you but reasonableness) and then for wondering about sin and suffering before going on to look at the reasonableness for the truth claims of Christianity and, of course, the key issue of the resurrection. The resurrection remains the most significant issue, the Bible itself says if it's not true it all falls apart (the New Testament bit anyway) and generally one most ignored and not thought about by the despiser of religion.
The book should find lots of use amongst students (I'd give copies away at mission weeks), or given to those are considering faith but finding they're getting stuck on some questions. It's also a lesson in communication that church leaders and preachers would do well to learn and lastly anyone who has friends who don't believe and are willing to chat, should read it and learn from it. So all in all, highly recommended.
In a post-Christian society it's so important to discuss with those who don't follow Christ in such a way so as to have more conversations about Jesus. We need to listen without caving in, disagree without being disagreeable, challenge without being arrogant and perhaps come to a fresh understanding of what a 'win' might be.
Wilson opens up the book with the admission that he was a fundamentalist (ie he was right and everyone else was wrong) but that had changed. The point now is not necessarily to 'win' the argument but perhaps to win a hearing. Christians may have a right to speak but they don't have a right to be heard. The tone of this book is conversational, disarmingly honest and poses questions that engage the reader. This is less William Lane Craig and more Tim Keller for the masses.
I found particularly helpful the chapter on knowledge and the importance of forming conclusions that best fit the evidence, with of course an openness to new information. This disarms the 'science has disproved God' line of thinking because as Wilson, says 'what kind of experiment would you need for that?'
Once we've worked out how we can know what we know, the book goes on to cover the reasonableness for believing in a Creator (not proof, mind you but reasonableness) and then for wondering about sin and suffering before going on to look at the reasonableness for the truth claims of Christianity and, of course, the key issue of the resurrection. The resurrection remains the most significant issue, the Bible itself says if it's not true it all falls apart (the New Testament bit anyway) and generally one most ignored and not thought about by the despiser of religion.
The book should find lots of use amongst students (I'd give copies away at mission weeks), or given to those are considering faith but finding they're getting stuck on some questions. It's also a lesson in communication that church leaders and preachers would do well to learn and lastly anyone who has friends who don't believe and are willing to chat, should read it and learn from it. So all in all, highly recommended.
May 18, 2013
I bought this book without planning on reading it just yet. However, on the train home from London, I decided to peak at the introduction to pass time. And then I kept on reading. To my surprise, I ended up reading half of it in one sitting!
This book is a brilliantly persuading case for Christianity. It's not the most academic, but he asks the questions that prompt the heart alongside the head.
From the start, he develops his case as he seeks to find answers to his own questions and wonders aloud about truth, origins and redemption. Starting with the all important question of why we should question our beliefs at all, he then moves on to how we can know anything whatsoever, to whether God might exist or not, to what's wrong with the world, and how this same God might be the solution.
Andrew Wilson has witty way of including all readers from every walk of life in his writing: enjoyable, easy to read, full of funny stories, mind boggling facts, provocative questions, and will get you thinking no matter who you are. His way of writing and the structure of the book are brilliant. His conversational tone is trustworthy like a good friend, and you know he's being honest through and through. He's not forceful or imposing at all, but presents a compelling case as he seeks answers to his own questions - he directs his readers to discover the answers for themselves. And vitally important, he avoids jargon unless it's absolutely necessary, making it accessible to anyone.
There were times when I felt that he was holding back when he could have said more and gone deeper. However, I suppose the purpose of this books is to stir people's own minds and get them to start thinking for themselves rather than provide a thorough academic case.
I’d recommend it to absolutely anyone (including just to lend to friends) - whether you’re curious, questioning, don’t care, anti-faith, or a firm believer.
If you can, buy more than one copy, you'll be wanting to lend it to nearly everyone you know after you've read it anyway.
This book is a brilliantly persuading case for Christianity. It's not the most academic, but he asks the questions that prompt the heart alongside the head.
From the start, he develops his case as he seeks to find answers to his own questions and wonders aloud about truth, origins and redemption. Starting with the all important question of why we should question our beliefs at all, he then moves on to how we can know anything whatsoever, to whether God might exist or not, to what's wrong with the world, and how this same God might be the solution.
Andrew Wilson has witty way of including all readers from every walk of life in his writing: enjoyable, easy to read, full of funny stories, mind boggling facts, provocative questions, and will get you thinking no matter who you are. His way of writing and the structure of the book are brilliant. His conversational tone is trustworthy like a good friend, and you know he's being honest through and through. He's not forceful or imposing at all, but presents a compelling case as he seeks answers to his own questions - he directs his readers to discover the answers for themselves. And vitally important, he avoids jargon unless it's absolutely necessary, making it accessible to anyone.
There were times when I felt that he was holding back when he could have said more and gone deeper. However, I suppose the purpose of this books is to stir people's own minds and get them to start thinking for themselves rather than provide a thorough academic case.
I’d recommend it to absolutely anyone (including just to lend to friends) - whether you’re curious, questioning, don’t care, anti-faith, or a firm believer.
If you can, buy more than one copy, you'll be wanting to lend it to nearly everyone you know after you've read it anyway.
May 14, 2012
Given to me by a good friend (whom I will be rewarding generously!) I have devoured this book in two huge gulps across a weekend and I now strongly believe this book should be required reading for all New Christians...
Mr Wilson has given us a chance to show we are not mindless drones following theological ideals blindly and that with careful and thoughtful examination, that we have the scope to argue our case systematically, intelligently and with Science and the Arts providing the basis of finding the most LOGICAL answers for some of the biggest questions in the apologetics Arena.
The book itself is written with questioning and questing ideals and the examples and anecdotes Andrew Wilson uses to illustrate his points are both erudite and clear so that no one , agnostic, athiest or committed believer is alienated, talked down to or mocked. He is obviously an immensely intelligent and interesting man, making him a more credible guide into this area of study.
Using modern popular culture and historical events as lynch pins for his explanations of how he came to his world (and God) view, Andrew Wilson has written a great book of real worth and I find myself whole heartedly agreeing that we need to question before we see with true clarity. Thus making our Commitment to what Wilson surmises is a loving and freeing God even more meaningful.
Bravo!
Mr Wilson has given us a chance to show we are not mindless drones following theological ideals blindly and that with careful and thoughtful examination, that we have the scope to argue our case systematically, intelligently and with Science and the Arts providing the basis of finding the most LOGICAL answers for some of the biggest questions in the apologetics Arena.
The book itself is written with questioning and questing ideals and the examples and anecdotes Andrew Wilson uses to illustrate his points are both erudite and clear so that no one , agnostic, athiest or committed believer is alienated, talked down to or mocked. He is obviously an immensely intelligent and interesting man, making him a more credible guide into this area of study.
Using modern popular culture and historical events as lynch pins for his explanations of how he came to his world (and God) view, Andrew Wilson has written a great book of real worth and I find myself whole heartedly agreeing that we need to question before we see with true clarity. Thus making our Commitment to what Wilson surmises is a loving and freeing God even more meaningful.
Bravo!
September 4, 2013
An excellent, concise argument for the believability of Christianity. Wilson takes us through life's big questions. He likens the book to a cross between Tim Keller (author of The Reason for God) and Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz) and its an apt description. Though not as thorough as the Reason for God, the brevity (159 pages) makes it ideal for someone who is beginning to explore the Christian worldview. I appreciate the very "Jewish" way that Wilson understands and describes redemption. The one critique I have is that at times Wilson's British meekness comes through in such a way that he almost seems a bit apologetic, but that is probably a cultural difference. I recommend that you buy a copy, give it a quick read, and lend it to a friend.
July 13, 2019
I am on a quest to gather a handful of provocative questions that cut through the fog and haze and compel a person to think about foundational matters. That is exactly how this book is organized. He shows rather effectively that there are not a lot of answers to such questions and challenges the reader, not by "proving" the biblical answers, but by simply asking a followup question: which answer most adequately accounts for the data?
June 24, 2012
Enjoyable book, easy reading journey through reasons why to believe in God and in the gospel is both reasonable and liberating. This will strengthen the views of those who already believe and enlighten those who do not. Even those who remain unconvinced will I think have to ackowledge the reasonableness of the Christian claims.
August 2, 2012
The most open-minded and non-arrogant book on Christian apologetics I've read. Would highly recommend this to Atheists wanting to understand what and why Christians believe what they do. You can't properly believe in something without understanding the alternatives.
This book is made more awesome by the fact the author makes references to The Matrix, Lord of the Rings and Jurassic park.
This book is made more awesome by the fact the author makes references to The Matrix, Lord of the Rings and Jurassic park.
March 18, 2013
Very well written, surely for the new breed of apologetics.Andrew takes a journey to define the limitation of science to seek evidence of the existence of God.He tackles Dawkins multiverse concept in a sense that it hold some doubful conclusion to existence of the earth.A good read,Not one of the best but a well balanced read for both atheist and theist.
December 20, 2022
An interesting approach to apologetics. Instead of a statement of definite beliefs Wilson uses an indirect method whereby he shows Evangelical Christianity 's doctrine be the best explanation for the known facts. I think anyone reading the book will be challenged to think about their own beliefs in a way that most apologetics books often fail to do.
April 3, 2013
In the past I have declared my aversion to most Christian books; this, however, was really an interesting read. Slightly self-aware at times but overall made interesting points and was thought-provoking. Willing to lend if anyone wants it!
June 28, 2013
Well written and winsome, could hardly put it down. Wilson recognises that most people won't be battered into belief by mountains of figures and logical conundrums but should instead be invited to consider what the world is really like and what worldview would make sense of it.
February 19, 2014
This is an excellent book! Probably the best book I have read about believing in God. Of course it is always nice to be confirmed - that it is reasonable to believe in God - but Wilson's way is hilarious and thought-provoking...
December 18, 2015
I happily recommend this excellent book to anyone with questions, even above Amy Orr-Ewing's 'Why Trust the Bible?' I lent this to my unbelieving Dad, and it raised serious questions about faith. We both loved the way Wilson speaks without presumption of faith, yet guides us in together with him.
May 10, 2012
Very well written, very easy to understand, should be in everyone's collection as a book to give to anyone.
May 15, 2013
Delightful approach to Christian apologetics. The second half in particular is especially profitable. Well worth reading. One of the best apologetics books I've read in recent years.
November 4, 2014
Really good book! Doesn't shove the Christian view down your throat, instead discusses issues that get the reader thinking!!! :)
March 12, 2016
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews