If I Could Ask God One Question: Answers to Teens' Most Asked Questions

by Greg Johnson

Answers to teens' most asked questions. Ideal for young Christians who are sorting through questions about God, the Christian life, and the Bible. Shows that God isn't afraid of a heart that is genuinely searching.

Hardcover

First published August 1, 1991

About the author

Greg Johnson has been in publishing for more than 25 years. Before becoming a full-time literary agent in 1994, he wrote and published 20 works of nonfiction with traditional publishers, as well as being an editor for a teenage boys magazine for five years. In his years as an agent, he has personally represented more than 2,300 books and negotiated more than 1,800 contracts to over 85 publishing houses. These works include adult trade books (non-fiction and fiction), children’s books, specialty Bibles, movie options, video curricula, audio products, gift books and greeting cards.

While Greg’s stable of authors is near full, he will occasionally take on new authors and new projects. Along with representing a broad array of adult fiction, primarily in the Christian market, Greg works with pastors and speakers, male and female, who have important and compelling messages to author for their constituents. He has also carved a niche by representing military nonfiction/memoir for those who have served our country from WWII until today. Business books, health and humor rounds out what he is looking to acquire.

Greg is married to Becky and together they are parents of six adult children and seven grandchildren. They make their home near Denver, Colo.

~http://www.wordserveliterary.com/part...

Reviews

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of a soon to be published (April 2016) version of If I Could Ask God Just One Question

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Whether you have been brought up in a Christian family or have made the decision to turn to God yourself, religion can still be very confusing. Greg Johnson has worked with teenagers for fifteen years and has compiled “80 Answers to teen’s most-asked questions.” Johnson’s aim with If I Could Ask God Just One Question is to aid the reader’s progress towards their goal of understanding the bible.

Johnson maintains that all answers to questions that matter can be found in the bible. He tries to prove this by answering each question firstly with a bible verse or passage, before explaining it in an informal, more relatable manner.

Presumably, the questions discussed are what teens have directly asked the author, or questions he has heard throughout his career. Many of the questions are generalized, such as how to become a better Christian, fears about being mocked in school, worries about sin and not going to heaven, and so forth. On the other hand there are a few deeper questions, for example why do bad things happen? These are not simple yes/no questions that can be stated as fact. Many of the answers are up for their own interpretation depending on the reader’s own circumstances. This may make things more confusing, however something may hit home and open their eyes in recognition of the Christian faith.

Although written informally and appropriately for teenagers, it is still obvious that this is an adult talking to someone considerably younger than himself. Johnson includes his own personal experiences, however they are slightly outdated compared with the issues modern-day teens may face, e.g. social media.

Johnson tries to make the Bible a less intimidating book. He suggests a chapter order to follow for those new to the Christian faith. The layout of If I Could Ask God Just One Question lets readers dip in and out, reading the answers to questions that relate to them or that they have thought of at some point themselves. It is probably not wise to read from front to back in one sitting, but instead to take the questions one at a time, analyzing the answers and relating them to personal experience. Note pages have been included for the reader to jot down any thoughts they have whilst reading.

Ultimately this book helps teenagers to feel less alone and overwhelmed with their newfound faith. Despite this there is nothing to stop older Christians from benefitting from it too. Everyone needs a reminder once in a while, and a nudge back onto the right path in order to continue living a humble, Christian lifestyle.

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent question-answer book we used for family devotion time with our teens. There were a few times it felt dated (after all, it was published in 1998), but mostly it was gentle truth and loving teaching. We had lots of discussions based off the reading.

[Anna Christoffersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good evening my name is Anna I’m a current member of kindle amazon kindle unlimited and public library I currently check the book out from my public library and I’m Continuing reading it,, I’m definitely looking for more religious theology spiritual books nonfiction nature,, historical fiction

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a very informative, well-rounded (in subject matter) guide for Christian teens. It dealt with a lot of questions that teens and young people might have about Christianity, and used Scripture to support the answers given. However, I did think some of the questions were asking the same thing over and over, and I felt like the author was condescending to teens. It's hard to be a youth leader and not condescend, granted, but I think teens are smart and capable enough of making their own decisions and picking up on condescension that it becomes the youth leader's duty to speak to them as equals, or else they won't listen.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using this book to teach my Wednesday Night's Girls Group at church. I think it's really useful for teens and for new Christians.