Answers Book 4 Teens: Vol. 2

Answers Book for Teens #2

by Bodie Hodge, Timmy Mitchell, Ken Ham

Teens have big life questions and demand solid answers. Our youth are on the front lines of a war of the worldviews. To help them cement a biblical worldview, the experts at Answers in Genesis offer the Answers Books for Teens , volumes 1 and 2. In volume 2, teens will find answers to 15 questions relevant to today’s culture Answers to these issues are paired with dynamic designs created to appeal to today’s student. This 96 page book makes a great study for youth ministries, small groups, and family devotions. It will be an excellent reference for church and family libraries.

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Bodie Hodge is the author of Fall of Satan and co-author of Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs. He is on the staff of Answers in Genesis, and is a speaker, writer, contributor, and researcher on a host of topics related to apologetics, biblical history, and the book of Genesis.

Reviews

[Tony Breeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Answers Book 4 Teens [AB4T] Volume 2 once again answers 15 relevant questions that teens of this decade [or any other] are asking about the Bible, God, the origins debate and morality without dumbing everything down as so many well-intended resources do:

Did creation really take just 6 days or did God use the big bang?
Noah's ark... Really?
What about cavemen and missing links?
But the Bible is full of contradictions... isn't it?
Don't fossils prove evolution?
Isn't natural selection evolution? My textbook says they're the same.
Mutations are good for evolution, right? I mean, X-Men can't be wrong, can it?
But the Bible was written by a bunch of men, right? What makes it so special?
How should I interpret the Bible?
But doesn't the Bible support slavery?
Unicorns and the Bible... you've got to be kidding!
How can we be sure the 66 books of the Bible are the only ones from God?
What about abortion, cloning, and stem cells? At school I'm taught that these things are good for society!
What about going to college?
"Going through the motions"... is that saving faith?

My favorite question in the entire book is the one that mentions the X-Men. The subtitle to this chapter is, aptly enough, "Professor Xavier wrong? Say it ain't so!" Through movies and comic books, our young folk are acclimatized to the notion that evolution produces beneficial mutations. AB4T2 mentions not only the X-Men, but Spider-Man, Ninja Turtles, and shows like Heroes, but we could mention far more. Evolution has become the favored explanation for super powers, eclipsing more traditional causes such as alien ancestry, radiation, advanced technology, and so on. Reboots of favorite comic book heroes almost always exchange their original origins for an evolutionary explanation. This chapter explains that most mutations are actually harmful and shows why commonly quoted examples of beneficial mutations like sickle cell anemia and antibiotic resistance are just natural selection rather than goo-to-you evolution [see chapter 6]. The chapter appropriately concludes that "while the X-Men movies are fun to watch, we should remember that real mutations do not produce new and better individuals. Mutations cannot provide the raw material for evolution to a more advanced kind of human or a more advanced kind of anything else" [p. 47]. The only problem with Of course, pretty much everyone knows that super-powered heroes don't exist, but the sustained popularity of the genre and its power to influence ideas and attitudes are very real. That's why I've just finished writing a book called Johnny Came Home that explores the world of super-powers from a Biblical creation worldview instead of the assumption of evolution.

As a comics fan, I have to point out that the eye-catching illustration for this chapter is suggestive of Superman, whose powers come from his alien physiology rather than mutations. Of course, the question of whether aliens exist is an issue all of its own... maybe one they'll address in the Answers Book for Teens - Volume 3? [hint, hint]

Other favorite chapters include the one on Noah's Ark [which is chock-full of information to combat the wave of misinformation about this point of history, the one on unicorns [which aptly refutes the snarky straw men of men like Barry Lynn], and the final chapter on saving faith. One of the things that struck me about that final chapter was an update to the familiar Romans Road dubbed the Genesis-Romans Road. Evangelists, pastors and everyday Christians once used the Romans Road with great effect, but this is because we were speaking to a generation who was familiar with the claims of the Bible. In the post-Christian America we currently live in, I think the Genesis-Romans Road to Salvation lays a better foundation for understanding the Greatest Story Ever Told.

I was not disappointed with Volume 2 of the Answers Book for Teens. I recommend it to anyone who loves their teens and wants them to have solid answers to their questions about science, culture and the Bible.

You can find out more about the AB4T2 [including where to purchase this great resource!] from the publisher or by watching the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwtBxwIWk-A&feature=player_embedded

-Rev Tony Breeden, from the Bookwyrm's Lair

Read our review of the first volume of the Answers Book for Teens!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the New Leaf Publishing Group Book review program on CreationConversations.com <http://www.creationconversations.com/group/bookreviewersfornewleafpublishinggroup>. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fall of 2011, I had the opportunity to write a review of Answers Book for Teens Vol 1 . I found that book particularly helpful as an evening devotional reading with my teen and preteens. Hopefully my review encouraged all of you to go out and buy your own copy. However, as there are only fifteen questions covered in the book, there's a good chance you may have worked through them all. If that's the situation You find yourself in, I have good news for you. This month (July 2012) Master Books has released Answers Book for Teens, Volume 2.

The strong focus of helping teens to reach a biblical worldview comes through in this second volume as it did in the first. The format and layout is similar to what we saw in volume one. There are 15 lessons, each centered around a core question. Each chapter is about 5-6 pages in length. The topics discussed are:

*Q1 - Did creation really take just 6 days or did God use the big bang?
*Q2 - Noah's ark...Really?
*Q3 - What about cavemen and missing links?
*Q4 - But the Bible is full of contradictions...isn't it?
*Q5 - Don't fossils prove evolution?
*Q6 - Isn't natural selection evolution? My textbook says they're the same.
*Q7 - Mutations are good for evolution, right? I mean, X-Men can't be wrong, can it?
*Q8 - But the Bible was written by a bunch of men, right? What makes it so special?
*Q9 - How should I interpret the Bible?
*Q10 - But doesn't the Bible support slavery?
*Q11 - Unicorns and the Bible...you've got to be kidding!
*Q12 - How can we be sure the 66 books of the Bible are the only ones from God?
*Q13 - What about abortion, cloning, and stem cells? At school I'm taught that these things are good for society!
*Q14 - What about going to college?
*Q15 - "Going through the motions"...is that saving faith?

The target audience for Answers Book for Teens, Volume 2 is teens ages 13-17. If you're planning on reading it with your kids, it could be useful for sharing with those as young as 11 or 12. Each parent will have to decide for themselves if their preteen is ready for all of the topics covered in the book. The illustrations and artwork used throughout the book will appeal to the intended teen audience. This book will spur parents, ministry leaders and the teens they care about on to many hours of fruitful discussion. As I did with volume 1, I highly recommend Answers Book for Teens, Volume 2 to parents and ministry leaders looking for a resource to help them intentionally interact with their teens on the many important worldview-shaping questions considered throughout the book.

Author Information:

*Bodie Hodge is the author of Fall of Satan (Master Books, 2011) and co-author of Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs (Master Books, 2011). He is on the staff of Answers in Genesis, and is a speaker, writer, contributor, and researcher on a host of topics related to apologetics, biblical history, and the book of Genesis.

*Dr. Tommy Mitchell is a scientist, physician, and father who has a burden to provide solid answers from the Bible to equip people to stand in the face of personal tragedy and popular evolutionary misinformation.

*Ken Ham is an accomplished author of some of the most popular and effective apologetics research on the market. He is the founder of Answers in Genesis - U.S. and the president of the Creation Museum.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Master Books for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

[Brandon Lehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questions?

Everyone's got them, especially today's teens. They are inundated with secular humanistic philosophies from every side. They may have grown up singing the "B-I-B-L-E" in Sunday school, but now they're not so sure. "Jesus Loves Me," seems like such a kids song and everyone else is telling them something different.

It's not that they want to turn away from everything they were taught, but what can they stand on?

The need answers. They need to know that their faith and beliefs do rest on solid ground. This is what Bodie Hodge, Tommy Mitchell and Ken Ham set out to accomplish when they put together Answers Book for Teens Volume 2 . This book is for those who are confronted with opposing world views, seeking to be assured of the truth.

In 15 chapters they cover topics such as creation and evolution, dealing with the Big Bang, Noah's Ark, cave men, fossils, and missing links. These are some of the biggest issues that teens face today from media and textbooks. Each is briefly explained revealing the facts that support biblical truth and the false arguments used to cause doubt.

The next biggest assault that our young people face is over the bible itself. Time and time again the claim is made that the bible is just a book written by men, full of contradictions, and mythology. Thankfully, these guys set the record straight on the inspiration and veracity of the Word of God.

Another area of concern today, has to do with ethical issues. What about abortion? Or Cloning? Does the bible speak on these matters? How should a Christian view these issues? Each of these are explored, seeking to further understand scripture's stance on each.

Chapter 14 is a little different. Here you will find wise counsel on the matter of choosing and attending a college. This is not a matter to be taken lightly. What will I be exposed to? What am I prepared to face? Many young adults have faltered in their faith under the influence of society's secular beliefs. This chapter explains what to look for, and what questions to ask.

The books ends with probably the most important issue of all, "Am I really saved?" It is a call to examine yourself, to see if your faith is real or are you just going through the motions? For those teens who grew up being drug to church each Sunday, this is one question they need to be asking themselves. It can be so easy to just blend in, to just live as you always have, but is that enough? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins? This is one question you have to answer for yourself.

Overall Answers Book for Teens Volume 2 is very helpful. The topics are relevant and the concise answers provide a platform for evaluating the claims of both sides. The short chapters are easy to read, and for the teen who just needs some reassurance of the truth of their faith, this may be just what they need.

I'd like to thank Master Books for sending me this free copy for review.

[Craig Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no doubt that teens are in a crucial stage of their lives. They are beginning to take on more responsibility, going through massive hormone changes, dealing with pier pressure from friends and are in the process of owning their faith as passed onto them by their parents. It is amidst this ownership of their faith that teens can develop a worldview crisis. Doubts begin to emerge as they think for themselves about their faith in God.

It is at this time in their life that teens need answers to their faith questions. In addition to reading Scripture, they need resources to help them think through the issues as others have before them. It is with this in mind that Master Books has developed a series of books titled Answer Book 4 Teens: Your Questions, God's Answers Volume 1 and 2.

Volume 2 has released and continues to provide biblically based and intellectually sound answers to teens questions at a level they can understand that characterized Volume 1.

The questions volume 2 answers are as follows:

1. Did creation really take just 6 days or did God use the big band?
2. Noah's ark...Really?
3. What about caveman and missing links?
4. But the Bible is full of contradictions..ins't it?
5. Don't fossils prove evolution?
6. Isn't natural selection evolution? My textbook says they're the 7. same.
7. Mutations are good for evolution, right? I mean, X-Men can't be 9. wrong, can it?
8. But the Bible was written by a bunch of men, right? What make is so special/
9. How should In interpret the Bible?
10. But doesn't the Bible support slavery?
11. Unicorns and the Bible...you've got to be kidding me!
12. How can we be sure the 66 books of the Bible are the only ones from God?
13. What about abortion, cloning, and stem cells?
14. What about going to college?
15. "Going through the motions"...is that saving faith?

The Answer Book 4 Teens series is a great introduction to a number of biblical, scientific and apologetic issues and questions that teens will face either during high school or college. Even if your teens are not asking these questions to you they are either asking them to their friends, in their head or will ask them sooner or later. As a parent or teen worker, it is always good to get ahead of the game on these issues. This series of books is a great place to start. The font draws you in and the artwork is catchy.

The only thing I wish the publisher would have done was to provide a list of books for further reading at the end of each chapter. Certainly the answers given are not the end of the answer and their brevity (though not a fault) will certainly spur more questions and a desire for further inquiry.

NOTE: I received this book for free from Master Books in return for a review expressing my personal opinion and was under no obligation to provide a favorable one.