The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity

by Alex McFarland, Lee Strobel (Foreword)

Society today has a growing number of objections and concerns regarding Christianity. Why does a loving God let bad things happen? Would God really send someone to hell? And why is Christianity right and other religions are in error? Many Christians hear objections to Christianity and have a crisis of faith. Enter Alex McFarland, a seasoned apologist who is ready to explore 10 common objections to Christianity. He offers straight answers that will give them confidence and understanding about their beliefs. After reading this book, all Christians will know how to effectively answer the most common objections to Christianity, why they believe what they believe and be prepared to defend their faith and worldview.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

253 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2007

Reviews

[Katerbean98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So practical and so good. It covers the basics of apologetics well.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read this book in college, when I started taking my faith seriously when all others around me were not. Gave this another read as part of a study I am teaching to my youth group and it's a solid book. It's certainly not the best book on apologetics but it also never claims to be. Alex McFarland states clearly at the beginning of the book to use his book as a catalyst to study these issues deeper. I think he does a fair job of bringing some of the issues forward and introducing young Christians to them, while offering some Biblically, and logically, sound apologetics. Though, I felt the last 2-3 objections were sort of put together with less fortitude than the others, they still at least ask the questions to get one's mind thinking.

All in all, if you're starting out on apologetics, I think this is a fantastic starting point.

[Michael K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, I would consider, is a primer for Christian apologetics. It is a great start for those who desire to know how to defend one's faith and to give an answer to others as to why you believe what you believe through sound reason and logic. A great book for those of all ages who are interested not in debate and arguing but in defending the faith with knowledge and facts.

[remi ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to apologetics, it covers all the basics. That said, I’m not convinced this book could change the mind of a non-believer, nor do I think a Christian could enter an intellectual spar against someone equipped solely with the information from this book. This is more like enriched reading for Christians to enjoy and perhaps answer some questions that they themselves have.

[Dominic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit dissatisfied with the last two sections of this book, but only in a relative sense towards the rest of the material. McFarland makes some extremely logical and inescapable arguments towards the existence and legitimacy of Jesus Christ, and he does so very eloquently. Overall, this book was a great "faith-strengthener", and it deserves 4.5 stars. A great read for budding Christians, long-time Christians, and atheists alike.

[Nina Singhapakdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it definitely helped to give me a logical basis for my faith in Jesus, not just a spiritual basis. I took off a star because in his explanations about things like the Crusades or other historical events, there were no citations so I had no way to check the academic validity of his sources and make sure that what he wrote was accurate and founded in solid research.

[David Ochabski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex McFarland is the current president of Southern Evangelical Seminary as well as the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics. He serves as the spokesman for Focus on the Family’s program for teen apologetics and is a monthly columnist for “Plugged In” magazine. He received his M.A. in Christian Thought and Apologetics from Liberty University. He and his family live in Greensboro, North Carolina, and he is the author of many various works on Christianity and apologetics, some of which include The Assault on America, Abandoned Faith, The God You Thought You Knew, and Life Answers. In his book The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity, McFarland explores the reasoning for skeptics and atheists to reject Christianity an provides sound, biblical arguments for biblical integrity and trustworthiness. He probes deeper into certain bold claims such as biblical errors, the problem of evil, knowing how God is real, and why a loving God would condemn people to hell. Essentially, McFarland explores why anyone should believe in Christianity at all and provides solid answers to the toughest of questions. This book is recommended for both skeptics seeking answers to difficult questions about Christianity as well as Christians desiring further clarification on difficult concepts.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in our apologetics small group. I did not find it to be about defending Christianity, your beliefs or God as it was suggested. For me, it was like a guide helping me understand why I believe what I believe and having reference to truth. I appreciated the correlation McFarland gave on questions and objections to God’s word. This is a book I would like to read again in an independent setting.

[Alex Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es buen libro, para comenzar con la apologética.

Representa puntos básicos de la apologética en cuanto a ciertas objeciones que el autor va desarrollando en todo el libro. Al final del libro hay un material de estudio bastante bueno. Espero poder implementarlo con un grupo de jóvenes próximamente.

Además, puedo decir que recomiendo este libro para aquel que comienza en la apologética y desee un material breve y conciso como este.

[Ronb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was written clearly and organized extremely. In the study of apologetics it is the best I have read from current authors and answers questions for both the Christian (who should read this book) and the non-Christian (who probably won’t read this book). I recommend this to Christians who have questions about their faith or have friends who have questions about God, the Bible, Jesus Christ.

[Christina Bohn · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just no. Extremely reductionistic, poor biblical scholarship, and major fear of postmodernity. Apologetics reveal just as much about the Age it was written as they do the reason for faith, and this way of doing apologetics needs to be left in the past. We can do better than this.

[Stacy Simpson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was sadly mistaken when I picked up this book. I thought it would be about NOT to be catholic but it was about why you should be.

So to try my best I tried to read it but then I couldn’t take it anymore and off to eBay it went. 😁

[Susan Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this… atheists agnostics Christians… any belief or religion. Alex McFarland details historical and scientific evidence. It took me a while to read as it is very detailed,however it was Very well worth the time it took to read.

[Sarah Kortright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book everyone should read.

[Josh Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short book comprised of what feels like scholarly essays more than chapters, Alex Mcfarland offers rebuttals to 10 of the most commonly asked questions regarding Christianity. Clear and concise, Mcfarland's take on these questions offers readers an easy to understand look at how Christianity handles some very controversial topics like "Why would God send people He loves to hell," and "How was the world created in only 7 days?" In my opinion, Mcfarland handles these questions with grace and aplomb, so as not to cause offense to someone reading who may not consider Christianity their religion. To those who do, however, this book is an excellent tool for building one's confidence in the things they believe.

[Audra Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good overall introduction to apologetics. It's not too long and it's not a hard read. Some of the best chapters for me were on the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible. I think every Christian should have a general knowledge of apologetics, and this book is very accessible for those who want to be informed about their faith but who don't want to go into a deep study.

That being said...this book is not going to satisfy every question about God's existence, creation, evolution, suffering, etc.

[Nikole Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When considering the mission field (i.e. online ministry), it's important to get into the head and heart of the unbeliever.

The Ten Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex McFarland briefly goes over the ten most common objections, like Jesus' resurrection. What struck me was how many theories existed to disprove Jesus' empty tomb. In order not to believe, people really stretched their imaginations.

Once again, I am convinced the reason to not believe is buried beneath pride or the scar tissue of the battered heart. A great book to read whether you are a believer or not.

[Vconner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible tells us to be ready to give an account, to teach, and to grow. This book is a fantastic place to start to build a solid foundation in giving an answer to the tough questions Christians face ever day ( i.e. "isn't the Bible full of errors"). Let us do all we can do to give this world an accurate view of our foundation, our faith, and our triumph in Christ.

[Bridget Neumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to all. The information in this book will be helpful for the rest of your life. I found myself re-reading and highlighting many things that I will want to remember and refer back to. I especially liked his thoughts on what Alex refers to as the "Africa question". . . what about the salvation of those who never hear about Jesus. You'll just have to read this!!

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Bible study group just got done with reading this book and I found it very interesting. Hopefully it will arm me with responses for questions I get from my non-Christian friends. I sets out the 10 most common objections to Christianity and how to address them.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine book overall, readable yet with the proper depth of research. Probably shouldn't be the final word on these 10 questions but great introduction to the need for and legitimacy of modern apologetics. Terrific chapter on the topic of suffering.

[Élizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book! Great for Christians, skeptics, and seekers alike. However, I personally was expecting to learn new arguments or research into those classic objections but that was not what I've found, which is the main reason why I rated this a 4 instead of a 5.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty average apologetic. It's based mostly on evidential apologetics so on the historical side there's some interesting information. However, it is a problem that some of the sources of his answers are not referenced so any fallow-up is severely hampered.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian apologetic book. Christian apologetics can often be a difficult topic. What I liked about this book was that it was very understandable and easy to read. I particularly liked his two chapters on the Bible. He had plenty of facts and I could follow his logic.

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring. Had some basic errors of fact particularly around the move to Sunday worship by the early christians. Overall - I can't recommend it except for those who only want a poorly written, basic, apologetics primer.

[Marlo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't an in-depth apologetic book, which makes it an easier read as one is beginning to delve into problematic topics. We plan to share it in a small group setting on a weekly basis, while also using other supplementary material. It's a helpful starting point.

[Kathleen O'Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sets objections and arguments to overcome those objections to Christianity. Review at eho.org

[Phillip]

The jury is still out, and I am still formulating my review on this. Will need to return to this later.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful and put together book. I read it a couple years ago for a study and thought Mcfarland had really stellar points. It also had great facts to it//great topics. Awesome book.

[Greg Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for every believer. A great resource to help apply 1 Peter 3:15.