The Problem of God

by Mark Clark

The Problem of God is written by a skeptic who became a Christian and then a pastor, all while exploring answers to the most difficult questions raised against Christianity. Mark grew up in an atheistic home, and after his father's death, began a skeptical search for truth through exploring science, philosophy, and history, asking the big questions of life, and eventually finding answers in Christianity.

In a disarming, winsome, and persuasive way, The Problem of God responds to the top 10 questions people raise against God, and Christianity, including, among

The Problem of Science The Problem of God's Existence The Problem of the Bible The Problem of Evil and Suffering The Problem of Hell The Problem of Sex The Problem of Hypocrisy Each chapter answers the specific challenge using a mix of theology, philosophy, and science on the one hand, while also using stories and anecdotes. It's apologetics for the rest of us, focused on both convincing the skeptic, and informing the Christian.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

Audible Audio

Published January 15, 2018

Reviews

[Rachel C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Richard Dawkins Preaching from the Pulpit isn't any stranger than A Preacher taking the role as science teacher. (This Review is targeted at the Chapter on Faith and Science.)

I would not request a sermon from Richard Dawkins, and I shouldn’t expect scientific evidence from Mark Clark. What irks me the most, is that Clark is in a position of authority and there’s a lot of people that do not have the time to fact check all of his statements. I'm talking specifically about his statements about the trial of Galileo and the supposed "holes" in evolutionary theory. Mark Clark uses language that on the surface, suggest that he is knowledgable on the topic of evolution. Lay people (myself included) may be tempted to accept his bold, statements without question. With a little probing, however, his "holes" in the theory of evolution are non-existent. They may still lead many to distrust the scientific community and this seems to be Clark's goal. I had hoped that Clark would reveal how science and reason and history, need not stand in the way of a rigorous faith. That is not what I got. Instead I got a lot of reactionary rants. Seems like someone's jealous? Too bad. Evolution has the potential to enrich spirituality and has an embarrassment of riches for evidence. Similarly it is dishonest to make such outrageous statements about history (the trial of Galileo) without using evidence to back it up. It would have been much wiser for Mark Clark to take an approach similar to that of the Biologos foundation, instead of taking cheap shots at science and history. He proposed to illustrate how Christianity takes a MORE rational approach at explaining reality. What the reader gets is series of “tu quoque” (you too) fallacies, some straw man arguments (that made it easier for him to argue against) and some appeals to invalid authority (or "consensus" of authority). It is not enough for one to make statements of fact. Those “facts” actually need to be backed up with evidence, especially if they are dealing with History or Science. It would be like me saying, “God does not exist”, and then proceeding to quote one liners from Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris as authorities and then misquoting William lane Craig a few times. This will never be enough to build a convincing and rational argument in any situation, and I think Mark Clark would have done better to save that chapter for an entire book instead. He also should have pointed eager Christians or Skeptics towards John Lennox or Francis Collins as role models of both faith and Reason. These men do not take cheap shots and are able to live their lives in the fullness of truth presented by science as well as enrich their lives with Faith. Maybe next time Mark Clark.

[Jakub Ferencik · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book touches on all the requirements of a Christian contemporary book:

It quotes from C. S. Lewis.

Forward by Larry Osborne. Who did Larry Osborne not do a forward for?

It says that evil and suffering is compatible with Christianity because only Christians can distinguish between right and wrong.

It explains the fallacy of the “Four Blind Men and the Elephant” story. Classic. Must include that, if I forget, they’ll only be able to read it every other book that a Christian has written ever.

It misrepresents Darwinism every time it mentions it.

It calls Richard Dawkins an anti-humanist that can’t be capable of decency because of his worldview.

It quotes from Timothy Keller every 10 pages. Further quotes from N. T. Wright every 50 pages. Of course, let’s not pass on J. I. Packer - quotes from him as well.

It points towards the Inklings and J.R.R. Tolkien as credible sources to understand myth and why Christianity is not a myth.

Almost every chapter (apart from the credibility of Jesus chapter) is based on straw-man fallacy arguments.

The book ends with the resurrection. And guess what? Yes. He goes through the classic “the disciples could not have... ” Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V.

Realistically I don’t think this book has anything new to offer. Why not just read Timothy Keller, N. T. Wright if you're borrowing from them all the time? (Maybe there is an argument to be had on N. T. Wright since he is a scholar and his book tend to be long and difficult to read, but Timothy Keller? His writing is fabulous. Just read him.)

Okay. Maybe I’m being a little bit too harsh here. For beginning skeptics, this could all be very valuable. But for someone that has read these things from at least a dozen pastors (Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, John Piper, John MacArthur, Kevin DeYoung, Ravi Zacharias, R. C. Sproul, Albert Mohler, on and on I can go), these arguments aren’t enough.

You can’t get a Christian book with original ideas anymore. But - I must say - I was for some reason surprised that he’d include The Problem of Exclusivity at the end there. It was a pleasant surprise.

For example, take the following statement: “I do believe that Christianity is the most comforting, hopeful, and beautiful worldview among the marketplace of ideas on offer to us in the great debate of life. But that’s not the reason I believe it. No, I believe historical, philosophical, and scientific conclusions confirm the legitimacy of Christian faith” (218).

So why do I find such a statement slightly troubling? Number one, it’s kind of arrogant. When someone says statements like this, it only leads us to assume that he’s read a prevalent amount of Christian literature and very little secular literature. Has he considered John Locke’s Understanding of Human Nature? Or David Hume’s Meditations? Maybe he did. Who knows? He probably has read the more notorious Atheists, such as Bertrand Russell and Richard Dawkins. Both of which however have a very limited understanding of Christianity. Which is very clear from Dawkins’ debates and from Russell’s writings.

Every time they try to criticize Christianity, I cringe. There are a lot of different writers you can point to. I don’t quote Dawkins on Religion, but I do quote him on evolution. With people like Dan Dennett and Sam Harris that is a little bit different, since both of them are philosophers, they are more respected for making metaphysical claims and anti-claims.

We need to question how much those who disagree with Atheism have studied on Free Will, Consciousness, Empiricism, decision-making, education, knowledge vs. opinion, logical fallacies, etc. These things are a lot to consider. Someone who believes in being a lifelong student, I need to say that there is so much to learn and so little to judge. I believe Christianity not to be true at the moment, because of how many secular writers disagree with it. And I am influenced by their writing, but my opinion can change within the next five years if I find sufficient grounds to be a post-modernist, Christian, Muslim, etc.

The window is always open. But for Christians, this is not the case. Since they have enough “historical, philosophical, and scientific conclusions [that] confirm the legitimacy of Christian faith”. This ‘legitimacy’ that is not legitimate for some of the leading intellectuals in the world. Do we need to ask, what makes things legitimate for people? Your legitimacy is not the same as mine, who is right then? Are you saying that you are more intelligent than X or Z?

How is your assumption that your legitimacy is enough, good enough then?

If you liked this, you can find more of my reviews/comments on Medium.com/@jakubferencik

[A Muzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this apologetic book. Mark Clark does a great job in structuring the main arguments in favor/against Christianity. It contains a collection of most of the classic discussions science x faith, morality...
It reminded me quite a bit of Tim Keller's "The Reason for God" (which is actually cited a couple of times) which makes me think it lacks a bit of novelty (lose 1 star here).
I also enjoyed the author's skeptical but very passionate view on "searching for truth".

Despite not agreeing with all of the arguments (example needed here ___ hehe :p) it's definitely a good read, made me reflect a lot and sparked some interesting discussions.

[Paul C. Stalder · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather flat attempt at an introductory apologetic text which could have benefited from a more astute editor. Clark hurries through his arguments, rarely letting them approach anything remotely meritorious. He quotes from the opposition, suggesting actual engagement with opposing views. But even a cursory glance at the quoted works demonstrates little, if any, thoughtful dialogue on Clark's part. It seemed like Clark and his editor were expecting an audience who had yet to thoughtfully enter an educated dialogue around the merits of Christianity. For those who have never picked up another apologetic work, or who have never read any critiques of Christianity, this book may be worth reading. It adds little, however, to the ongoing debate and ultimately fails to live up to the lofty goal its' subtitle indicates.

[Kelly Hagood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thoughtful, straightforward book giving very rational arguments for Christianity in the face of perplexing questions often presented by skeptics. Great book for doubters, questioners, or Christians who struggle with certain aspects of God. It is written by a former atheist who asked many of these questions himself and arrived at Christianity as the most logical world view. I highly recommend this book to all.

[Dottie Parish]

The Problem of God: Answering A Skeptic's Challenges to Christianity

By Mark Clark

Through ten amazing chapters Mark Clark explains and explores the questions many people have about God. I have read a number of apologetic books and yet this book covered many aspects of belief and unbelief I had not read about before. Clark came up with new and clear ways to explain and convince doubters that God is real and powerful and Christ is the son of God. The chapter on Evil and Suffering is outstanding. The problem of Hell is another brilliant chapter. He even tackles the apparent Hypocrisy of believers and the Problem of Exclusivity. And he ends with the Problem of Jesus.

I will read this book over and over again.

[Matthew Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new "go-to" book to share with skeptics of Christianity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new apologetics book by Pastor Mark Clark. Clark tackles some of the toughest challenges thrown at Christianity with reasonable, thoughtful, and readable(!) answers. It's definitely written for skeptics, not for the already-convinced (though we can profit from reading it, too). And there is a good dose of self-deprecating humor.

The thing I liked the best about "The Problem of God" was how up-to-date and relevant it is. Some of the skeptical arguments were ones that I've never seen addressed in a book-length treatment before. (ex. theories about the "Christ myth"). But I hear young people asking these very questions. It doesn't feel like "your father's apologetics book."

I also appreciated that Clark didn't just deal with evidential or philosophical objections--but also personal roadblocks to belief like hypocrisy among Christians. One of the longest and best chapters is the one on Christianity and sex.

Highly recommended. Give it to a skeptic you love.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Clark currently serves as a pastor, but as a teenager, he was a skeptic and an atheist. The Problem of God is a well-written addition from someone who wrestled with the questions he asks personally.

The Problem of God is written by a skeptic who became a Christian and then a pastor, all while exploring answers to the most difficult questions raised against Christianity. Growing up in an atheistic home, Mark Clark struggled through his parents' divorce, acquiring Tourette syndrome and OCD in his teen years. After his father's death, he began a skeptical search for truth through science, philosophy, and history, eventually finding answers in Christianity.

He responds to ten problems: the problem of science, God’s existence, the Bible, the Christ myth, evil and suffering, hell, sex, hypocrisy, exclusivity, and Jesus.

It’s interesting that Clark’s book came out just a year before Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin. Both are good books and I wouldn’t hesitate to give either to an unbeliever. Clark’s tends to be a little more aimed at the average Joe and McLaughlin tends to be a little bit more aimed at the academic. Clark also tends to be a little bit more pointed in his approach.

Whereas Tim Keller’s book The Reason for God is directed more at the soft skeptic and McLaughlin’s book is directed at the academic skeptic, Clark writes toward the harder line skeptic who has been influenced by the New Atheists. His book would be ideal for a high schooler or even college student.

Clark is at his best when he presses back at the skeptic and pokes holes in their arguments and worldviews.

For instance, Clark reminds the reader that,
“Richard Middleton point this out, saying that everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not, and that it is the way we answer four basic questions: (1) Who am I? Or, what are the nature, task and purposes of human beings? (2) Where am I? Or, what is the nature of the world and universe I live in? (3) What’s wrong? Or, what is the basic problem or obstacle that keeps me from attaining fulfillment? In other words, how do I understand evil? And (4) What is the remedy? Or, how is it possible to overcome this hindrance to my fulfillment? In other words, how do I find salvation?”

Clark mines a lot of resources to provide thoughtful responses to the problems. Clark isn’t at strong in offering a pastoral ear to the skeptic. My only other quibble is that I wish Clark’s book had a little stronger introduction and a more coherent structure. What that means is that you can pick up any chapter that has particular appeal to you and it reads well on its own, but in its entirety, you don’t feel as though you’re headed on a particular journey along with the author.

All of that said, Clark’s book is a nice addition to apologetics and I encourage you to pick it up if you’re interested or have any friends interested in the problems Clark addresses.

For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.

[Nate Weger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Clark’s style and tenacity are bolstered not only by his path to Christianity but also his having to overcome his own physical impediments. I listened to many of his sermons (binged in a low period in my life) before I read his book and his voice and narratives carry through to it.

I, myself am Gen X so I appreciate many of the references that he uses and his straight forward language. He is not your typical pastor.

Unlike baby boomers, Gen Xers were educated from the very beginning that evolution is a fact. You have to deny your own rational to not believe it. Now, besides all the cool dinosaur art that we got out of that deal, we also were handed a tremendous amount of nihilistic existentialism. No one told us this, of course. Just like no one knew the danger of nuclear radiation as they rushed to Bikini Atoll to see what the H bomb had done. This might be why GenX’s trademark music genre, Grunge, has lost so many to suicide.

We had been warned, though, by Dostoevsky and even Nietzsche what would happen after ‘God died’. Our grandparents told us what happens when you remove God-given individual liberty from society and only focus on race or the state. Some of us remembered worrying as we rode our bike around town if that odd cloudy sunset was the beginning of the apocalypse – an ever present reminder that our existence was little more than a button push away from ending.

Which is probably why Mark spends a lot more time in his book dismantling evolution’s nihilistic stranglehold that it has had on our generation. But, but, aren’t preachers supposed to only teach us about theology?

To this point, one goodreads commentator states “I would not request a sermon from Richard Dawkins, and I shouldn’t expect scientific evidence from Mark Clark.” but she misses the point that Dawkins has become her generations preacher and uses ‘science’ to make his own philosophical and ultimately theological claims. Even Newton and Pascal used science to bolster their belief in God just as Hawkins, Harris and Krauss use it to bolster their disbelief in God. So I think it is perfectly reasonable for a preacher to push back the other way using science. It is not ‘off limits’. Plus, there is no scientific evidence that your DNA won’t get ‘naturally selected’ because of your beliefs (unless of course your belief system doesn’t allow you to have biological children).

Many of my generation (and now our generations kids) have lost their faith not because of a problem with theology but with a problem of the basic belief in God.

Should there be no God then throw theology out – what does it matter?

For us GenXrs who grew up in church it was just assumed that God existed so why even question this. Churches didn’t talk about philosophical reasons why God existed – our parents brought the ‘treasure’ that is the Gospel into our rooms and laid it down on the end of our bed saying, ‘here you go’. We didn’t have to search for it or pursue it or even knock on a door for it. Which is probably why it was so easy for it to be taken away from us. Many of us GenXrs are like Esau, and we somehow accepted that Christ is equivalent to the ‘flying spaghetti monster’ in complexity and relevance.

We all gave up way to easily.

I think, though, that it really came down to the fact that we looked at all the fun everyone was having without the encumbrances of our Christian ethic and then that made us question it. Not because there was some mountain of evidence against it but because if it isn’t true then we are not responsible.

Which leads to another huge issue that Mark does not shy away from – Sex.

He devotes a whole chapter to what the Christian perspective is on sex and why it is the way it is in a way that all our dad’s should have. He points out that many people don’t trust the Christian God because of His perceived narrowness when it comes to sex but then he adds that if God made us then it follows that He can’t dislike it that much since He invented it.

Many of us look at the wreckage our sexual ethic (or lack of) has caused in our lives – isolating us, making us weak and wonder how we got to where we are. Were we born this way? In one way we were but does that mean we have to be happy with it?

Intuitively, we should at least be a little suspect of our sexual appetite because by its nature it can cause us to view humans as aesthetic objects only.

Similar to how slavery dehumanizes (humans are only as valuable as their usefulness) sexuality can dehumanize (she/he is hot. I want to have sex with them irrespective of who they are). We literally have whole industries built on lusting after people that we will never meet in person.

Can you not see how this can lead to the conclusion (whether consciously or unconsciously) that you are only as valuable as how sexually attractive you are? If you don’t believe me just go to a night club. This is why this chapter is so relevant and why getting the Christian perspective on sexuality (sex is bad, sex is God etc..) is so important because it allows for the inevitable attractions but then wraps it in a commitment that forces us to learn to love based off of not just aesthetics alone. To love and be loved ‘warts and all’. It is difficult to take because it is an ideal.

Like I tell my wife, ‘there are no hot grandmas at the old-folks home. Everyone looks the same in the end’ and we are all ending up there.

In other words, giving into your sexual appetites carte blanche is nihilistic not only for eternity but also for probably the last third of your life on earth.

Hypocrisy of Christians, Exclusivity of Christianity, The Problem of Jesus

Like Keller, Mark admits that many people reject Christianity not because of its ideas but rather because of its people. Many Christians can say the most horrible things and be extremely calloused and uncaring. I was glad that he addressed this.

He also tells a great story about his Wiccan friend in high school and how civility is an important part of the discussion no matter what you believe.

He hammers the nail on the head of the selfishness of my generation and the generations since then…’Christian’ or not:

“Skeptics will still argue that people who believe in heaven only care about getting there and are content to let the world go to pot. But again, this is a false assumption, and the opposite seems true. If the only life I get is this one, why not live it up? If there is nothing after this life and what I do will not be remembered in the course of eons of time and space, why should I sacrifice my time and resources for others? I am not saying atheists are worse people than Christians, and in fact, some of those I know are among the nicest people I’ve ever met. I am simply saying their own worldview doesn’t give a rational explanation for why they should care for others or sacrifice their own time and energy.”

Mark has a style and honesty you don’t see in many pastors. He is willing to address the issues of our time in a Christian, as well as, a philosophical framework that he has thought about and lived through. The explosive growth of his church is a testament to its effectiveness.

[Darin Dalida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me be clear - this is not Keller or Lewis - but it's a really accessible summarization of some of the greatest arguments against the Christian faith. The footnotes are many - and sure it relies on Keller, Lewis, and Plantinga - but there's plenty of Clark's personality and tact. I feel like it addressed the big obstacles...and perhaps strangely enough the chapter on "The Problem of Hell" is one of the best treatments and actually brought me to tears.

Even though I have larger and richer apologetic works - this is a fun read that really has our cultural moment in view. I'd give it to anyone who is curious or wrestling with faith...or a seasoned believer who just wants a fresh overview of the popular objections.

[Brian Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I fell for Zondervan's marketing when the book was released in 2017. Essentially, this is a poor man's version of Tim Keller's great book, The Reason for God. If you want to read a book on apologetics from an intellectual pastor, read that book. If you have any curiosity about why anyone would believe that Christianity is true, read that book. The only advantages that this book has are the following: this book is a bit shorter and easier to read; Clark writes in a more conversational tone; and he covers one area (the belief that the story of Jesus is a complete myth) that Keller does not.

This book isn't bad, but it should have been written and edited more carefully. It feels like it should have spent more time in the oven. I knew there was trouble when Clark used the word "tenant" instead of "tenet" (the former rents an apartment or house, the latter is a belief). Though he cites some sources and there are endnotes, at other times he makes claims that should be supported with a citation. He has a chapter on sex that dodges homosexuality and a chapter on science that dodges evolution. If you're writing about sex and science in this age, you have to address those topics.

Still, the book has some compelling reasons to believe and handles some objections very well. It would have been much better if Clark had some more editorial help.

[Andy Rectenwald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Introductory Apologetics Book

I liked the brevity and readability of this book. Clark has a way of boiling complex issues down to their root and addressing them head on without being too wordy or technical.

A criticism I have is that Clark misses some key counter arguments that many skeptics have brought up in several places. It might leave many readers familiar with the content frustrated, because he simply moves on after briefly answering the objection.

I thought the resurrection content could have been discussed more in-depth than it was, as it is the most important claim of Christianity.

I’d recommend it to anyone beginning to read apologetic material. It’s a good primer.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paradigm Shift

I came into this book having been a Christian for 31 years, but always having had some doubts about whether the “outrageous” stories and claims made in the Bible were true. I mean I believed that the Bible was true, but there was still a fairytale element in how I looked at a lot of what was presented as history and fact. As I read this book, I found myself saying “wow, this is really true”, and actually feeling it in my bones. It’s given a whole new strength and depth to my faith, and the courage to go out and share it with others. A must read!

[Mike Wardrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Clark has brought a modern perspective to age old questions that plague those who wrestle with the idea of God. This book is well set out, readable and accessible. One of my favourite features is the way that it directly addresses some of the common questions and critiques that atheists and non-Christians have about each topic, rather than just trumpeting his own thoughts.
It’s thorough but not too academic, easy but not simple. Go buy a copy today.

[Marisa Wiens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just. Wow.
Whether you're a believer or not, you have to read this book. It answered all of my burning questions. Not only that- I feel as if I can see clearly now, like after the defrost kicks in when your car windows are fogged up. Pastor Mark tackles everything, (and I mean everything) and doesn't leave any hard question out. This is heavy material but he puts it into layman terms. Thank you, for writing this book. Amazing.

[Aidan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book confirmed my skepticism. Every question posed by the author is inadequately answered. The logical fallacies here run the gamut. The writing is high school essay level equivalent (Who at HarperCollins gave this the okay?). I do not recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a reasonable, thoughtful, evidence-based discussion about the problems with God and Western Christianity. Here you merely have the pastor preaching to his flock.

[Katie O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional and worth while read. If your a long time believer or a skeptic, Mark leads you through the tough questions with accuracy, understanding and wit. Life is complicated, history is complicated and exploring together is always positive.
If your an atheist, this is a great read. If your a Christian it’s a great read.
A little understanding is always valuable.

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely readable and engaging. Probably best suited for advanced high school thinkers to college students. Very Christ-honoring and intellectually honest.

[Simone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Missed Opportunity.

Let me preface this to say that I've been a fan of Mark Clark for a while and have attended his church. Of all the churches in our area, it's the closest one to what I would consider "on the mark" in terms of theology (pun not intended ;) ... that said, I started off this book very hopeful and it quickly turned into disappointment in the first chapter.

Mark starts off on the right foot. He explains how the apparent dichotomy between faith and science did not exist through much of history. He's right. Unfortunately where he starts to try and disprove evolution he completely misses the point... all the "evidence" he suggests to back up his opinions have long been debunked and rebutted, by Christian scientists no less. He had an opportunity here to talk about the research and evidence, and why science - even mainstream science - is in harmony with the Gospel. Instead he chose to rehash popular rhethoric by young earth creationists who continually take the Bible out of context. (Interesting side note... did you know young earth creationism has been a thing only since the 1970s? And that a majority of Christians on an global scale, outside of North America, have absolutely no theological problems with accepting evoution as fact?)

***Also Mark Clark, if you end up reading this... Professor Dennis Venema is local to you, he teaches Biology at Trinity Western University. I think you guys need to go out for coffee and have a chat. :) ***

I will list here suggested resources for anyone who wants to delve further into this topic; books and resources that will give you the "meat" without glossing over things.

The Biologos website

"The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief" by Dr. Francis Collins

"Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution" by Kenneth Miller

"The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn't Say About Human Origins" by Peter Enns

"Adam and the Genome: Reading Scripture After Genetic Science" by Dennis R. Venema

"The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2-3 and the Human Origins Debate" by John H. Walton

"Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today" by N.T. Wright

"Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church" by N.T. Wright

"The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It" by Peter Enns

"The Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires our Trust More than Our Correct Beliefs" by Peter Enns

"How the Bible Actually Works: In Which I Explain How an Ancient, Ambiguous, and Diverse Book Leads Us to Wisdom Rather Than Answers - and Why That's Great News" by Peter Enns

[Alex Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro captó mi atención desde el momento en que leí su título. El autor plantea una interrogante inicial que considero muy interesante, relacionada con cómo responder a los desafíos de los incrédulos sobre el cristianismo. Este tema me resultó particularmente relevante, ya que, en el contexto actual, es crucial saber enfrentar de manera adecuada los argumentos ateos y los cuestionamientos a la fe cristiana.

El autor comienza compartiendo aspectos de su vida personal y los conecta con el conflicto que, según él, existe en la ciencia respecto al reconocimiento de la existencia de Dios. A partir de ahí, aborda diversos problemas relacionados con la fe, estructurados en capítulos dedicados a cuestiones fundamentales, como la existencia de Dios, la Biblia, el mito de Cristo, el mal y el sufrimiento, el infierno, el sexo, la hipocresía, la exclusividad, y la figura de Jesús. En cada uno de estos temas, el autor ofrece argumentos que invitan a la reflexión.

Uno de los aspectos que más me gustaron del libro es que incluye citas de argumentos ateos y los va refutando con rigor y claridad. Esto permite que el lector explore ambas perspectivas y comprenda de forma más completa la creencia en Dios. Es un enfoque que considero muy enriquecedor, especialmente para quienes desean fortalecer su fe y obtener una base sólida y razonada para sus creencias.

Además de abordar cuestiones filosóficas y teológicas, el autor plantea preguntas que nos invitan a reflexionar profundamente. Su estilo organizado y lógico facilita la comprensión de las ideas presentadas, y varios de sus argumentos me hicieron pensar de manera crítica y disfrutar del proceso de descubrir sus respuestas.

Recomendaría este libro a cualquiera que desee iniciarse en la apologética o busque argumentos sólidos para defender y entender su fe. Es una herramienta valiosa para quienes tienen dudas sobre su creencia o simplemente quieren profundizar en los fundamentos de su fe cristiana. Considero que reflexionar sobre estos temas es esencial para tener una fe más firme, cimentada tanto en Jesucristo como en la razón. Sin duda, este libro me ha dejado una impresión muy positiva.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Problem of God is an apologetic on Christian faith. Author, Mark Clark grew up in an atheistic home but felt something was missing in his life. When he went searching for answers, he was sceptical about Christian faith. So he was surprised to find that Christianity offered better explanations to the origins of life and suffering than science or other religions. Mark is now a Christian pastor.

Mark tackles the following topics: Science, God’s existence, the Bible, myths about Jesus, evil, hell, sex, hypocrisy, exclusivity and Jesus’ death and resurrection. He looks at the inadequacies of modern thinking in these areas and presents a Christian response. I’ve read widely in these areas yet found Mark was able to bring fresh insights. I found this particularly when he discussed hell as not many writers address this topic.

Mark writes in an easy-to-read, down to earth manner. I found his explanations reasonable and well thought through. He exposes many of the lies that the world promotes through unresearched books and popular opinion. He shows the double standard of many who expect extensive proof for Christian beliefs but not requiring it for their own.

I especially enjoyed his logical approach and sense of humour.

Overall a helpful and insightful read.

[Ahjonjon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a way, it feels like just another apologetics book. Has a lot of the typical answers and explanations for faith and life questions. Yet at the same time, doesn't always answer all my hard heart questions.

But, I like that Mark comes from an atheist upbringing and sprinkles in bits of personality and relatability. More than simply trying to outwit the reader or bring some newfound facts or super knowledge, he invites the reader to explore these questions and brings forth the Gospel for readers to look through and make a decision themselves.

Problem of God is unapologetic in its approach, and has given me some pointers and tools to create dialogue with both my God believing, unbelieving, and uncertain friends about why we believe what we believe, instead of blindly (and in my opinion foolishly) following Jesus Christ.

With that, I encourage both new and long time church goers to check it out to know what you believe. And I challenge atheists and agnostics to read it to see if any of the problems are reasons why you don't believe. And I hope for both parties to message me and enjoy coffee and discussion over your findings.

[Daunavan Buyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book in the deep world of books on apologetics. Coming from an author who was at one point a staunch atheist, The Problem of God addresses some of the main objections to Christianity and invites the reader to consider the reasonableness of Christianity in light of the fact that it is true.
My only reason I can’t give it five stars is that Mark will often make a claim or give a brief sentence in an absolute way... while a much deeper and more nuanced exploration is necessary. I can’t fault him, though, as some of the points he makes have full volumes of work dedicated to flushing them out.
All this to say if you feel irked by anything in the book and want him to go deeper in explaining why he things the way he does... Read some of the books that he is citing as they will often give a more comprehensive and scholarly explanation.

On a very positive note we went through this book as a group of Young adults. The chapters and corresponding sermons sparked deep conversation, strengthened faith, answered some questions, and helped foster deeper community. Highly recommend going through this book with others!

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd love to give this higher marks, especially because so much of it was well reasoned and written. The reason why I can't go past 2 stars is because in spite of the sound arguments made throughout, two of those arguments, very serious ones at that, are shaky or downright awful. Clark's take on how old the earth is, 15 billion years, is based in the very same evolution that he's supposedly arguing against. It completely disregards God's saying that He created the world in Genesis.

Second, Clark does not believe in Hell the way that the Bible describes it, "fire, brimstone, etc...." Clark takes Hell as, yes, a literal place, but not like the one Christ described.

Overall, there was a lot of stuff in here that I was excited about, but I hesitate to recommend this book to anyone because of those two serious flaws.

[Varinka Franco williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A go-to book to share with skeptics of the faith. This is a book for the generation that gave up on God too easily. It address a lot of the issues of our time in a simple way, it is easy to understand and brings to light a lot of the questions that people like me has because we didn't grow up in Church.
"Written from the experience of a former atheist, this is a winsome, logical overview of why the “problem” of God is really our ultimate greatest solution, and simply the best answer to ‘what is truth’? and what is reality...he answers the “trendy” gotcha arguments from all areas of culture, philosophy and science-then brings forward these very icons of influence in light of their original intent to convey truth and provokes the reader to re-examine the roots that drive the deceptions in resisting the truth."
A must read if you are seeking.

[Harm Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book I will probably read a few more times. He addresses all the issues that have always troubled me regarding Christianity without ever becoming dogmatic. I've always been attracted to anything that would try to reconcile spiritual or religious themes with today's world (especially Susan Howatch's books from Glittering Images onward) but have equally enjoyed people exposing the absurdity of religion (Randy Newman comes to mind). Mark Clark not only addresses his themes in a way that speaks not only to the interested and spiritual part of my personality, but also to the sceptic, which is no mean feat. No controversial angle is ignored. I would recommend this to all my friends: believers and unbelievers.

[Jonathan Markham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book confronts clearly and directly many of the questions that “not yet believers” ask. It does not duck the questions and is written , not from the perspective of an intellectual debate but of a pastoral discussion. (Many of the more critical reviews for all of their rhetoric and references, can be summarized as “I don’t agree with the author” In my opinion it would be more helpful to simply say that rather than claim intellectual superiority.)
In my opinion the book provides a solid foundation for discussion with those sincerely seeking answers to the difficult questions of faith not simply by persuasion but by challenging each of us to “give a reason for the hope that is within us” and think for ourselves.

[Rachel Never Enough Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a thorough and rational explanation of the biggest questions surrounding Christianity. I appreciated how the chapters were broken down into each of these difficult topics such as proving the existence of God, Christian hypocrites, the relationship between science and religion, and the truth about Jesus. Even as a Christian, I learned an incredible amount about the history and facts of Christianity. It was also helpful to clarify the misunderstandings and false arguments used against it.

This book is a must-read for Christians and skeptics alike. It's approachable and easy to understand without talking down to the reader or oversimplifying these difficult questions.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 3 out of 5]

An atheist turned pastor confronts common obstacles to God. Unfortunately, the author does not seem to acknowledge a simple fact: most people who object to Christianity are common people. In other words, the author's arguments are intellectual, philosophical and esoteric, and (in my opinion) would not be heard by the common man on the street that he would need to convince.

Our church is studying this book through sermons and small groups. I am hopeful that the church's presentation avoids this problem.

[Tali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Problem of God was so fascinating and helpful to read! I don’t doubt the reality of who God is but I do feel sometimes that I have a child-like faith that is based more on the proof I’ve seen and felt than on actual evidence. So it is really helpful to read up on that actual evidence and understand the facts a little more! I really hope this will be a book that I can share with those who are questioning a little more or who done believe but who are willing to hear a different side to the story.