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Friend of God: The Inspiration of Abraham in an Age of Doubt
"My eyes were opened to text after text."
Rico Tice
'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. He was even called the friend of God.' (James 2.23)
Abraham is the only character in the Bible to be described as 'the friend of God'. This comprehensive study by John Lennox explores why.
Abraham is unquestionably one of the most outstanding and influential figures in world history. He had no political or military achievements, and he left no literary remains, yet today billions of people—more than half of the world's population—claim him as their spiritual father.
Throughout the Bible, Abraham is seen as a pivotal figure in God's plan of salvation. In this richly detailed account of his life and times, John Lennox helps us to see through mists of the past to the real flesh-and-blood man, with all his strengths and weaknesses, to better appreciate all that Abraham stands for as a model of faith today.
Rico Tice
'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. He was even called the friend of God.' (James 2.23)
Abraham is the only character in the Bible to be described as 'the friend of God'. This comprehensive study by John Lennox explores why.
Abraham is unquestionably one of the most outstanding and influential figures in world history. He had no political or military achievements, and he left no literary remains, yet today billions of people—more than half of the world's population—claim him as their spiritual father.
Throughout the Bible, Abraham is seen as a pivotal figure in God's plan of salvation. In this richly detailed account of his life and times, John Lennox helps us to see through mists of the past to the real flesh-and-blood man, with all his strengths and weaknesses, to better appreciate all that Abraham stands for as a model of faith today.
- GenresChristian
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Published February 18, 2024
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About the author
John C. Lennox
71 books921 followersJohn Carson Lennox is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 24, 2025
God bok om livet til Abraham. John Lennox skriver forståelig og interessant om en av de viktigste personene i Bibelen. Boken har en interessant blanding av å være en slags bibelkommentar og biografi, og klarer å kombinere både teologiske, apologetiske og sjelesørgeriske perspektiver. Noen passasjer ble litt unødvendig lange, og klarer heller ikke å si meg enig i alt han kommer med. Men det er ikke overraskende, når han kommer innom så mange ulike temaer.
March 17, 2024
It was a blessing to receive this book to review.
A detailed yet accessible account of Abraham’s life
A timely release during escalated troubles in Gaza with a very helpful appendix on the brief history of Israel.
This book is filled with rich nuggets of information written in typical Lennox style with pages of supporting apologetics that come with all the weight of his academic achievements and many a CS Lewis quote!
Lennox is considerate of Abraham’s influence on other world religions and often refers to their understanding, quoting the late Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks as well as other voices but is clear on the Christian truth.
Lennox bring to light the outrageous innovative step Abraham took to leave polytheism and enter monotheism and focuses on the Word of God that called him into understanding.
Through comparisons made with Lot and Sarah we see the significance of Abraham’s obedience to the word and the consequences of trying to fulfil God’s promises in his own strength. The focus on the word then moves to the seed theme as the narrative opens to Isaac at the end of the book.
I love how the scriptures are referenced in big chunks so that you can read them in context.
A solid teaching for any Christian wishing to go deeper into the life of Abraham, many novel points inspired by Gooding but nothing revolutionary. A safe read that I would be happy to recommend to my church.
A detailed yet accessible account of Abraham’s life
A timely release during escalated troubles in Gaza with a very helpful appendix on the brief history of Israel.
This book is filled with rich nuggets of information written in typical Lennox style with pages of supporting apologetics that come with all the weight of his academic achievements and many a CS Lewis quote!
Lennox is considerate of Abraham’s influence on other world religions and often refers to their understanding, quoting the late Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks as well as other voices but is clear on the Christian truth.
Lennox bring to light the outrageous innovative step Abraham took to leave polytheism and enter monotheism and focuses on the Word of God that called him into understanding.
Through comparisons made with Lot and Sarah we see the significance of Abraham’s obedience to the word and the consequences of trying to fulfil God’s promises in his own strength. The focus on the word then moves to the seed theme as the narrative opens to Isaac at the end of the book.
I love how the scriptures are referenced in big chunks so that you can read them in context.
A solid teaching for any Christian wishing to go deeper into the life of Abraham, many novel points inspired by Gooding but nothing revolutionary. A safe read that I would be happy to recommend to my church.
June 25, 2025
This is an in-depth analysis and reflection on the life of Abraham. Lots of interesting nuggets here. It is interesting how much we don’t know about his life - so many unanswered questions. Yet it is also amazing to learn some of what we do know about this time in history and the culture of that land from so long ago through other archeological information.
But the greatest realization for me from this book was that, as a Christian, I am an heir of Abraham. This means that the promise and blessing of Abraham applies to me; that God will:
- Show me a land
- Make me part of a great nation
- bless me and make me and make my name great
- make me a blessing
- bless those who bless me
- curse those who curse me
- bless through me all the families of the earth
It sounds like a bit of a stretch now as I am writing this, but as a middle-aged man looking for meaning and significance in life, the truth that this blessing in some sense applies to me is enough to almost make me cry. It gives me hope and relieves a certain striving of soul that comes from the desires of the world. It changes my perspective to look for this blessing not from my own strength and wisdom, or even in this life, but from God and perhaps in a future eternal life.
There its also a sense in which we are called like Abraham to go out from our old lives and follow God. Abraham was told to “lech lecha” - to get going. This is a good challenge to me as well. I need to quit tip-toeing in my commitment to follow and obey Christ.
These two thoughts that came somewhat early in the book drive me to finish the rest of it. The rest wasn’t as compelling, but still insightful. Different from other Bible-related books I have read, in a good way.
But the greatest realization for me from this book was that, as a Christian, I am an heir of Abraham. This means that the promise and blessing of Abraham applies to me; that God will:
- Show me a land
- Make me part of a great nation
- bless me and make me and make my name great
- make me a blessing
- bless those who bless me
- curse those who curse me
- bless through me all the families of the earth
It sounds like a bit of a stretch now as I am writing this, but as a middle-aged man looking for meaning and significance in life, the truth that this blessing in some sense applies to me is enough to almost make me cry. It gives me hope and relieves a certain striving of soul that comes from the desires of the world. It changes my perspective to look for this blessing not from my own strength and wisdom, or even in this life, but from God and perhaps in a future eternal life.
There its also a sense in which we are called like Abraham to go out from our old lives and follow God. Abraham was told to “lech lecha” - to get going. This is a good challenge to me as well. I need to quit tip-toeing in my commitment to follow and obey Christ.
These two thoughts that came somewhat early in the book drive me to finish the rest of it. The rest wasn’t as compelling, but still insightful. Different from other Bible-related books I have read, in a good way.
August 19, 2025
Loved how John Lennox went through the story of Abraham bringing in portions of the New Testament and apologetics. A different book about Abraham to any other I have read.
October 18, 2024
John Lennox has become one of my favourite authors. This book is a detailed account of Abraham's life, with deep teachings and insights along the way. Including analysis of the NT teachings about him and Sarah and even lessons from ancient Judaism and Islam (given he's the father of 3 monotheism religions).
Abraham was a friend of God, and said to have been righteous due to his faith. But he was deeply flawed, like all of us. There are great lessons in his life story.
Abraham was a friend of God, and said to have been righteous due to his faith. But he was deeply flawed, like all of us. There are great lessons in his life story.
February 26, 2024
The Lennox Journey
I enjoy the way John brings the reader along the biblical journey as he uncovers some deeper insights others miss.
I enjoy the way John brings the reader along the biblical journey as he uncovers some deeper insights others miss.
September 18, 2024
I will preface this review by stating that I greatly admire Prof. John Lennox’s career and character, having read each of his books and having met him in Oxford. It is in a spirit of disappointment that I must critique his latest book in strong terms.
It is my contention that Lennox ignores or dismisses the many morally problematic facets of the scriptural texts he interprets. This feature of the book is present throughout. Here are a few examples:
Regarding the genocide of Canaan, (p. 89) he refers the reader to Paul Copan’s awful treatment in “Is God a Moral Monster?” as an ‘excellent book.’ Copan has been rightly critiqued extensively since his apologetic was published- Thom Stark’s 400+ page review, for instance, demonstrates that each of its dozens of defences of biblical immorality are morally egregious.
An extended tangent (p. 166-9) has Lennox condemn surrogacy as unbiblical and immoral. This is fine in itself, yet directly following this homily is an entire chapter on circumcision, in which its morality is not even considered. Despite being a bioethicist, Lennox describes circumcision in 16 pages, yet does not question whether or not the non-consensual genital mutilation of infants is permitted. The contrast between this and the preceding dismissal of surrogacy is noteworthy.
His discussion of the destruction of Sodom is striking in how unreflective it is: ‘You cannot forgive a disability.’ P. 199. He quotes 2 Samuel 10-15 on the same page, wherein God kills an innocent baby for David’s sin, which Lennox does not comment on, aside from warning that ‘sin always has consequences.’
His treatment of the Akedah (chapter 15) is rather odd: he dismisses without explanation the view that it was a form of child sacrifice. He believes that Abraham would have believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead post-sacrifice, yet this seems a speculative inference to rest an interpretation on.
This is not to claim that the book is without value; rather, Lennox uncharacteristically fails to engage with any serious critique of the text, and his continuous disparagement of ‘atheistic presuppositions’ further appears uncharitable.
It is my contention that Lennox ignores or dismisses the many morally problematic facets of the scriptural texts he interprets. This feature of the book is present throughout. Here are a few examples:
Regarding the genocide of Canaan, (p. 89) he refers the reader to Paul Copan’s awful treatment in “Is God a Moral Monster?” as an ‘excellent book.’ Copan has been rightly critiqued extensively since his apologetic was published- Thom Stark’s 400+ page review, for instance, demonstrates that each of its dozens of defences of biblical immorality are morally egregious.
An extended tangent (p. 166-9) has Lennox condemn surrogacy as unbiblical and immoral. This is fine in itself, yet directly following this homily is an entire chapter on circumcision, in which its morality is not even considered. Despite being a bioethicist, Lennox describes circumcision in 16 pages, yet does not question whether or not the non-consensual genital mutilation of infants is permitted. The contrast between this and the preceding dismissal of surrogacy is noteworthy.
His discussion of the destruction of Sodom is striking in how unreflective it is: ‘You cannot forgive a disability.’ P. 199. He quotes 2 Samuel 10-15 on the same page, wherein God kills an innocent baby for David’s sin, which Lennox does not comment on, aside from warning that ‘sin always has consequences.’
His treatment of the Akedah (chapter 15) is rather odd: he dismisses without explanation the view that it was a form of child sacrifice. He believes that Abraham would have believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead post-sacrifice, yet this seems a speculative inference to rest an interpretation on.
This is not to claim that the book is without value; rather, Lennox uncharacteristically fails to engage with any serious critique of the text, and his continuous disparagement of ‘atheistic presuppositions’ further appears uncharitable.
January 19, 2025
I don't fit with any party or package, to Christian liberals I seem conservative, and Christian conservations will seem liberal--as an independent of sorts, I most enjoy books by other Christian free thinkers who are all over the map and who don't conform to the partline of any tribe.
Honestly, when you think of the wide, random, and diverse set of positions a majority of evangelical fundamentalists have settled on, if people actually engaged in critical thinking, Christians would have very different opinions, since several doctrines and interpretations have scanty support and dubious biblical backing. It seems the accidents of history and tradition are far more the reason for the broad acceptance of certain beliefs. It is off-putting when someone just so happens to agree with just about every desperate opinion in a large package of beliefs. I bet I could accurately predict what Lennox would say on almost any issue.
Anyhow, Lennox is a party person--on every issue he will take the fundamentalist evangelical stance (though a non-Calvinist version)--this makes Lennox seem more like a spokesperson for his tribe; he will affirm uncritically every part of the package. Sometimes this means ignoring problems, or briefly mentioning that there is a debate, but of course, he will always land on his party's position on every issue.
To me, I suppose that tribal allegiance seems to be in direct conflict with any true value of truth, beauty, and goodness. It seems that they feel that they HAVE TO affirm everything in the package OR ELSE. As literally any opinion can be defended, no matter how absurd, it makes him like anyone deep in a cult who must rationalize and defend, for their identity depends upon it. But this type of absolute fidelity to a package of beliefs undermines their credibility. Too much motivated reasoning.
I suppose I find many aspects of the evangelical fundamentalist package to be highly problematic, repugnant, and weak--which increased my dislike for this overly long book.
Honestly, when you think of the wide, random, and diverse set of positions a majority of evangelical fundamentalists have settled on, if people actually engaged in critical thinking, Christians would have very different opinions, since several doctrines and interpretations have scanty support and dubious biblical backing. It seems the accidents of history and tradition are far more the reason for the broad acceptance of certain beliefs. It is off-putting when someone just so happens to agree with just about every desperate opinion in a large package of beliefs. I bet I could accurately predict what Lennox would say on almost any issue.
Anyhow, Lennox is a party person--on every issue he will take the fundamentalist evangelical stance (though a non-Calvinist version)--this makes Lennox seem more like a spokesperson for his tribe; he will affirm uncritically every part of the package. Sometimes this means ignoring problems, or briefly mentioning that there is a debate, but of course, he will always land on his party's position on every issue.
To me, I suppose that tribal allegiance seems to be in direct conflict with any true value of truth, beauty, and goodness. It seems that they feel that they HAVE TO affirm everything in the package OR ELSE. As literally any opinion can be defended, no matter how absurd, it makes him like anyone deep in a cult who must rationalize and defend, for their identity depends upon it. But this type of absolute fidelity to a package of beliefs undermines their credibility. Too much motivated reasoning.
I suppose I find many aspects of the evangelical fundamentalist package to be highly problematic, repugnant, and weak--which increased my dislike for this overly long book.
April 19, 2024
This is an excellent book and was even better than I expected (as someone who loves to read John Lennox). The book was filled with interesting and profound teachings. Even as I think the book was brilliant, I have one complaint. The author repeatedly bluffed regarding one set of dates and wrote in a way that was (to me) inconsistent. He repeatedly stated that the Israelites were in Egypt for 4 centuries, correctly quoting Genesis 15:13. The problem is that doesn’t fit with the genealogy of Moses, and Paul would disagree as in Galatians 3:17, when he states that God’s covenant with Moses was put in place 430 years after the one with Abraham. Rather than addressing the issue, he left it unexplained and implicitly in tension. That was disappointing.
August 7, 2025
Aunque es un libro profundo y pensado para el estudio, pude leerlo sin dificultad como parte de mi devocional. Cada día leía uno o dos capítulos. Se nota el trabajo de investigación y la gran capacidad intelectual del autor, aunque me ha sorprendido para bien que siempre buscase aplicar lo que exponía a nuestra vida y a la actualidad. Creo que logra mantener un buen equilibrio entre el contenido técnico y práctico, aunque me hubiese gustado que profundizara un poco más en algunas cuestiones teóricas o se arriesgara con alguna interpretación. Aun así, ha hecho de mi devocional un tiempo de aprendizaje ennriquecedor y me ha encantado estudiar con más detalle la historia de Abraham en el Génesis. Recomiendo 100% esta lectura accesible, pero profunda.
December 15, 2024
A combination of character study and extensive theological explanation. I learned a lot from this book. It's wonderful the way the author brings out not only the well-known concepts but also the, to me anyway, unknown relationships in scripture. Abraham was not perfect but God is perfect. Also gracious, compassionate and forgiving. That can be seen in the book. He uses imperfect, sinful people like myself. Again, you will learn a lot from this book.
April 6, 2025
Great book
Dr. Lennox helps us understand the importance of the biblical story and its relevance for us today. Intertwined with commentary and application this is a book that will make you ponder, meditate and read more than one time Abraham’s story.
Dr. Lennox helps us understand the importance of the biblical story and its relevance for us today. Intertwined with commentary and application this is a book that will make you ponder, meditate and read more than one time Abraham’s story.
July 26, 2025
A splendid addition to the John Lennox teaching series. This book gave a totally different perspective to my view on the story of Abraham. In addition, appendix 1 alone is worth the whole book; to give context to the ongoing difficulties we now see in the Israeli story. I recommend this book. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews