What do you think?
Rate this book
Trustworthy: Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament
How do we know the New Testament is reliable?
It matters—but discussions on whether the New Testament is historically accurate can be tedious and overwhelming. We want to be confident that the reports in the New Testament are true and dependable, but scholarly discussions around the authenticity of the events recounted in Scripture can be challenging to navigate.
Dr. Ben Shaw provides the clear introduction we've needed for understanding the New Testament's historical reliability. In his book, Trustworthy, he systematically surveys key issues related to New Testament reliability and provides guidance for those setting out to explore the evidence. Concise, to-the-point chapters equip listeners to answer the challenging questions one encounters when discussing the credibility of the New Testament. Addressing a wide variety of evidence including archaeology, authorship, text criticism, and non-Christian sources, Shaw leads listeners through the key scholarly topics related to New Testament reliability.
Here's the we can trust the New Testament not only for its historical accuracy but also as a guide to life.
It matters—but discussions on whether the New Testament is historically accurate can be tedious and overwhelming. We want to be confident that the reports in the New Testament are true and dependable, but scholarly discussions around the authenticity of the events recounted in Scripture can be challenging to navigate.
Dr. Ben Shaw provides the clear introduction we've needed for understanding the New Testament's historical reliability. In his book, Trustworthy, he systematically surveys key issues related to New Testament reliability and provides guidance for those setting out to explore the evidence. Concise, to-the-point chapters equip listeners to answer the challenging questions one encounters when discussing the credibility of the New Testament. Addressing a wide variety of evidence including archaeology, authorship, text criticism, and non-Christian sources, Shaw leads listeners through the key scholarly topics related to New Testament reliability.
Here's the we can trust the New Testament not only for its historical accuracy but also as a guide to life.
Audible Audio
Published October 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 14, 2024
Highly recommend if you have interest in the reliability of the New Testament! Shaw explains different aspects of textural criticism like manuscripts, genre, dating, authorship, circumstances, etc. I enjoyed the chapter on creeds within the text and how they were used by the early church. The chapter on archaeology was a good introduction. I haven’t delved into noncanonical Christian writings, but that chapter made me want to learn more. This is a concise (short) book and accessible for beginners.
I’d like to compliment the cover design. The collaged pieces are rather reflective of how these arguments complete a puzzle.
I’d like to compliment the cover design. The collaged pieces are rather reflective of how these arguments complete a puzzle.
February 27, 2025
A brief book with a big topic. The author does a good job condensing, simplifying, and explaining several reasons that the New Testament is trustworthy. Most of the reasons are whole fields of scholarship on their own. This is a book for a non-scholar to read to glimpse that breadth of those fields of study.
December 12, 2024
I have read a number of books about Scripture's reliability, and this one stands out as a particularly excellent one. This book is just 140 pages long, but it covers thirteen different arguments for why the New Testament is trustworthy. Benjamin Shaw explores each argument individually, shows how these evidences overlap and reinforce one another, and summarizes views from New Testament scholars from varied backgrounds. At the end of each chapter, Shaw recommends other books for further reading. Overall, he makes a strong case for why we can trust the accuracy of the transcribed words in the New Testament, as well as the accuracy of its message.
Shaw explains at the beginning of this book that he is writing this to a broad audience of both "disciples and doubters." He notes that even though some of his points will seem obvious to some readers, he knows from personal experience how surprising it can be to learn some of these seemingly obvious things. This book addresses Christians who are looking to better understand the New Testament, Christians with doubts and questions about the Bible, and skeptics and curious people from other belief backgrounds. I would recommend this book to all of these audiences.
Even though this is an academic book, it is highly readable and accessible. I appreciate Shaw's down-to-earth writing style, clear explanations, and brevity. Academically inclined readers can dive deeper through the footnotes and suggested reading lists, but the main text is very forthright and direct, focusing on the main issues without getting into the minutiae of side issues and debates. This book is accessible to the average reader, and you don't need a scholarly background or an academic level of interest to fully engage with and benefit from this book.
Trustworthy is concise, clear, and powerful. Shaw explains essential standards for evaluating ancient texts, and he shows how and why the New Testament upholds and exceeds these standards. This book is especially helpful because it is so short and focused, highlighting the strongest arguments that the largest number of scholars from different backgrounds agree on. Also, in contrast to older books on the subject, this one includes up-to-date information about more recent research and archaeological discoveries. I greatly appreciated this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the topic from a religious, historical, or cultural perspective.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Shaw explains at the beginning of this book that he is writing this to a broad audience of both "disciples and doubters." He notes that even though some of his points will seem obvious to some readers, he knows from personal experience how surprising it can be to learn some of these seemingly obvious things. This book addresses Christians who are looking to better understand the New Testament, Christians with doubts and questions about the Bible, and skeptics and curious people from other belief backgrounds. I would recommend this book to all of these audiences.
Even though this is an academic book, it is highly readable and accessible. I appreciate Shaw's down-to-earth writing style, clear explanations, and brevity. Academically inclined readers can dive deeper through the footnotes and suggested reading lists, but the main text is very forthright and direct, focusing on the main issues without getting into the minutiae of side issues and debates. This book is accessible to the average reader, and you don't need a scholarly background or an academic level of interest to fully engage with and benefit from this book.
Trustworthy is concise, clear, and powerful. Shaw explains essential standards for evaluating ancient texts, and he shows how and why the New Testament upholds and exceeds these standards. This book is especially helpful because it is so short and focused, highlighting the strongest arguments that the largest number of scholars from different backgrounds agree on. Also, in contrast to older books on the subject, this one includes up-to-date information about more recent research and archaeological discoveries. I greatly appreciated this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the topic from a religious, historical, or cultural perspective.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 24, 2024
Dr. Benjamin C. F. Shaw’s Trustworthy is a breath of fresh air in the realm of accessible Christian scholarship. This book deserves to be the new “go-to” entry-level resource for anyone interested in the reliability of the New Testament. It strikes a perfect balance: not an intimidating, purely academic-level tome, but far more comprehensive and evidence-rich than other popular treatments.
What sets Trustworthy apart is its breadth. Dr. Shaw skillfully integrates a robust list of scholarly sources, offering readers a well-rounded foundation in 13 critical areas, ranging from textual criticism to early Christian testimony. While other introductory works may oversimplify, Trustworthy respects its readers’ intelligence, presenting arguments that are both accessible and substantive. At just the right length, the book provides enough detail to satisfy curious minds without overwhelming them.
For those who want a clear, concise, yet thorough introduction to the field, Trustworthy is a fabulous resource. It equips readers with the tools to engage in thoughtful discussions and invites further exploration of the rich scholarship supporting the New Testament. Highly recommended as an introductory treatment for skeptics, believers, and everyone in between.
What sets Trustworthy apart is its breadth. Dr. Shaw skillfully integrates a robust list of scholarly sources, offering readers a well-rounded foundation in 13 critical areas, ranging from textual criticism to early Christian testimony. While other introductory works may oversimplify, Trustworthy respects its readers’ intelligence, presenting arguments that are both accessible and substantive. At just the right length, the book provides enough detail to satisfy curious minds without overwhelming them.
For those who want a clear, concise, yet thorough introduction to the field, Trustworthy is a fabulous resource. It equips readers with the tools to engage in thoughtful discussions and invites further exploration of the rich scholarship supporting the New Testament. Highly recommended as an introductory treatment for skeptics, believers, and everyone in between.
April 17, 2025
Excellent Overview of Fundamental Apologetics Topic
Christian apologetics has many viable starting points: Does objective truth exist and can we know it? What explains reality? Does God exist and what can we know about Him? And so on. But, ultimately, when these most basic existential questions are addressed, we must consider the reliability of our primary information source on the nature of God and His plans and expectations, the Bible. In his excellent book, “Trustworthy”, Christian apologist and theology professor, Benjamin C. F. Shaw, offers an excellent overview into the reliability of the New Testament. Much of Shaw’s evidence will be familiar to readers who have explored Christian apologetics, but most will find something new, as well as illumination of arguments previously considered. Importantly, “Trustworthy” pulls together so many key evidential factors in a helpful, thorough and strongly structured approach. For those interested in deeper consideration, each chapter includes a list of recommended further reading. “Trustworthy” is an excellent addition to any apologetics library, or just for the enlightenment of the seeking reader.
Christian apologetics has many viable starting points: Does objective truth exist and can we know it? What explains reality? Does God exist and what can we know about Him? And so on. But, ultimately, when these most basic existential questions are addressed, we must consider the reliability of our primary information source on the nature of God and His plans and expectations, the Bible. In his excellent book, “Trustworthy”, Christian apologist and theology professor, Benjamin C. F. Shaw, offers an excellent overview into the reliability of the New Testament. Much of Shaw’s evidence will be familiar to readers who have explored Christian apologetics, but most will find something new, as well as illumination of arguments previously considered. Importantly, “Trustworthy” pulls together so many key evidential factors in a helpful, thorough and strongly structured approach. For those interested in deeper consideration, each chapter includes a list of recommended further reading. “Trustworthy” is an excellent addition to any apologetics library, or just for the enlightenment of the seeking reader.
November 7, 2024
I grew up with the writings of F.F. Bruce and have often found that authors over the last 30 or so years didn’t really add much for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that this book exceeds / replaces Bruce’s many fine works on the New Testament and its reliability - nor does the Author claim any such thing. Rather I think that he builds well on Bruce and others that have gone before and produced quite a good introductory book that is easy to read, and a great place to start on such an important topic.
This is not overly heavy on apologetics, rather presents us with 13 arguments - each of which includes a short list of books to read further - and these books are normally referenced in that specific argument/chapter. I wish more introductory books took this approach.
This is a good book for those who have never thought about this area, and is a great refresher for those of us who have a long familiarity with the topic. Plus it is up-to-date, with good references to recent works and scholars. Well worth reading!
This is not overly heavy on apologetics, rather presents us with 13 arguments - each of which includes a short list of books to read further - and these books are normally referenced in that specific argument/chapter. I wish more introductory books took this approach.
This is a good book for those who have never thought about this area, and is a great refresher for those of us who have a long familiarity with the topic. Plus it is up-to-date, with good references to recent works and scholars. Well worth reading!
February 16, 2025
cut to the chase
This book is convincing and very persuasive document on the reliability of New Testament. It is a book that has succeeded in reducing the fact of the reliability of the NT to fundamental and well researched points. I highly recommend this book.
This book is convincing and very persuasive document on the reliability of New Testament. It is a book that has succeeded in reducing the fact of the reliability of the NT to fundamental and well researched points. I highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2025
Extraordinaria introducción y síntesis
Altamente recomendable para tener una introducción sobre las bases multidisciplinarias que otorgan solidez al NT. Sencillo, completo y con muy buena bibliografía
Altamente recomendable para tener una introducción sobre las bases multidisciplinarias que otorgan solidez al NT. Sencillo, completo y con muy buena bibliografía
May 20, 2025
Shaw does a great job of giving a bird's eye view of thirteen arguments that reinforce the Second Testaments trustworthiness. This would be a great read for those new to the faith or just in need of a dose of Bible confidence.
June 2, 2025
Short, sweet, and a perfect length apologetic primer.
June 23, 2025
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if there were also references to the Old Testament as well. If the OT was included it would provide a more complete picture and understanding of a lot of the textual references. However, I realize the intention of this book is to explore reliability of the New Testament, not the OT. Thank you again.
September 29, 2025
Good brief overview, great for introducing the topic and helping to frame some of the issues that need attention and thought.
November 27, 2025
Very good book! Helping to continue to build and establish the Maximal Data approach to the resurrection by strength of the base reliability of the source material. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews