Because God Is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer

by Peter Kreeft

Atheistic and agnostic writers are aggressively attacking traditional religious beliefs. Philosopher and prolific writer Peter Kreeft is up to the challenge in this work of popular apologetics aimed at both teens and adults. The masterful Kreeft tackles sixteen crucial issues about the deeper meaning of life. The questions that Kreeft explores range from, "Is faith reasonable?," Can you prove there is a God?", and "Why is Jesus different?," to "Why is sex so confusing?," "Why is there evil?", and "Why must we die?" Kreeft provides thoughtful, lucid, and persuasive answers for believers, unbelievers, and seekers to consider. As always, Kreeft is insightful, inspiring, and entertaining. This book is ideal for those exploring faith for the first time, as well as for confirmation and religious education classes. It's an intellectual and spiritual feast! This is vintage Kreeft. "The good news of the Gospel is as exciting as a murder mystery. For at its heart there is a the murder of God two thousand years ago in Jerusalem. And this God is the greatest of who He is and why He put us here, and why He came here and what His plans are for us. The story is literally a matter of life or death – eternal life or death."
― Peter Kreeft "Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you."
― 1 Peter 3:15

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Philosophy

237 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just doesn’t cut it. It may be useful for a 7th grader but that’s about it. Kreeft’s Catholic beliefs come into play which will make this a big turn off for Protestants. His points feel more like quick bullet points from a pamphlet than a truly in-depth discussion about faith, existence, & lifestyle choices.

This book does not in any way stand up to the doubts & issues a young adult would have after reading a pop-philosophy book like "The God Delusion", or perhaps after taking a philosophy or ethics class at almost any university in the U.S.

I would recommend the writings & books by William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, JP Moreland, Paul Copan, Greg Koukl, & Ronald Nash

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some solid arguments, some not so solid. As a seeker of faith, we only find faith when we accept that some questions do not have concrete answers - that is what faith is.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be good to use with older kids to go through one question/answer per day and then talk about it. Covers a wide range of important topics.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, but I think I'm not the targeted audience. This book would be especially good for older children, or for an adult to read to answer their questions. I think teens would not react as well to the book, just because they are teens, lol.

I am enjoying much of the book, its just that it doesn't pull me along like most of Kreeft's works do. It seems repetitive in places. Maybe that is just because of the question/answer format. The good thing is that you could simply to go a specific question and get a complete answer without reading other parts of the book.

[J.T. Therrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written, but it is aimed at teens. Adults might find some of Mr. Kreeft's arguments suspect.

Overall, I would recommend this to high school teens who are genuinely curious about the basic tenets of our Catholic beliefs. I think they would be better served familiarizing themselves with either the YouCat or the actual Catechism of the Catholic Church.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of Kreeft's books but as usual quite insightful. He has a way of analogizing the faith that I find helpful.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful overview to help those who struggle with religion.

[Christian Divincenzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book brought up great questions but it seemed as though all the answers were the same bigger answer. I also believe it was written from a biased point of view.

[rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

informative.

transformative.

evocative.

how many more -ative words you think i can come up with?

not enough, clearly.

no words are enough to thoroughly encapsulate the intellectual simplicity found in this 237-page volume.

everything you need to know about this book is within the title

why is there sin?

because there is free will

well, why is there free will?

because God is real and good

why is God good?

because God loves us, and because He is God and therefore determines what IS good.

everything goes back to because God is real.

if there was no God

there would be no us

there would be no reality

there would be no concept of a God

why is it human nature to believe in God?

why is it simply logical to seek truth?

why is truth found in Catholicism?

because Catholicism is true

because God is real

truth is written in human nature

we are determined to find it, because who wants to live a lie?

the only reason you would want to live a lie is because you are not living according to the truth of Jesus Christ

because you're scared to change your ways

peter kreeft lays this out simply

truthfully

honestly

he does not waste his words, nor does he overcomplicate simple concepts

all you must possess to read this book correctly is an open mind and heart

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." – John 8:32

[Asa Calloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! There is A LOT to take in with this book. I'll have to read it again in the future because there is just way to much wisdom and information to process. Kreeft's writing style appears to be comical at times which makes this a pretty simple read. I'm not typically a fan of pigeon hole type of questions and answers and that's how Kreeft starts off most of his book however towards the end it his questions become more open to interpretation and warm.

Example: In the beginning of the book; Kreeft mentions something along the lines of 'since science can't disprove God then God must exist'. In my personal opinion, I don't believe that's really how this works however. Later in the book he says something along the lines of 'Some of the most brilliant minds throughout our time have devoted their life to the Lord, that should be a clue thats theres something else out there'. This is a much warmer approach to the existence of God.

Overall, I loved the book. I actually read this book at the same time as a I read Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History in Time" and Hawkings book made Kreefts book that much better. At no time did either offer try to discredit science or religion and in fact, in a weird way both accept solid opposing key points to support their own research and beliefs...or talking points :)

[Gregory Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains much wisdom, but it is marred by occasional superficiality. The writing is snappy and brisk.

The sixteen questions are:

1. Why are questions good?
2. Why do I exist?
3. Why is faith reasonable?
4. How can you prove that God is real?
5. Why believe the Bible?
6. Why is Jesus different?
7. Why be a Catholic?
8. Why go to Church?
9. Why be moral?
10. Why is sex so confusing?
11. Why do we have families?
12. Why are there virtues and vices?
13. Why pray?
14. Why aren't we happy?
15. Why is there evil?
16. Why must we die?

They are certainly good questions!

The main intended readers are the students in Catholic Confirmation classes, which are children at about the 8th grade level. Kreeft believes that children's books should be written for adults, too; as an adult, I found it worth reading. However, the book's superficiality is a matter for concern. As Bob's review pointed out, readers of this book and nothing more will not be well prepared for attacks on their faith by atheists. Although Kreeft presents ten proofs for the existence of God in chapter 4, none of them is developed in enough depth to be satisfying. Unfortunately, there are no footnotes, references, or suggestions for further reading.

[Kelly Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone discerning God’s presence. Also, recommended for any young person going into Confirmation. This book practically explains how God is real and answers many of life’s big questions.

[Joseph Serwach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answers to all big questions written for all ages

Peter Kreeft, the greatest philosopher of our time, tackles the biggest questions of life, offering the answers in a format that works for teens as well as the most educated and knowledgeable.

[Edward Pustay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent book!

Very clear explanations of even the most difficult issues. And I think he covers all of the important ones. Be prepared to highlite.

[Darren Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Kreeft. He always writes in a way that's keepin' it real. Because God is real.

[Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Kreeft is one of my favorite authors. This book was primarily written for young people. I am a Baby Boomer Cradle Catholic who enjoyed the content, writing style and format of the book.
Highly recommend especially for young people in your life.

[Krista Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book! Excellent explanation of Catholic ideology- perfect for anyone to read, not just scholars.

[Wil Roese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly my all time favorite book.