Everything You Always Wanted to Know about God (But Were Afraid to Ask): The Jesus Edition

by Eric Metaxas

With a healthy dose of wit and a heaping helping of wisdom, "New York Times" bestselling author Eric Metaxas answers questions about Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and much more.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Audiobook

222 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

In a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.

Reviews

[Graham Heslop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I award very few books with five stars, so let me explain my unusually high rating. I think that Metaxas accomplishes exactly what he set out to do with this book, and not without a fair amount of poise. Written as an imagined interlocution, Metaxas takes advantage of the format to include a healthy amount of wit, humorous asides, and disarming ripostes. More important than, though bolstered by, his style is Metaxas' clarity. The author does justice to many difficult questions, answering them with honesty and humility, though never without an unwavering commitment to the truth. He presents the Christian faith in all its intellectually consistent and historically rooted glory. Putting the above together made this book a joy to read and convinced that it will become an invaluable resource for Christians. Everything is then, in my opinion, a book for everyone, from the studied skeptic to the interested but unacquainted.

[James Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book on apologetics without mathematical equations and physics. What's not to like? Well, at times, the author seems to have a little too much fun dealing with his fictitious alter ego, (who asks him questions that he responds to). For those who are just starting out on their Christian journey, or those who have not yet decided what they believe, this would be an easy introduction to basic theology for them.

James

[Scott Denbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly clever book that covers a wide swath of very difficult theological questions in an informal Q & A format. I would recommend to this book to anyone who wants to pass along a non-threatening resource to a non-believing friend. There is so much rich conversation material in here and Metaxas' humor and light-heartedness make it easily accessible. HUGE fan of this guy.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conversational Q&A is a definitely unique format to explore theological questions about Jesus, and I think would be a good primer for someone just starting to explore Christianity or seeking a refresher on the basics. I found the snarkiness to be a bit much after a while, but perhaps more people would find it very entertaining.

[Andrew Sheward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different look at Jesus

I loved this book informative, and fun. Enlightening,and made me feel closer to God and Jesus This is the 2nd book I've read by Eric loved them both! Thanks Eric

[Shane Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound

Funny. Profound. A breath of fresh air.
This book is accessible and a quick read. It's written in a Q & A format, but the joke is that it's a conversation between Q and A. Anyway, it's fresh, funny, and profound.

[Ben Denison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Good information and I liked the conversational approach to explaining the various points. But, Eric's style of conversation is sprinkled with his own brand of light comedy/silliness that is very "dad joke"ish and is definitely an acquired taste.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the modern discussion about Jesus in normal every day language. Plus it is good to see people are still producing books about Jesus that aren't just trying to get you to not believe in Him.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining Q&A about faith and apologetics, but overdoes the snarky humorous take to the point of making the work a little off-putting at times. The content is good and useful, but the manner in which it is presented distracts from a fluid and orderly (much less enjoyable) read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for those exploring answers about Jesus. Also great for those who want to share their faith. Gives you great, clear and concise answers to frequently asked questions. Quick read.

[Magdalene Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Q&A style of writing is somewhat refreshing but more cheesy imo. The parts of the book I found most interesting were when Metaxas points out the instances of foreshadowing in the bible.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and well written for anyone. I can tell he wrote kids cartoons as his humor is on the funny/corny side. But he also walks through questions of faith in an enjoyable sequence. Quick funny read.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Q & A format of this book, and found the humor interjected into the spiritual discussion fun.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a fun, informative listen. It's apologetics on a conversational level. The audio version is two voices in conversation throughout the book. The beginning chapters are especially evidentiary.

[Terral Shrewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book gave me better insight and better understanding.

[Jason Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content wise this book meets Eric’s style. Learned or solidified a lot. Presentation of the story in the Q/A format was a struggle to read through however.

[C.R. Leverette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet deep exploration of the Gospel. The conversational setup was interesting, fun, and funny.

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole question and answer format was humorous but it was also highly annoying (thus the 4 stars). The content though is appreciated. He author starts with justifying some truths backed by historical data and then once he has your confidence, doesn’t bring it up again.

A lot of what he brings up are some of the more nagging questions that a Christian will have and it opens up a lot of avenues for further exploration and meditation.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as this might attract some readers, given the seriousness of the subject matter, I really didn't appreciate all the comedy and random, unessential information. He did, however, present some good information that is useful, especially to unbelievers or new believers, such as the difference between religion and Christianity.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy. Understandable.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun question and answer format. Had some interesting explanations I hadn't considered before.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

crucifixion with eclipse during full moon, Joshua, goat adversaries lack of faith not accepted in own country, Christianity is Jewish, golden rule from Jesus and old Test, the reality of Heaven vs earth passing away, ask questions think deeply, nice is not perfect be perfect, sarcastic at times for which do you stone me, love is behavior not feeling be wary of feelings, why weeping who seeking, Magdalene total forgiveness, from despair to hope to praise God psalm 22 forsaken, truth with love and grace listen with heart humble and innocent as child, condemn sin and forgive people with love and grace, root of all sin pride that not so bad and temptation to be like God as first sin of Adam/Eve, rebellion against God and love, fig leaves don’t cover sin, we can’t fix it God can, every conversion a miracle, God’s grace flips our moral system of being good enough w/o God, forgive much love much, forgive little love little, don’t try to forgive do forgive, do justice mercy forgiveness, a lie steals existence from truth, fickleness of human heart, w/o God we inclined to darkness, even Satan believes in God do we trust in God, get in wheelbarrow trust God with life, know love serve, God accepts you as you are, we come to God so he can clean us up, secularist wants no God in public square, relationship with God and religious.

[David Schlack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 - Eric Metaxas has written a wonderfully informative book about God and Jesus. It’s question and answer format occasionally brings a smile to your face. This book would be great for a friend or fellow employee who is searching. As a believer, reading this book reinforces your faith and also presents an ‘apologetics’ argument that can support your witnessing.
May God Bless You Eric!

[Joe Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty funny.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part apologetics and part theology, which makes sense in retrospect. Questions about Jesus will tend to fall into two categories: "Is it true?" or "What does it mean?" The author handles this well using an informal style. That style can be a little over the top at times, which is why I went with 4 rather than 5 stars.