Know What You Believe

by Paul E. Little

What does Christianity have to do with anything? What does the Christian faith teach about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? What do I need to know about angels, Satan and demons? What place should the Bible or a church have in my life? By exploring these and other core questions, bestselling author Paul E. Little leads you into a greater appreciation of a God who has done great things to bring you into a relationship with him through Jesus Christ. He presents ten bottom-line, non-negotiable truths of Christianity using humorous, anecdotal illustrations gathered from years of experience helping believers share their faith with not-yet Christians. Expanded and updated throughout by Paul's wife Marie, this contemporary edition is packed with illuminating answers to questions and misconceptions about the Christian faith, with study questions for each chapter.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Faith, Christian Living

214 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1969

About the author

Paul E. Little and his wife, Marie, worked for twenty-five years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Until his death in 1975, Little was also associate professor of evangelism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like a catechism for modern readers— well, not exactly a catechism, which helps Christians memorize the basics, but more like a tool of explanation aimed at atheists. I’d give this to any person asking to know more about Christianity. It’s really simple and clear, and I think most all Christians would agree it covers the common basics.

I'm looking forward to reading Know Why You Believe next.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! This was an incredible book! It was very helpful in answering a lot of common questions that Christians have, using the Bible as backup. It really solidified *what* I believe, also helping me to fully understand *why* I believe what I believe. Mr. Little lays everything out in a clear and concise manner, referencing scripture very frequently. I like how he didn't just lay out the 'facts', but gave you plenty of scripture references so you can see for yourself what the God's Word has to say about the subject. A must read for all Christians!

[Caroline Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry, straight facts. Presented the differences in denominational beliefs okay, but occasionally also praised vs condemned certain practices. A FLY over book of Christian beliefs that I felt was a little lacking in the grace of the Gospel. Enjoyed the chapter on church! Will be discussing this as part of a study and it will probably be much more rich in discussion.

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Know What You Believe summarizes the basic Protestant Christian beliefs on God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, people, sin, salvation, the church, angels, Satan, demons, and things to come. It does a good job of covering many ideas in a short space, and it gives Biblical references for each idea so that the reader can investigate further on her own. It is a useful book for evaluating one's beliefs with the traditional understanding of Christian faith. One drawback is that the book reads like a collection of facts rather than a discussion of a living, life-changing faith.

[Audrey Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this is basically a manual for what you believe. It explains everything you need to know about being a Christian in a way that most anyone could understand. Very good, I will read again!

[Mikhael Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the goals and the brevity of this book, it’s excellent. Naturally, he writes from a place of low church evangelicalism, so there’s not room to entertain every Catholic/Orthodox position, but when he does invite those conversations, he does so from a plain, well-cited stance. Everything is well-cited, which is another reason to like this book. This is a survey course, and each extra-biblical footnote is a prompt for more specific study on the things the reader doubts or just wants to know more about. I wish it were deeper, but again, not the goal.

[Benjamin Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book with my discipleship group. This book provides a detailed outline of the principles of Christianity. Should be a great reference for future discussions.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul Little's book 'Know Why You Believe' was given to me by some friends after I expressed a desire to return to my old roots in apologetics. I was given a solid foundation in this in my years in Campus Crusades for Christ (shout out to Jimmy Li) but have moved way, way far away from that as I have moved from my teens into adulthood.

The book takes on 12 critical questions, including everything from 'Is There a God?' to 'Do Science and Scripture Agree?' to 'Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil?'. Some chapters were much stronger than others, but I do give Little credit for being bold to tackle each one individually.

Personally I found the chapters on validating God's existence, Scripture's melding with science and the archaeological and historical footprint for validating the Christian faith as the most effective. Little gives a wonderful amount of factual information to support both claims and concepts, something that I appreciate. However I did feel like the book really only skimmed the surface (I mean, it's only 160 pages) and I felt that lack of depth in many ways. I also didn't like how frequently he would refer to a quote or historical passage without a reference, as well as his penchant for using the superlative. Words like 'Always' and 'Immediately' make me feel that something is being generalized when it shouldn't be -- and when you're mid-discussion with someone who is challenging your personal belief or worldview, I feel superlatives should be avoided. It's too easy for someone to latch onto it and use that word to destroy your whole argument.

Overall, it's a solid book that's best for older teens and young adults looking for an intro into not only apologetics, but seeking answers to life's really hard, uncomfortable questions. Reading this book has made it easier for me to move onto meatier books addressing these same and deeper problems.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a person were to consider what it is to be a follower of Jesus but not have any answers, this book is meant for you. Paul Little begins with the Bible...a book with answers to questions such as "Who is God?, what is the significance of this Bible, the Power of God, and His absolute truths. Then there is the question of Jesus, His purpose, the cross, and His death. And what about the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit involved in our development as Christians? Is the Holy Spirit a Deity? Could the Holy Spirit be a person? Then there is the question of Salvation. How do we attain it? Who is eligible for it? Another question: How does a person attain a new life? And, what is The Church?
Little answers these questions by quoting scripture as evidence. This book attempts to provide guidance to those seeking deeper relationship with Christ by explaining scripture in minute detail using exact verses from the Bible.
To me this is the exact book most people seeking a relationship with Christ and a sounder understanding of the Bible should read. The language is direct, filled with scriptural passages, and gentle in its teaching. Know what you believe by reading this book about the Bible.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my Bible study group. We had been talking about apologetics and how the Bible and history and science are not antithetical to each other. We were looking for a study to go more in depth on the topic, and I'm not sure this was the best choice. We did have some interesting discussions, but for the most part I felt like the book was too surfacey and made a lot of circular arguments that just pointed back to Bible passages to answer the questions it was posing. As was pointed out multiple times over our discussion of the book, if this is designed to talk to people who don't believe in God and/or the Bible and who are convinced that religion forces you to ignore the scientific world, using the responses in this book to help explain that this isn't so would probably not be very effective.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a Freshmen or Sophomore in High School for a Sunday School class. At the time I was blown away by the deeper level of theology Little presents at a basic level. Now I can't remember much of what he said, but it was great for me then.

[Kaitlynn Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good but...well...i kept falling asleep while reading it

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good and though-provoking. I read it in my apologetics class and got to debate the topics in this book.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could’ve been worse. Nice, orderly explanation of the Christian faith and most of the major doctrines. The “foreknowledge” explanation was a clever little light-handed stroke of rhetoric to account for the existence of “election” within the Biblical text without having to abandon the semi-Pelagian “man contributes to his salvation” cornerstone of modern evangelicalism...so, trickery, and not quite Biblical. While he presented all three eschatological streams, the amount of time dedicated to rapturism and tribulation theories kinda clue us into his personal beliefs. Amil was treated...ecumenically, I suppose? At least friendly, and an equal seat at the table he set. But postmil was written like a charity case, like he was being patient with those who “ignored” everything else he’d covered under the eschatology chapter—nice that they’re working for the Lord, but you should look at it like a post-salvific works righteousness. I’ve never known a premil to understand the point of postmil, just like I’ve never known a postmil to be ignorant of why so many believers WANT premil to be true.

Like I said, could’ve been worse. But doctrinally, should’ve been stronger.

[Jayden Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great foundational book for anyone wanting to better understand basic Christian doctrine. Paul Little does a good job of keeping deep theological truths clear and approachable, without dumbing them down. I especially appreciated how each chapter focused on a core topic (like the Bible, God, Jesus, salvation, the church, end times, etc.) with Scripture-based explanation and historical context.

It’s definitely more of a broad overview than an in-depth theological dive, so if you’re looking for something super detailed or academic, this isn’t it. But for small groups, new believers, or just getting refreshed on core beliefs, it hits the mark.

Giving it 4 stars only because at times it felt a bit dated or brief in sections where I wanted a little more—but overall, a very helpful read that I’d recommend to anyone wanting a clearer grasp of what Christians believe and why.

[Madison Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little is a book that “leads you into a greater appreciation of a God who has done great things to bring you into a relationship with him through Jesus Christ”. Know What You Believe gives you a deeper understanding and encouragement in what it means to become a Christian, and how God might use you to further his kingdom. This book sheds a light on some of the questions that a Christian is often troubled with when they are on their journey with Christ. Know What You Believe is a book that all Christians should read; this book will encourage any and all believers in their journey with Christ.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul E. Little wrote two works covering all the basics of Christianity: "Know Why You Believe," and "Know What You Believe." I read the former in 1979, and the latter this month. I didn´t know that there was a companion work to "Know Why You Believe" until five years ago! So, both are read...46 years apart. And both are excellent. They are the kinds of books that the Christian should keep on their bookcase and reread every couple of years. Paul E. Little explains and makes clear many things, which help the Christian to keep a vibrant spiritual life, understanding the basics and also being disposed to share them with their neighbour!

[Dale Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little's book covers many of the common Christian doctrines in detail from an evangelical point of view. He is careful to be understandable to lay readers without "dumbing down" the theology. Another thing I enjoyed is that he explains where Christians may disagree or have differences of opinion without saying, "I'm right and all the rest of you are wrong!" This leaves room for the thinking person to have things to ruminate on long after the book is finished.

It's a book a Sunday School teacher may return to again and again to refresh their mind on different points.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps to bring to light of some questions that may arise when reading the Bible or studying the Christian faith. The book helps you to better understand some perspectives of the Bible that may not be as clear and over all with getting to know the Bible and God. I personally found some of the point of views very insightful. In chapter five of the book section What is God's Image? it helps to understand what God's image is. "The image of God in humans has to do, rather, with personality" (Little 97). This book is really good and I highly recommend it.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read if you want to reiterate/reaffirm/refresh some of the tenets of Christian belief, although it is not exhaustive, it touches upon some of the central points. I'd rather see the last chapter skipped and something more meaty to replace it with, because some topics(like the end times) have so many views that it is difficult to write a short chapter on them or say something for certain about what Christians agree upon. Paul E. Little does a decent job guiding you through, but I am still unsure how objective he is and what denomination he is promoting.

[Merynn Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little helps readers grow in their understanding of who God is and what He has done to bring us into a relationship with Him through Jesus. The book gives clear, encouraging explanations of what it means to follow Christ and how God can work through your life to build His kingdom. It also talks about common questions that Christians face as they grow in their faith. Know What You Believe is a need to read for believers, offering guidance and encouragement for anyone walking with Christ.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned this book in High School and I just re-read it for the first time in almost 30 years. I agree with 90% of this book. Paul Little died before the Creationist Movement really took hold. I think if he had survived he might have been convinced to change some of his views or he might have stuck to them solidly and said "I have been teaching this dogmatically for 30 years I am not about to change now."

[Zach · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book goes in depth on the Christian faith and isn't really a book you can just sit down and read. That's the reason for my low rating. This "book" is more of a reference type of journal than a plop down on the couch and binge read. It really is kind of boring at times, however there is tons to be learned about the Christian faith.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little gives a really basic overview of the Christian faith, designed for those who are new Christians or some who may just want an introduction to christianity. The layout and approach is pretty similar to a catechism, just asking questions and answering them. Nothing spectacular, but offers a good foundation.

[Anh Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of my son's sophomore homeschool Bible curriculum. Good book detailing basics of protestant Christian faith. I'd recommend for new believers and the high school set. Gets a little dry but I read it more as a "text" instead of a regular read, so we only read about 5-6 pages per day.

[Keith Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to evangelical, protestant theology. Very accessible and a great place to start for those who are new to Christian theology. I appreciate Little's effort to keep theology simple while also communicating it's importance. We used the book for a foundational theology class at our church.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preread for my child’s curriculum in the fall. This is an excellent and lucid explanation of the gospel supported by lots of Scripture. Little feels no need to complicate the message with convoluted sentences. He also explains different Christian denominational beliefs and the scriptural evidence for all.

Particularly good for middle/high schoolers or newer believers.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book as one of the textbooks for my grade 11 Doctrine class. It's a decent introduction to the doctrines but not as thought-provoking or interesting as Little's other book, Know Why You Believe. Occasionally Little is somewhat biased in favour of the traditional evangelical views, but overall it's not bad as a starting point for young Christians.

[David Mattson]

As a result of reading this book, I now know and understand what I believe as a Christian. I urge you to pick up and read this to help you examine why you believe what you believe. I believe that this book will be of help to you.

[Evelyn Lilyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a good book for new Christians but very basic for Christians from many years. Didn't read anything I didn't already know but it was still a good read.

Skipped portions and skimmed the rest but I got the gist of it and would recommend for new believers.