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Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity
In our post-Christian, pluralistic society, responding to the perception that Christians are prejudiced, anti-intellectual, and bigoted has become a greater challenge than ever before. The result is often intimidation, withdrawal, and even doubts among God's people about what we really believe. Bestselling author and teaching pastor at Living on the Edge, Chip Ingram, wants to change that.
In Why I Believe, he gives compelling answers to questions about
- the resurrection of Christ
- the evidence of an afterlife
-the accuracy and intellectual feasibility of the Bible
- the debate between creation and evolution
- the historicity of Jesus
- and more
The solid, biblical, logical answers he shares will satisfy the honest doubts that every believer experiences now and then, and will provide practical, thoughtful answers that can be shared with family and friends. This is the perfect resource for churches, small groups, and individuals who long not only to really know what and why they believe, but also to be equipped to explain the intellectual justification for their faith in everyday language.
In Why I Believe, he gives compelling answers to questions about
- the resurrection of Christ
- the evidence of an afterlife
-the accuracy and intellectual feasibility of the Bible
- the debate between creation and evolution
- the historicity of Jesus
- and more
The solid, biblical, logical answers he shares will satisfy the honest doubts that every believer experiences now and then, and will provide practical, thoughtful answers that can be shared with family and friends. This is the perfect resource for churches, small groups, and individuals who long not only to really know what and why they believe, but also to be equipped to explain the intellectual justification for their faith in everyday language.
218 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2017
156 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Chip Ingram
288 books226 followersChip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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March 26, 2023Chip Ingram walks through the reasoning, logic, and the basis of why he believes in God! A great book to read if you are one of those people questioning your faith, or if you searching for God yourself. An excellent book for anyone who searches for the truth and wants to gain the perspective of another human being who went through some of the same things as yourself. This book is well worth your time to read and have in your bookcase for the family to gain access to.
December 27, 2017
This is a fascinating book that answers some tough questions about the Christian faith. I've read one other book of Chip's and done a lot of his video series, so I was excited to see this book come out. He has a great way of bringing in personal stories while also explaining that you can investigate and think logically about these questions, just as he has and was challenged to do. I've heard some of this before but I like how it's all laid out clearly and that it's all in one place. He also provides lists of resources if you want to go deeper under the different subjects. I especially loved the section where he talks about the impact Christians have had on the world, from discovering germ theory to starting modern hospitals to fighting for women's rights to abolishing slavery. I had heard before that some of the most prestigious universities were founded by Christians and on Christian principles, but I didn't realize there were so many: Oxford, Harvard, Princeton and Yale. The science section was also fascinating, where he looks at creation, evolution, the fossil record, DNA and cells. I can't recommend it enough for someone new to these questions, whether a Christian or a skeptic. It's easy to read, yet hard to put down!
I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2017
I struggled for a long time as to what rating to give this book.
Finally, I decided to rate it how I normally rate books, which is roughly 40% related to the content of the book and 60% related to how I feel about the book while reading it.
Why I Believe’s content is great, for the most part. Ingram discusses basic reasons for the historicity of Jesus, the resurrection, and the reliability of the Bible, while also briefly touching on the creation/evolution debate. It’s incredibly condensed, which I feel is a pity, because he only dedicates a few paragraphs to each point, whereas whole books can be, and have been, written about each of those points. As a result, it seems a little rushed. Ingram is hitting the highlights, but there’s not a lot of meat to the book.
I do wonder if this book adds anything to the apologetics table. It rehashes common apologetic arguments, arguments that have whole books dedicated to them as I mentioned above, and contributes nothing new or foundational. Ingram does make the book a little more personal, but it’s less of a “let me tell you my story” and more of an “I’m going to give you these points and then also give you a sermon.” As an intellectual, rational person, those parts of the books didn’t appeal to me. The juxtaposition between “here’s the evidence” and “here’s the sermon” was jarring, as well.
Why I Believe may appeal to people who want a more personal, sermon-y feel to a basic apologetics book, but it treads no new ground and condenses everything so much that it’s shockingly shallow in depth. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone interested in apologetics. I’d go with classics such as The Case for Christ or Mere Christianity instead, which deal with the subject much better.
Disclaimer: Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, I decided to rate it how I normally rate books, which is roughly 40% related to the content of the book and 60% related to how I feel about the book while reading it.
Why I Believe’s content is great, for the most part. Ingram discusses basic reasons for the historicity of Jesus, the resurrection, and the reliability of the Bible, while also briefly touching on the creation/evolution debate. It’s incredibly condensed, which I feel is a pity, because he only dedicates a few paragraphs to each point, whereas whole books can be, and have been, written about each of those points. As a result, it seems a little rushed. Ingram is hitting the highlights, but there’s not a lot of meat to the book.
I do wonder if this book adds anything to the apologetics table. It rehashes common apologetic arguments, arguments that have whole books dedicated to them as I mentioned above, and contributes nothing new or foundational. Ingram does make the book a little more personal, but it’s less of a “let me tell you my story” and more of an “I’m going to give you these points and then also give you a sermon.” As an intellectual, rational person, those parts of the books didn’t appeal to me. The juxtaposition between “here’s the evidence” and “here’s the sermon” was jarring, as well.
Why I Believe may appeal to people who want a more personal, sermon-y feel to a basic apologetics book, but it treads no new ground and condenses everything so much that it’s shockingly shallow in depth. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone interested in apologetics. I’d go with classics such as The Case for Christ or Mere Christianity instead, which deal with the subject much better.
Disclaimer: Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2018
Straight-forward, easy-to-read book that covers a wide variety of topics and answers both common and more sophisticated questions about Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity.
April 29, 2018
This is an excellent book, but I wonder about the target audience. The author Chip Ingram is a pastor near Silicon Valley in California. It seems that this book was written for sceptics and spiritual seekers within his congregation. The book is certainly written to suggest that it is designed for those who are not yet believers in Jesus. What confuses me about the approach is how centred it is on the bible as the main form of argument. Thus, if one of my atheist or agnostic colleagues were to read this, I expect they would accuse it of circular reasoning. Ignore this concern of mine, the book is really good in the way that the author has introduced a wide range of strong arguments for God and the Christian faith; verbalising them in a way that is not too simple. The book is therefore an excellent introduction to apologetics (or whatever word you prefer to use for this topic). Thus, while I believe the book is excellent, I believe its primary use will be to increase the faith of those who already believe, which serves a valid goal.
November 17, 2017
It’s no secret that those who believe in Christ are increasingly judged by “the world,” and criticized for putting our faith in what the Bible says is true. Chip Ingram’s new book “Why I Believe” is a must-read for any Christian living today. He takes a very practical, and realistic approach to answering this question in the context of many scenarios we face every day.
In his book, Chip says he was a skeptic of Christianity growing up. After coming to faith in high school, his skepticism was met with overwhelming evidence. “It wasn’t intellectual evidence, but relational authenticity and love,” Ingram says in his introduction to “Why I Believe.”
As Americans, we are skeptical of everything we read, and we find ourselves questioning and wanting answers. This book is written to the one who is skeptical of Christianity, as well as the one who believes in Christ but wants deeper intimacy and relationship. I give this book 4/5 out of stars. A favorable review was not required.
In his book, Chip says he was a skeptic of Christianity growing up. After coming to faith in high school, his skepticism was met with overwhelming evidence. “It wasn’t intellectual evidence, but relational authenticity and love,” Ingram says in his introduction to “Why I Believe.”
As Americans, we are skeptical of everything we read, and we find ourselves questioning and wanting answers. This book is written to the one who is skeptical of Christianity, as well as the one who believes in Christ but wants deeper intimacy and relationship. I give this book 4/5 out of stars. A favorable review was not required.
June 29, 2022
this has continuously been my go to book. Whenever life gets hard, or God gets quiet, or I push away from him, I find myself reading this to bring me back.
November 6, 2017
Apologetics is one of the facets of Christian thought and practice that one either thoroughly enjoys or avoids, although it is in fact essential for Christian fidelity. Indeed, the “defense” (gk: apologia) of the Christian faith is one of those things enjoined by the New Testament (1 Peter 3.15). However, frequently neglected by pastoral staff, apologetics will often find itself relegated to being an “extracurricular” course for discipleship rather than being material studied by every Christian for their edification. Whatever a church can do to correct this tendency and train properly the people of the church, the better.
In service of that institutional lack of focus on apologetics, Chip Ingram published Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Purportedly written “to provide well-researched and practical guidelines for us ordinary people to fully understand the intellectual and historical basis for our faith, and to talk intelligently and confidently with our friends, family, and coworkers over a cup of coffee about why we believe,” (15) Why I Believe attempts to situate itself as a resource to be referenced when questions of faith and theology arise in the hearts and minds of laypeople. He addresses some common apologetic themes, including the veracity of the resurrection, the trustworthiness of Scripture, and the place of scientific understanding (over against the Genesis account).
As far as can be told from the book, Ingram seems to have assumed that the reader has never experienced a lesson in apologetics before. In every manner, Why I Believe serves as introductory material. Yes, the work touches on many of the current problems in Christian apologetics, but the touch is so slight that one wonders how much of a substantial benefit the reader actually receives from the book.
Due to a dearth of cited material, and in large part what amounts to fundamentally superficial treatment of the question at hand, I wonder to what degree Why I Believe serves its intended purpose. The book provides pat answers to very difficult questions–answers so concise that an honest thinker should be curious if Ingram has thoroughly addressed the issue. Although Why I Believe serves as a kind of compendium for Christian apologetics, the book’s treatment is so brief and the answers provided are so accessible elsewhere that one must wonder if the purchase of this work is at all necessary considering the existing landscape of resources in apologetics.
An odd mixture of evidentialism with hints of presuppositionalism, Why I Believe suffers from a lack of methodological purity that tends to blunt its impact. “I believe because of archaeological reasons X, Y, and Z, but I will also cite Jesus as evidence in passages A, B, and C.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with such an approach so long as the apologist clearly articulates the place for each particular field of evidence within the broader schema of apologetics; as it is, Ingram’s approach reads as throwing evidence at the wall and hoping something sticks. Why I Believe isn’t helped by Ingram’s concluding acquiescence that “at the end of the day, the reason many do not believe has nothing to do with the evidence. It is a moral problem that keeps them from receiving the light and the love of God.” (208) After 200 pages of outlining evidence, Ingram acknowledges that the defense (evangelistic in essence, if you believe some apologists) for which one has been preparing “has nothing to do with the evidence.” Rather than equipping the reader to engage with that spiritual component, we were instead treated to (at times) sophomoric defenses of the Christian faith which would not withstand scrutiny.
Why I Believe may be the first apologetic work a Christian reads. Pray it’s not the last.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers http://www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksb... program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
In service of that institutional lack of focus on apologetics, Chip Ingram published Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Purportedly written “to provide well-researched and practical guidelines for us ordinary people to fully understand the intellectual and historical basis for our faith, and to talk intelligently and confidently with our friends, family, and coworkers over a cup of coffee about why we believe,” (15) Why I Believe attempts to situate itself as a resource to be referenced when questions of faith and theology arise in the hearts and minds of laypeople. He addresses some common apologetic themes, including the veracity of the resurrection, the trustworthiness of Scripture, and the place of scientific understanding (over against the Genesis account).
As far as can be told from the book, Ingram seems to have assumed that the reader has never experienced a lesson in apologetics before. In every manner, Why I Believe serves as introductory material. Yes, the work touches on many of the current problems in Christian apologetics, but the touch is so slight that one wonders how much of a substantial benefit the reader actually receives from the book.
Due to a dearth of cited material, and in large part what amounts to fundamentally superficial treatment of the question at hand, I wonder to what degree Why I Believe serves its intended purpose. The book provides pat answers to very difficult questions–answers so concise that an honest thinker should be curious if Ingram has thoroughly addressed the issue. Although Why I Believe serves as a kind of compendium for Christian apologetics, the book’s treatment is so brief and the answers provided are so accessible elsewhere that one must wonder if the purchase of this work is at all necessary considering the existing landscape of resources in apologetics.
An odd mixture of evidentialism with hints of presuppositionalism, Why I Believe suffers from a lack of methodological purity that tends to blunt its impact. “I believe because of archaeological reasons X, Y, and Z, but I will also cite Jesus as evidence in passages A, B, and C.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with such an approach so long as the apologist clearly articulates the place for each particular field of evidence within the broader schema of apologetics; as it is, Ingram’s approach reads as throwing evidence at the wall and hoping something sticks. Why I Believe isn’t helped by Ingram’s concluding acquiescence that “at the end of the day, the reason many do not believe has nothing to do with the evidence. It is a moral problem that keeps them from receiving the light and the love of God.” (208) After 200 pages of outlining evidence, Ingram acknowledges that the defense (evangelistic in essence, if you believe some apologists) for which one has been preparing “has nothing to do with the evidence.” Rather than equipping the reader to engage with that spiritual component, we were instead treated to (at times) sophomoric defenses of the Christian faith which would not withstand scrutiny.
Why I Believe may be the first apologetic work a Christian reads. Pray it’s not the last.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers http://www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksb... program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
November 11, 2017
Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity by Chip Ingram is a practical compilation of answers to those questions most frequently posed by skeptics of Christianity. Having once been a skeptic, Chip has arranged this book from the archeological, scientific, historical, and philosophical answers that helped him to leave so much of his own personal skepticism behind in order to truly follow Jesus - without feeling as though he'd somehow thrown out logic and reasoning in the process.
Utilizing compelling evidences from multiple historic and scientific resources, Chip explains why he believes so resolutely in the resurrection, the Bible, life after death, creation, and the God of the Bible. Comparing Christianity to other world religions throughout the text, Chip also emphasizes how you can be sure that Christianity is the one and only path to the true God, as opposed to the belief that there are many possible routes or most religions believe in the same god, just under different names.
I really appreciate how Chip cites non-Christian experts for each of the main claims, making a compelling effort to prove the accuracy of the evidence for Christians and non-Christians alike. I would recommend this book for anyone who is simply curious as to the supporting evidence for a Christian belief system, or to the skeptic who is trying to determine the validity of such outrageous claims, or to Christian who would like to be able to give supporting facts in an effort to secure their beliefs more firmly on historical and scientific logic and reasoning rather then just a feeling or emotional response. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher, Baker Books, for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Utilizing compelling evidences from multiple historic and scientific resources, Chip explains why he believes so resolutely in the resurrection, the Bible, life after death, creation, and the God of the Bible. Comparing Christianity to other world religions throughout the text, Chip also emphasizes how you can be sure that Christianity is the one and only path to the true God, as opposed to the belief that there are many possible routes or most religions believe in the same god, just under different names.
I really appreciate how Chip cites non-Christian experts for each of the main claims, making a compelling effort to prove the accuracy of the evidence for Christians and non-Christians alike. I would recommend this book for anyone who is simply curious as to the supporting evidence for a Christian belief system, or to the skeptic who is trying to determine the validity of such outrageous claims, or to Christian who would like to be able to give supporting facts in an effort to secure their beliefs more firmly on historical and scientific logic and reasoning rather then just a feeling or emotional response. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher, Baker Books, for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
January 3, 2018
Chip Ingram is a skeptic and an intellectual. But God has used both those aspects of his personality to send him on a journey to test and see if the basic tenets of the Christian faith are true. That journey began at the end of his college undergraduate program when the head of his college department asked him why he was throwing away his brain to ‘blindly follow an ancient book and a mythical figure named Jesus”(p.14) Ingram decided three things from that challenge:
“1.I would not throw away my brains…to be a follower of Christ. If my faith was true it must hold up under intellectual, philosophical and historical scrutiny.
2.I could not deny the life-changing experience that Jesus had made in my life and so I would not be intellectually intimidated into giving up my faith simply because those I respected in academia belittled it.
3.I would fully commit myself to discover the answers to those hard questions, if they existed, and let the consequences of my research and study direct my future.” (p.14)
His book Why I Believe is the culmination of the years of research he undertook to see if his biblical faith in Jesus could be validated. His answer is resoundingly YES. He approaches each major doctrinal question (the resurrection, the authenticity of the Bible, Jesus’s actual death, the reality of life after death, the scientific debate against God etc.) from a lawyer’s viewpoint – stating the compelling evidence and giving reasoned arguments for his faith. The book is clearly written, logical and accessible for anyone searching to have a more compelling basis for the Christian faith and life.
5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 1/4/18
“1.I would not throw away my brains…to be a follower of Christ. If my faith was true it must hold up under intellectual, philosophical and historical scrutiny.
2.I could not deny the life-changing experience that Jesus had made in my life and so I would not be intellectually intimidated into giving up my faith simply because those I respected in academia belittled it.
3.I would fully commit myself to discover the answers to those hard questions, if they existed, and let the consequences of my research and study direct my future.” (p.14)
His book Why I Believe is the culmination of the years of research he undertook to see if his biblical faith in Jesus could be validated. His answer is resoundingly YES. He approaches each major doctrinal question (the resurrection, the authenticity of the Bible, Jesus’s actual death, the reality of life after death, the scientific debate against God etc.) from a lawyer’s viewpoint – stating the compelling evidence and giving reasoned arguments for his faith. The book is clearly written, logical and accessible for anyone searching to have a more compelling basis for the Christian faith and life.
5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 1/4/18
August 30, 2021
This book is like the I-Can-Read version of The Case for Christ, or some of the other apologetic books that I have recently read. I really enjoyed it.
Chip Ingram has a fantastic writing style that instantly engages readers. There are several things that I loved about this book. First off, Chip begins with personal experience, both in his life growing up and a few things he experienced throughout his life to illustrate his point so you know that he knows what he is talking about. Second, wow! The points he makes are so easy to read and digest. He breaks each one down into paragraphs that have titles written in bold so that you can either go back and reference or take a glance to remember everything. If you are doing an apologetics study, I would recommend starting with this one. It's like a prequel to everything and it's so easy to understand (and a rather quick read and that's coming from me who has been taking two years to finish a book!) and it covers a lot of the same topics, so one could have a foundation, an understanding of them before diving into some of the thicker books that tackle all issues!
The third thing I really liked about this book was that Chip challenged his readers. Instead of giving them material to read and then just letting them close the book, he challenges us to think about what we really believe. I mean, really think about it! A book that challenges its readers, and gives them something to come away with, is never a wasted book. I highly, highly recommend that every Christian read this today so that we can be equip with basic answers to today's hot and popular questions.
Chip Ingram has a fantastic writing style that instantly engages readers. There are several things that I loved about this book. First off, Chip begins with personal experience, both in his life growing up and a few things he experienced throughout his life to illustrate his point so you know that he knows what he is talking about. Second, wow! The points he makes are so easy to read and digest. He breaks each one down into paragraphs that have titles written in bold so that you can either go back and reference or take a glance to remember everything. If you are doing an apologetics study, I would recommend starting with this one. It's like a prequel to everything and it's so easy to understand (and a rather quick read and that's coming from me who has been taking two years to finish a book!) and it covers a lot of the same topics, so one could have a foundation, an understanding of them before diving into some of the thicker books that tackle all issues!
The third thing I really liked about this book was that Chip challenged his readers. Instead of giving them material to read and then just letting them close the book, he challenges us to think about what we really believe. I mean, really think about it! A book that challenges its readers, and gives them something to come away with, is never a wasted book. I highly, highly recommend that every Christian read this today so that we can be equip with basic answers to today's hot and popular questions.
October 26, 2024
I listened to this book, so I feel like in some moments I wasn't completely listening and digesting what Chip had to say...but what I DID digest was so great and so packed with solid apologetics, good philosophy, and Scripturally-founded truth!
I feel like I'm getting a lot of this teaching "again," because I've read other apologetics books and studied it some (mostly for school!), but listening to this book made me really wonder if I have these apologetics-question-answers under my belt enough to truly have a solid apologetics discussion with somebody of a different worldview than me.
It is one thing to hear this all-important stuff and believe it...it is another thing to argue for it.
I think that listening to this book showed me unprepared I really am.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Christian apologetics (especially lovers of apologists like Lee Strobel, C.S. Lewis, and Francis Shaeffer...all of which are referred to in this book).
I would also recommend this book to, quite frankly, ANY Christian (or non-Christian!) that is interested in asking the hard questions and understanding the foundation of their faith.
I feel like I'm getting a lot of this teaching "again," because I've read other apologetics books and studied it some (mostly for school!), but listening to this book made me really wonder if I have these apologetics-question-answers under my belt enough to truly have a solid apologetics discussion with somebody of a different worldview than me.
It is one thing to hear this all-important stuff and believe it...it is another thing to argue for it.
I think that listening to this book showed me unprepared I really am.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Christian apologetics (especially lovers of apologists like Lee Strobel, C.S. Lewis, and Francis Shaeffer...all of which are referred to in this book).
I would also recommend this book to, quite frankly, ANY Christian (or non-Christian!) that is interested in asking the hard questions and understanding the foundation of their faith.
November 4, 2017
This is an honestly written book. It is what it says it is, straight answers to questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Chip goes directly into the issues and doubts he wrestled with as a youth that many others struggle with. This is not a detailed, in depth apologetics manual, and Chip says so himself in the first few chapters. This book are his answers to those questions and why he personally believes. If you are looking for a good book on apologetics look into Ravi Zacharias, William Lane Craig or Frank Turek because this book was not meant for that.
Chip addresses each question with scripture, science, history and logic. This a great book to have on your nightstand, very thought-provoking, enjoyable and a great read. If you're looking for a book that cuts straight through the tough questions with simple, straightforward answers, with no heavy material, then I recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Baker in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Chip addresses each question with scripture, science, history and logic. This a great book to have on your nightstand, very thought-provoking, enjoyable and a great read. If you're looking for a book that cuts straight through the tough questions with simple, straightforward answers, with no heavy material, then I recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Baker in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
November 10, 2017
The book is an easy read and covers many of the issues people have with God, the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity. Ingram laces the book with illustrations from his own life and ministry and quotes many experts from various fields. I find that gives authenticity to his views.
His coverage on the origin of the Bible was my favorite part. We can be thankful the Bible is not just another book and as that is the basis for our faith it is helpful to know its origin.
The language in the book is conversational not preachy, and I thought the author presented a balanced summary of the positions on various issues. His answers are logical and substantiated but there is no tone of haughtiness or devaluation of others who hold different views. His words are respectful and full of genuine concern.
I was impressed with the vast array of leaders in the evangelical world who wrote recommendations for the book. To get all those folks to agree on something is a momentous effort!
His coverage on the origin of the Bible was my favorite part. We can be thankful the Bible is not just another book and as that is the basis for our faith it is helpful to know its origin.
The language in the book is conversational not preachy, and I thought the author presented a balanced summary of the positions on various issues. His answers are logical and substantiated but there is no tone of haughtiness or devaluation of others who hold different views. His words are respectful and full of genuine concern.
I was impressed with the vast array of leaders in the evangelical world who wrote recommendations for the book. To get all those folks to agree on something is a momentous effort!
April 5, 2018
A must read for everyone...
While I almost never bother to write a review on the books I read, I have to stop and think seriously of telling others how very helpful this book will be for everyone. From the newest Christian to the oldest, there is so much one can and will learn that is enlightening to them. For the person who is still searching or seeking God, this book will probably have more than enough answers to their questions.
It is easy to read but keeps you interested to continue without being preachy. It is logical in order and so compelling in its answers, when you're already fully convinced, there's more and more! Not only will this help you in your own testimony, it gives you even more real evidence to help convince the skeptic. It will certainly give me more confidence to spread the gospel. That is His commandment to us... Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel! It gives you all the reasons why you now can...
While I almost never bother to write a review on the books I read, I have to stop and think seriously of telling others how very helpful this book will be for everyone. From the newest Christian to the oldest, there is so much one can and will learn that is enlightening to them. For the person who is still searching or seeking God, this book will probably have more than enough answers to their questions.
It is easy to read but keeps you interested to continue without being preachy. It is logical in order and so compelling in its answers, when you're already fully convinced, there's more and more! Not only will this help you in your own testimony, it gives you even more real evidence to help convince the skeptic. It will certainly give me more confidence to spread the gospel. That is His commandment to us... Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel! It gives you all the reasons why you now can...
October 4, 2017
In Chip Ingram’s book Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions About God, the Bible, and Christianity, the author discusses why he believes in the God of the Bible. I had enjoyed reading Ingram’s recent book The Real God, so I was looking forward to Why I Believe – and it did not disappoint.
The content covers a wide array of topics, such as why Ingram believes in God’s Creation of the world, and why he believes in the Resurrection. The chapter that I found most interesting was “Did Jesus Really Die?”, which examines historical evidence relating to Jesus’ death and burial. Why I Believe would be an informative tool to those who are planning on witnessing to non-believers.
*I received this book for review*
The content covers a wide array of topics, such as why Ingram believes in God’s Creation of the world, and why he believes in the Resurrection. The chapter that I found most interesting was “Did Jesus Really Die?”, which examines historical evidence relating to Jesus’ death and burial. Why I Believe would be an informative tool to those who are planning on witnessing to non-believers.
*I received this book for review*
March 1, 2020
This book is a very good overview. I do think it's better for people who haven't researched any of the topics discussed or for those who need a refresher. It's not going to give you any new information if this is something you've already studied. That said, it's an important and necessary edition to the topic because a starting point or refresher book is always needed.
I listened to this as an audiobook. The version that I listened to was the expanded and updated edition. There are two editions out there.
I listened to this as an audiobook. The version that I listened to was the expanded and updated edition. There are two editions out there.
October 9, 2017
This book had a well researched of the best writing and compelling to read with also encouraged, challenged and giving us a practically guidelines and other people as well to understand the intellectual and historical basis life for our faith that we as about God, and the Bible. Chip Ingram helping us to the answer Why I Believe.
I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
July 21, 2021
Best Reasons for Following the God of the Bible That I’ve Read!
Chip Ingram is an intellectual, but he communicates in an easily understood way. I’ve read a few books from skeptics who’ve trusted in Christ, considering their reasons and evidences for faith in Christ, but the information in this book is the best I’ve read!
Chip Ingram is an intellectual, but he communicates in an easily understood way. I’ve read a few books from skeptics who’ve trusted in Christ, considering their reasons and evidences for faith in Christ, but the information in this book is the best I’ve read!
April 27, 2018
Excellent for the Christian and non-Christian skeptics alike. I loved that he shows you can be an intelligent, open-minded thinker and still believe in Jesus and the Bible. This is an important resource!
May 17, 2018
A great resource...
A great book to help you defend why you believe the bible and Jesus claims of who He said He is. I have read other books by Chip Ingram and he is a great teacher on Jesus, the impact of Christianity on the world and Heaven. I Highly recommend this book!
A great book to help you defend why you believe the bible and Jesus claims of who He said He is. I have read other books by Chip Ingram and he is a great teacher on Jesus, the impact of Christianity on the world and Heaven. I Highly recommend this book!
October 10, 2023
Great book for all! Every Christian should read to confirm why we believe in Jesus, the resurrection, biblical history and creationism. And historical proof of each of those! Faith isn’t just blind based on fables, Biblical faith is logical as well!
May 17, 2018
Fantastic read. Makes you think about what and why you believe.
November 6, 2018
Always Good to Know “Why”
As someone who desires to know “why” and have a basis for opinions, thoughts and beliefs, this book was a helpful addition to other sources (e.g., “The Story of Reality”) in enabling me to explain my conviction and Christian world view.
As someone who desires to know “why” and have a basis for opinions, thoughts and beliefs, this book was a helpful addition to other sources (e.g., “The Story of Reality”) in enabling me to explain my conviction and Christian world view.
July 5, 2025
great book
September 14, 2020
Basic and to the Point!
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the basics that we all need to revisit frequently. My son was reading it and I ordered as I continue as a parent to stay involved in their daily communication with the world. Great book!
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the basics that we all need to revisit frequently. My son was reading it and I ordered as I continue as a parent to stay involved in their daily communication with the world. Great book!
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