Ask Peter Kreeft: The 100 Most Interesting Questions He's Ever Been Asked

by Peter Kreeft

What's the hardest question you've ever been asked? I've given thousands of lectures around the country to engaged, thoughtful, curious university and church audiences and have always made it a practice to allow for as many questions as possible. Here are the most interesting ones I've been asked, and the answers I gave. Of course, as real questions from real people, they're an eclectic mix, ranging from questions about God and sex and sin and suffering to those about heaven, my favorite movies, even surfing! Some of the questions and answers are easy, some hard; some profound, some silly; some tragic, some funny; most of them thought-provoking and all of them, I hope, entertaining. Join me now as I answer scores of questions I've been asked over the decades, including the

Genres: Philosophy, Christian, Catholic, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2019

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

[sch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jun 2021. Excellent: humble, wise, humorous, clear. The narration is good.

[Phoebe S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an odd book, that's for sure. I have never read an entire book of questions and answers. However, even if I vehemently disagree with Kreeft on some topics (such as Christian rock-there is some good and profound music in that genre, even if it doesn't measure up to classic hymns and chants), he's definitely authentic and honest.

I don't anticipate this converting any atheist, but I don't think that's the point of this book. The point is just to show the basics of who Kreeft is. To that end, it's done pretty well. Most of it is accessible, though there are moments where I had to read things over a few times. I would also like him to explain himself further at times, for example when he callls music "the most profound of all the arts."

However, this is a generally interesting series of questions and dialogues which illuminate Kreeft's personality and way of looking at the world. I definitely think his answer for why Catholics don't believe in reincarnation was my favorite Catholic-related question (though I'm probably biased because I love the idea that Catholicism sees both body and spirit as good and that was used to explain it). Other than that, his thoughts on Chesterton are pretty good as well.

Ultimately, if you're not Catholic, this will probably be less enjoyable for you, but there's still some good questions and answers here.

[Austin · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can see Kreeft's skill as an undergraduate teacher: the best parts of this book are when he's exhorting the readers (or the unnamed question-askers) to combine praxis with theory. Unfortunately a lot of the book has sort of superficial answers, sometimes with cheesy catch-phrases (e.g. God isn't the godfather who makes you an offer you can't refuse, he's the God who gives you an offer you can refuse, or something like that). The most enjoyable part of the book is the chapter in which he lists all his favorite jokes.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning simple things like Dr. Kreeft's sense of humor from this audiobookow and how to correctly pronounce his name ( Krayft). I came away with a new appreciation for philosophy, naming more than 2-3 books or movies when asked for my favorites, and surprising insights on Frank Sinatra and the famous quotation about being the captain of my soul (I'm not). I am once again convicted of the passion for the Catholic faith that comes from converts.

[Ellie Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thoughtful, unique writers I've encountered. Peter Kreeft brings up many thought provoking topics and eloquently communicates his answers to these difficult questions. This book spurred an interest in how a Christian can engage in philosophy from many perspectives.

[Marcos Junior · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kreeft tem uma clareza de pensamento e explicação que fazem muito bem ao leitor. Consegue tratar dos temas mais difíceis com lógica e argumentação simples, evitando a verborragia tão comum dos professores de filosofia de nossa época.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, informative and refreshing. I enjoyed it.

[Molly Benz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for our ADD minds that can’t seem to focus for too long but still want to read the words of Peter Kreeft. My favorite section is the one about his favorite jokes.

[Greg Kozak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt that Kreeft was too resistant to non-thomistic perspectives, often taking a hard and ultra-logical line in his responses rather than incorporating the whole of the human being in his responses.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine listening to Paul Harvey on a podcast, answering philosophical questions with unparalleled clarity.