Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions

by Kenneth R. Samples, Ronald Nash (Foreword)

It can be difficult to answer questions about the Christian faith-even for Christians who regularly read their Bibles and attend church. What can they say to a skeptic who questions Christian doctrine or truth claims? What about young Christians who want answers to their tough questions?

Without a Doubt covers questions on everything from the doctrine of the incarnation to religious pluralism, from evolution to moral relativism, with rational answers for even the most stubborn skeptic. Chapters contain charts, relevant biblical texts, and outlines to help readers grasp key ideas relevant to proclaiming the gospel to an unbeliever or discussing doctrine with another Christian.

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

287 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

Kenneth Richard Samples began voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. For seven years, Kenneth worked as Senior Research Consultant and Correspondence Editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly cohosted the popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr. Walter Martin.

As a youth, Kenneth wrestled with "unsettling feelings of meaninglessness and boredom," driving him to seek answers to life's big questions. An encounter with Christian philosophy in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis led Kenneth to examine the New Testament and "finally believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Lord and Savior of the world." From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying faith.

Today, as senior research scholar at Reasons To Believe (RTB), Kenneth uses what he's learned to help others find the answers to life's questions. He encourages believers to develop a logically defensible faith and challenges skeptics to engage Christianity at a philosophical level. He is the author of Without a Doubt and A World of Difference, and has contributed to numerous other books, including: Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men, The Cult of the Virgin, and Prophets of the Apocalypse. He has written articles for Christianity Today and The Christian Research Journal, and regularly participates in RTB's podcasts, including Straight Thinking, a podcast dedicated to encouraging Christians to utilize sound reasoning in their apologetics. He also writes for the ministry's daily blog, Today’s New Reason to Believe.

An avid speaker and debater, Kenneth has appeared on numerous radio programs such as Voice America Radio, Newsmakers, The Frank Pastore Show, Stand to Reason, White Horse Inn, Talk New York, and Issues Etc., as well as participated in debates and dialogues on topics relating to Christian doctrine and apologetics. He currently lectures for the Master of Arts program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University. Kenneth also teaches adult classes at Christ Reformed Church in Southern California.

Over the years Kenneth has held memberships in the American Philosophical Association, the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Evangelical Press Association.

Reviews

[Zach Freeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Samples tries to answer the "20 Toughest Faith Questions" but this is really a book for people who already accept the answers he's giving. He doesn't really address anything tough here. The biggest flaw is his repeated use of straw-man tactics, such as saying something like "atheists say 'I only believe what I can see'" and then showing how you can't see a lot of things you believe. Things like this are quite trivial. He also manages to work in Pascal's Wager as a genuine argument... what year is this? I can see where he's going with this but this book offers nothing new and often comes across extremely condescending despite a lack of intellectual rigor.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tries to answer faith's toughest questions. Frankly, it falls short.

[Kevin Kamagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

very simply but deep!

[Spencer Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great condensed answers to the challenges often brought against Christianity.

[Reneau Peurifoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for someone new to the faith.

[Gregorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for all people who have any doubt about question on Christianity i recommend that they should read this book.

[Chikap09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A question per chapter and pretty thorough explanation in each. A little dry, but very informative.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my World Religions class. I felt as though it were a "dumbed down" version of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ. The author asks and answers questions about faith that in all honesty as a believer in Christ, I just never asked. I tried to take in the good and disregard the bad, but in the end I really didn't agree with much of his theology. He seems like a legalist and that there's no room for moves of the Spirit. In the end, I gave the book 3 stars because for someone who wants bare bones basic understanding of Christianity against other religions, this book would do some apologetics.

[Ryan Kaufman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Ken Sample's podcasts from Reasons to Believe, so I decided to pick up this book. Ken does a great job at answering tough questions about Christianity that you hear quite commonly among believers and skeptics alike. Some of the questions given responses to are God's existence, the Creation, the reliability of Scripture, the Trinity, etc... Of course with 20 sections to the book, each question isn't gone over in great detail, but solid arguments are still offered nonetheless.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samples works for Reasons to Believe a science apologetics ministry and is one of the most astute & clearest communicators I've ever heard. I'm also just reading his chapter on the resurrection, something I like to do the month preceding Easter.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading for an apologetics class. I like this book but he kind of comes to the issues with a "well, duh" attitude. He is an excellent writer but highly intellectual...

[Andrea Pal]

VERY thorough and scientific...good info and proof...but it may be hard to read for some people...took me a while to read it...but i enjoyed it.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough, comprehensive read. A book I would revisit for it's in-depth answers for those very tough questions.

[David Jarrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book was so full of gobbledegook that it was not worth finishing. I decided just reading the Holy Bible was far more valuable and educational.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good review of answers to objections to Christianity from a Reformed thinker.

[Dr Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Apologetics! Very informative and convincing of Truth.