Tawa Anderson has the heart of a pastor and mind of a scholar, writing an enjoyable, readable, and philosophically, biblically, scientifically, and historically informed apologetic for theism and Christianity. His patient and accessible, lucid and inviting prose deftly canvasses a wide swath of evidential terrain, each step successively building toward a powerful cumulative case. In the process his impressive approach models what a laudably expansive, philosophically rigorous, existentially satisfying, and large-hearted apologetic ought to look like. Warmly recommend!”
—David Baggett, professor of philosophy and director of the center for moral apologetics, Houston Baptist University
“If you’ve never looked into the bases for Christianity’s truth claims including the existence of a creating and law-giving God, the reality of Jesus, and his resurrection from the dead, you may be surprised at the sheer number of lines of reasoning Tawa Anderson brings forward for these remarkable claims. His real-life examples will keep you turning the pages.
Christians are called to provide reasons for their hope and, with the plethora of faith and worldview options today, good reasons are needed more than ever. This book provides them in a highly readable and engaging form. But this book does more than satisfy one’s intellect. It also brings out the appeal of the Christian message. Anderson shows that whether you believe it or not, once you really grasp it, you may just wish it were true.”
—Paul Chamberlain, associate professor of apologetics and director of the Institute for Christian Apologetics, ACTS Seminaries
“Apologetics is as important today as it has ever been. Yet, in an age when most apologetic texts are either overly technical or too watered down to be of great use, Tawa Anderson’s Why Believe is a breath of fresh air. As a trusted intellect and gifted writer, Anderson provides an outstanding resource for those interested (no matter their motivations) in the great questions about Christian faith. This book will have a long life and use in the courses I teach!”
—James K. Dew Jr., president, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
“Tawa Anderson skillfully shows, in plain language, that there are good reasons to want and believe Christianity is true. Fully conversant with the contemporary landscape regarding the questions of God, faith, and the Bible, Anderson’s Why Believe is essential reading for anyone seeking truth. Believers will be nourished and strengthened. Unbelievers will be challenged and set on a path, that if faithfully followed, leads to Jesus.”
—Paul Gould, associate professor of philosophy of religion and director, M.A. Philosophy of Religion program, Palm Beach Atlantic University
“Tawa Anderson provides an incredibly clear and easy-to-follow overview from pertinent preliminaries, to God’s existence and the truth of Christianity. It includes excellent discussions, penetrating questions, and helpful summaries of very complex arguments in a conversational and easily read manner. The result is a robust, yet concise and easily followed summary of the major issues across the spectrum, including scientific, rational, anthropological, and historical considerations that make Christianity unique. Highly recommended.”
—Gary Habermas, distinguished research professor of apologetics and philosophy, Liberty University
“Why Believe is a straightforward, easy-to-read, but surprisingly detailed guide to why Christianity is believable. Tawa Anderson has provided a useful resource to place in the hands of skeptics as well as Christians who are struggling with evidence for their faith.”
—Timothy Paul Jones, chair, department of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“In a world where Christians are often portrayed as anti-science and anti-intellectual, this is a refreshing book that challenges both of those convictions. Tawa Anderson articulates a fourfold case for the rationality of the Christian faith. He argues that it matters whether Christianity is true, that it is true, that Jesus really was the incarnate son of God, and that the major objections to Christianity fall by the wayside. The final result is an articulate and winsome defense of the historic Christian faith, a faith very much able to withstand careful scrutiny and the challenges of science. Highly recommended.”
—Stewart Kelly, professor of philosophy, Minot State University
“Does God exist? Is science and religion in conflict? Why does God allow evil, pain, and suffering? What can we really know about Jesus? Professor Tawa Anderson answers these questions and others in this important book. Highly recommended for students, young and old alike!”
—Michael R. Licona, associate professor of theology, Houston Baptist University, and president, Risen Jesus, Inc.
“I really enjoyed reading Why Believe. Professor Anderson has a firm grasp of the issues and relevant literature, and he clearly knows his way around an argument. The selection of content is excellent. But what really drew me in was the way the book reads like a personal conversation between Anderson and the reader. The tone is warm, conversational, and engaging. And even though no relevant stone is left unturned, Why Believe is written at a very accessible level without being simplistic. This would serve as an excellent text for a course on worldview or apologetics. It also equips the reader how to share his or her faith. I highly recommend it.”
—J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Why Believe offers an accessible introduction to key issues in Christian apologetics. Tawa Anderson’s charitable tone, willingness to engage fairly with objections, and clear, thoughtful explanations make this a volume which will be of value both to the inquiring skeptic and to the budding apologist.”
—Holly Ordway, fellow of faith and culture, Word on Fire Institute
“Culture is becoming more and more non-religious. People are weary of agendas and propaganda. And yet, people are still incredibly hungry for truth, hope, and peace. Everyone desires to believe in something that will bring meaning to their life. That is why am so excited to enthusiastically recommend, Why Believe, by my friend Dr. Tawa Anderson. This book is timely and applicable. Grab multiple copies. One for you, and others to gift to those who are searching. This is a must read!”
—Shane Pruitt, national next gen evangelism director, North American Mission Board
“Why Believe is an elegantly balanced work: rigorous and yet accessible, rooted in the traditions of the church while being fully engaged in contemporary debates, solidly academic and also warmly pastoral, confident, and yet not triumphalistic. This is apologetics as it should be written, seasoned with intellect, wisdom, and passion to grow disciples in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
—Randal Rauser, professor of historical theology, Taylor Seminary
“This is a remarkable book! Some books today on Christian apologetics are over the head of the average reader (or too long). Others understate the seriousness of the challenges that contemporary believers face, or misrepresent those challenges, and then give answers that really aren’t sufficient for the task. The result is that readers are left with a false sense of confidence that is easily overcome by a moderately well-informed skeptic. This book finds the literary Goldilocks zone (i.e., it is just right for what it is). Tawa Anderson identifies the issues that matter most, states them succinctly, and then communicates complex ideas in simple and useful ways, making them understandable yet without dumbing them down. Better still, like the proverbial chicken on the highway, he lays it on the line and does it in a hurry. But what really sets this book apart is Anderson’s modesty and hopefulness. This is an honest treatment of the issues that recognizes that there is more to be said but leaves the reader wanting Christianity to be true because Anderson has presented it for what it truly is: reasonable and desirable.”
—Robert B. Stewart, professor of philosophy and theology, Greer-Heard Chair of Faith and Culture, and director, Christian apologetics program, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
“Why Believe is an outstanding resource for contemporary apologetics and evangelism. In the true spirit of Pascal’s famous dictum, Anderson builds a compelling case for why one should want Christianity to be true prior to laying out, in an attractive conversational tone, the best reasons to believe that it actually is true. This book is a wonderfully versatile tool for training Christians, encouraging doubters, and overcoming the common apathy of nonbelievers. I will be recommending it frequently.”
—Melissa Cain Travis, assistant professor of apologetics, Houston Baptist University
