An Introduction to Christian Worldview Pursuing Gods Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson W. Michael Clark A David K. Naugle [Anderson, Tawa J. A, W. Michael Clark Naugle, David (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Everyone has a worldview. A worldview is the lens through which we interpret the cosmos and our lives in it. A worldview answers the big questions of life: What is our nature? What is our world? What is our problem? What is our end? As Anderson, Clark, and Naugle point out, our worldview cannot simply be reduced to a series of rational beliefs. We are creatures of story, and the kinds of stories we tell reveal important things about our worldview. Part of being a thoughtful Christian means being able to understand and express the Christian worldview as well as developing an awareness of the variety of worldviews. An Introduction to Christian Worldview takes you further into answering questions such as the following:

Why do worldviews matter?
What characterizes a Christian worldview?
How can we analyze and describe a worldview?
What are the most common secular and religious worldviews?
Well organized, clearly written, and featuring aids for learning, An Introduction to Christian Worldview is the essential text for either the classroom or for self-study.

Review
"This book offers a refreshing update of Christian worldview teaching for students of Scripture. It is rigorous and deep for serious students, yet accessible for the popular reader who wants to live a muscular Christian faith in our pluralistic marketplace of world-and-life views. One of my favorite aspects of this book is its real world examples of worldview thinking and analysis from Scripture, life, entertainment, and culture―especially movies!"

-- Brian Godawa, author of Hollywood Worldviews

"It's all here: a stellar introduction to (1) the concept of worldview, (2) the contour, content, and defense of the Christian worldview, and (3) explanation and critique of alternate secular and religious worldviews. There is little new here, but new notions of basic Christian belief and practice are often misleading and sometimes profoundly false. Here the truths of Christian faith gleam with clarity and conviction. I'm impressed."

-- James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door and Apologetics Beyond Reason

"It's become fashionable in some circles to downplay the importance of worldview. An Introduction to Christian Worldview counters this tendency by offering a clear apologia for the value of thoughtful worldview construction and evaluation to Christian faith. Moreover, it provides a concrete comparison of a Christian worldview to alternative models found in philosophical systems and world religions. The authors make their ideas readily accessible to readers, and it is a valuable resource for all Christians who desire a deeper understanding of the conceptual foundations of our faith."

-- Steve Wilkens, professor of philosophy and ethics, Azusa Pacific University

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The Fate of the Apostles Examining the Martyrdom Accounts of the Closest Followers of Jesus by Sean McDowell (z-lib.org).pdf

The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe written in the 16th century has long been the go-to source for studying the lives and martyrdom of the apostles. Whilst other scholars have written individual treatments on the more prominent apostles such as Peter, Paul, John, and James, there is little published information on the other apostles. In The Fate of the Apostles, Sean McDowell offers a comprehensive, reasoned, historical analysis of the fate of the twelve disciples of Jesus along with the apostles Paul, and James. McDowell assesses the evidence for each apostle’s martyrdom as well as determining its significance to the reliability of their testimony. The question of the fate of the apostles also gets to the heart of the reliability of the kerygma: did the apostles really believe Jesus appeared to them after his death, or did they fabricate the entire story? How reliable are the resurrection accounts? The willingness of the apostles to die for their faith is a popular argument in resurrection studies and McDowell offers insightful scholarly analysis of this argument to break new ground within the spheres of New Testament studies, Church History, and apologetics.

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A New Theist Response to the New Atheists by Kevin Vallier (editor), Joshua Rasmussen (editor) (z-lib.org).pdf

In response to the intellectual movement of New Atheism, this volume articulates a "New Theist" response that has at its core a desire to engage in productive and depolarizing dialogue.

To ensure this book is of interest to atheists and theists alike, a team of experts in the field of philosophy of religion offer an assessment of the strongest New Atheist arguments. The chapters address the most pertinent questions about God, including politics and morality, and each essay shows how a reflective theist might deal with points raised by the New Atheists.

This volume is a serious academic engagement with the questions asked by New Atheism. As such, it will be of significant interest to scholars working in the philosophy of religion and theology, as well as those engaged in religious studies generally.

About the Author
Joshua Rasmussen is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Azusa Pacific University, USA. He works primarily on topics in metaphysics, with a focus on basic categories of reality and minds. He is author of Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth (2014), Necessary Existence (2018), and How Reason Can Lead to God (2019).

Kevin Vallier is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University, USA. His interests lie primarily in political philosophy, ethics, philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE), and the philosophy of religion. He is the author of Liberal Politics and Public Faith: Beyond Separation (2014), Must Politics Be War? Restoring Our Trust in the Open Society (2019) and A Liberal Democratic Peace: Creating Trust in Polarized Times (2020).

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Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Religion by Michael Peterson, Raymond J. VanArragon (z-lib.org).pdf

Must religious belief be based on evidence? Is God necessary for morality? Does science discredit religion?

Building upon the reputation of the first edition, the extensively revised second edition of Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Religion features fifteen essays which present arguments on some of the most central and controversial topics in philosophy of religion from the discipline's most influential thinkers. Considering questions of both emerging and perennial interest from atheistic, theistic, and agnostic viewpoints, the book adopts the series structure which pairs essays espousing opposing perspectives on a particular question or theme in an engaging pro and con format.

Following accessible introductions to each debate, the volume's new and newly-revised contributions set the stage for thoughtful and lively discourse between philosophers in philosophy of religion and analytic theology. Debates range from vigorous disagreements between theists and their critics to arguments between theists of different philosophical and theological persuasions, highlighting points of contrast for readers while showcasing the field's leading minds in dialogue. The head-to-head chapters offer forceful advocacy for some of the most compelling ideas, beliefs, and objections in the philosophy of religion, opening the conversation up to students to weigh the arguments and engage in comparative analysis of the concepts for themselves.

Written to appeal to the non-specialist as well as the professional philosopher, Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Religion is ideal as both a provocative primary text for coursework in analytical theology and philosophy of religion, and as a broad survey of the field for scholars and general readers with an interest in the questions which underpin contemporary philosophy of religion and theology.

About the Author
Michael L. Peterson is Professor of Philosophy at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has written and edited numerous books, and is the general editor of the Wiley Blackwell Exploring Philosophy of Religion series. His research focuses on the philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, the problem of evil, and the science-religion relationship.

Raymond J. VanArragon is Professor of Philosophy at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of Key Terms in Philosophy of Religion (2010), and his work focuses on epistemology and the philosophy of religion.

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How God Became Jesus The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature---A Response to Bart D. Ehrman by Michael F. Bird Craig A. Evans Simon J. Gathercole Charles E. Hill Chris Tilling (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

In his recent book How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher From Galilee historian Bart Ehrman explores a claim that resides at the heart of the Christian faith― that Jesus of Nazareth was, and is, God. According to Ehrman, though, this is not what the earliest disciples believed, nor what Jesus claimed about himself.

The first response book to this latest challenge to Christianity from Ehrman, How God Became Jesus features the work of five internationally recognized biblical scholars. While subjecting his claims to critical scrutiny, they offer a better, historically informed account of why the Galilean preacher from Nazareth came to be hailed as “the Lord Jesus Christ.” Namely, they contend, the exalted place of Jesus in belief and worship is clearly evident in the earliest Christian sources, shortly following his death, and was not simply the invention of the church centuries later.

From Booklist
In 2014, well-known author of biblical exegesis, Bart D. Ehrman published How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee. In it, he posits that the concept of Jesus as God evolved over time. Five biblical scholars gather here to refute that theory. Although it’s preferable to have read Ehrman’s book before tackling this one, the authors do a relatively even-handed job of stating Ehrman’s case before attempting to demolish it. The topics they discuss include divinization in the ancient world, the Christological claims of the synoptic Gospels, and burial practices at the time of Jesus’ death (even those sympathetic to Ehrman’s case would probably agree that his discussion of the empty tomb contains too much conjecture.) This book, while putting forth arguments well worth examining, is weakened by the fact it contains five voices, and dry, scholarly ones at that. Ehrman has mastered the art of writing in a style suitable for general audiences, making his book more accessible. Still, the two deserve consideration together, and the publisher of this volume has cleverly used a cover image in the same style and color as Ehrman’s book, which may help lead interested readers in the right direction. --Ilene Cooper

Review
'This set of studies comprise a readable and lively response to Ehrman's book on how Jesus came to be regarded as in some sense divine. Collectively, they identify controversial issues and offer cogently put alternative views that deserve to be noted and that show that the scholarly discussion remains in play.' -- Larry Hurtado, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Language, Literature and Theology, University of Edinburgh -- Larry Hurtado

About the Author
Michael F. Bird is Academic Dean and lecturer in theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission, The Saving Righteousness of God, Evangelical Theology, Romans (Story of God Bible Commentary Series), The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus, and editor of The Apostle Paul: Four Views. He also runs a popular theological studies blog called “Euangelion” and can be followed on twitter @mbird12.

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No God but One Allah or Jesus A Former Muslim Investigates the Evidence for Islam and Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Having shared his journey of faith in the New York Times bestselling Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi now examines Islam and Christianity in detail, exploring areas of crucial conflict and unpacking the relevant evidence.

In this anticipated follow-up book, Nabeel reveals what he discovered in the decade following his conversion, providing a thorough and careful comparison of the evidence for Islam and Christianity--evidence that wrenched his heart and transformed his life.

In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi recounted his dramatic journey, describing his departure from Islam and his decision to follow Christ. In the years that followed, he realized that the world’s two largest religions are far more different than they initially appeared.

No God but One: Allah or Jesus? addresses the most important questions at the interface of Islam and Christianity: How do the two religions differ? Are the differences significant? Can we be confident that either Christianity or Islam is true? And most important, is it worth sacrificing everything for the truth?

Nabeel shares stories from his life and ministry, casts new light on current events, and explores pivotal incidents in the histories of both religions, providing a resource that is gripping and thought-provoking, respectful and challenging.

Both Islam and Christianity teach that there is No God but One, but who deserves to be worshiped, Allah or Jesus?

Review
With clarity and precision, Nabeel takes his reader through the principal competing truth claims of Islam and Christianity, demonstrating through his own personal search how the Christian world view makes a compelling case for our allegiance while that of Islam falls far short. With an easy-to-read style, this book is a treasure both for those wrestling with the big questions of life as well as those wanting to help in guiding Muslims to find the answers they seek. I highly recommend No God but One! -- Mateen Elass, Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond Oklahoma -- Mateen Elass

About the Author
Nabeel Qureshi was a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He earned an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University, and an MA in religion from Duke University.

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Answering Islam The Crescent in Light of the Cross by Abdul Saleeb, Norman L. Geisler (z-lib.org) (1).pdf

About
What are the fundamental beliefs of Islam and how can Christians respond to them?

Answering Islam evaluates the claims of orthodox Islam and examines the evidence for the Christian counterclaim, preparing you with strong apologetic answers. This revised edition contains more resources and updated information throughout.

Endorsements
"This book is a must for everyone concerned about defending the Christian faith. Dr. Geisler and his coauthor, a former Muslim, have given one of the most comprehensive expositions and most complete evaluations of Islam in print." -Josh McDowell, author, Evidence That Demands a Verdict

"Answering Islam is a valuable tool for those wrestling with the theological barriers that separate one billion Muslims from personal faith in Jesus Christ." -Patrick Cate, president, International Missions, Inc.

"The Muslim presence in the United States continues to grow. It is important that we have a clearly written and fairly presented statement of what Muslims believe and how we as Christians may present the claims of Christ to them in a persuasive and loving way." -Ronald Nash, Reformed Theological Seminary

"This book is a theological masterpiece, the most lucid and comprehensive theological analysis and critique of Islam from a Christian perspective I have ever seen. It is invaluable as a tool for understanding the most serious religious challenge to Christianity in the modern world." -R. C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries

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The Absurdity of Unbelief A Worldview Apologetic of the Christian Faith by Jeffrey D. Johnson (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Description
Because all non-Christian worldviews are indefensible, it is not sufficient for skeptics to attack Christianity without also defending the foundation for their own unbelief. Everyone has a worldview, even atheists and skeptics, but only the Christian worldview is not self-contradictory. The Absurdity of Unbelief demonstrates why every possible reason for unbelief is irrational and ultimately meaningless by exposing the various self-refuting systems of thought in which these objections are rooted. "Agnostics and atheists have been making a lot of noise in recent years, in spite of the fact that their belief systems are so obviously flawed. To counter their propaganda we need a flow of books exposing just how flimsy their arguments are. Jeffrey Johnson has chosen the word ‘absurdity’ to characterise these, and he has chosen well. Chapter by chapter he strips unbelief of any vestige of credibility, then shows with crystal clarity why the biblical case for God stands supreme when contrasted with all other philosophical and religious belief systems. I predict that this book will be as great a help to many of its readers as it has been to me, and I commend it warmly." John Blanchard "As Christians struggle to hold onto a semblance of sanity in the midst of the collapse of Western morality and thought, a sound foundation upon which to stand in explaining our unwillingness to bow the knee to Caesar is a must. In The Absurdity of Unbelief, Jeffrey Johnson provides a clear and compelling case for the Christian faith, readable and usable for believer and unbeliever alike." James R. White

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Worldviews in Conflict Choosing Christianity in a World of Ideas by Ronald H. Nash (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Product Description
This world is a battlefield in the arena of ideas. The prize is the heart and mind of humankind. In this book, Ronald Nash outlines the Christian way of looking at God, self, and the world. He holds that worldview up against the tests of reason, logic, and experience, particularly discussing the problems of evil and the alleged "nonsense" of the historic Christian doctrines and of Jesus' incarnation and resurrection. He finds the Christian worldview sound and urges Christians to equip themselves intellectually to defend the faith on that battlefield. He particularly hits the attractions to our generation of naturalism and the New Age movement, pointing out their weaknesses and pitfalls as well as those of older worldviews. "Christian theism," he writes, "is a system that commends itself to the whole person"; but he stresses that a great difference exists between "belief that" and "belief in."

From the Author
Ronald H. Nash is professor of philosophy and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is the author or editor of many books, including Faith and Reason and Is Jesus the Only Savior

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The Risen Jesus and Future Hope by Gary R. Habermas (z-lib.org).pdf

Product Description
'Always be prepared,' wrote the apostle Peter, 'to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.' Reading and digesting this book will help. Gary R. Habermas begins his apologetic for Christianity by demonstrating the historicity of the resurrection of Christ. He then connects the resurrection to several key tenets of Christian theology, through paths not only historical, but also philosophical, counseling, and experiential. The resurrection, Habermas shows, is the central belief for every Christian, whether that person believes it was an actual historical event or not. But it is Habermas' illustration that Jesus quite literally rose bodily from the dead that makes this book so unique. The resurrection is not only the foundation for Christian belief past and present, but also the basis for future hope. What, for instance, does the resurrection of Jesus have to teach us about our own fear of death? Habermas' answers to this and other questions proves how essential the resurrection is to living a Christian life, and gives us great hope for the future.

Review
This is a book that 'pulls it all together.' I learned something fresh and new about the resurrection in virtually everyone of its chapters. No one acquainted with the spirit and content of this book could possible see the claims about Christianity regularly found in such books as The Da Vinci Code as anything but historical errors of the first order. -- Richard Brian Davis, Tyndale University College

About the Author
Gary R. Habermas is Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy in the Department of Religion and Theology at Liberty University.

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The Resurrection of Jesus A New Historiographical Approach by Michael R. Licona (z-lib.org).pdf

Product Description
The question of the historicity of Jesus' resurrection has been repeatedly probed, investigated and debated. And the results have varied widely. Perhaps some now regard this issue as the burned-over district of New Testament scholarship. Could there be any new and promising approach to this problem? Yes, answers Michael Licona. And he convincingly points us to a significant deficiency in approaching this question: our historiographical orientation and practice. So he opens this study with an extensive consideration of historiography and the particular problem of investigating claims of miracles. This alone is a valuable contribution. But then Licona carefully applies his principles and methods to the question of Jesus' resurrection. In addition to determining and working from the most reliable sources and bedrock historical evidence, Licona critically weighs other prominent hypotheses. His own argument is a challenging and closely argued case for the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Any future approaches to dealing with this "prize puzzle" of New Testament study will need to be routed through The Resurrection of Jesus.

Review
"Licona has tackled his subject energetically, with near-obsessive thoroughness....I am not aware of any scholar who has previously offered such a thorough and fair-minded account of the historiographical prolegomena to the resurrection question." Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School

Review
"The resurrection of Jesus is―in many ways―too important a topic to be left to theologians! In this thoroughly researched and well-argued volume, Mike Licona brings the latest in discussion of historiography to bear on the question of Jesus' resurrection. In a discipline that is often overwhelmed by theological special-pleading, it is refreshing to have this sober and sensible approach to the resurrection that evaluates the historical data and the arguments of many of the scholars writing on the subject. There are few biblical scholars who will not learn something from this important book."

-- Stanley E. Porter, president, dean and professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College
About the Author
Michael R. Licona (Ph.D., University of Pretoria) is Research Professor of New Testament at Southern Evangelical Seminary and on staff at the North American Mission Board.

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Why are there differences in the gospels what we can learn from ancient biography by Michael R. Licona (z-lib.org).pdf

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How Reason Can Lead to God A Philosophers Bridge to Faith by Joshua Ramussen (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Product Description
Do you seek the truth? Do you value reason, science, and independent thinking? Are you skeptical of beliefs that people maintain merely "on faith," yet you remain interested in the big questions of life? Do you hope there could be a greater purpose to the universe, if only that were realistic? If so, then philosopher Joshua Rasmussen can encourage you in your journey. Beginning with his own story of losing faith and the belief in any ultimate purpose in life, he then builds a bridge to a series of universal truths about ultimate reality. Using only the instruments of reason and common experience, Rasmussen constructs a pathway―step by step, brick by brick―that he argues can lead to meaning and, ultimately, a vision of God.

Review
"Rasmussen's book is destined to be a modern classic. Rasmussen combines simplicity, clarity, and depth to an extraordinary degree, resulting in a book that makes some of the most advanced work in contemporary philosophical theology accessible to the general reader, without sacrificing any logical precision. Rasmussen's style is winsome and engaging, drawing the reader into a thrilling adventure of metaphysical investigation of the existence and nature of reality's ultimate foundation."

-- Robert Koons, professor of philosophy, University of Texas at Austin

"This short book contains a bold, original, and provocative argument that shows how reason can lead a person who is genuinely seeking truth to God. It is written in simple, ordinary language and makes no appeal to authority. Although Rasmussen appeals only to truths that he thinks should be universally accepted, a good deal of the force of the book stems from the personal story of Rasmussen himself; his courage and honesty draw the reader into a similar journey."

-- C. Stephen Evans, university professor of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University

"How Reason Can Lead to God is beautifully written. It is truly exceptional in its clarity and simplicity of prose. While some concepts and arguments may be difficult to digest, the interested reader, up for a rigorous, intellectual workout, will be very richly rewarded. Engaging. Humble. Winsome. Rasmussen strikes just the right tone given the aim(s) of the book. A real gem!"

-- Kevin Corcoran, professor of philosophy, Calvin College

"Rasmussen provides a masterpiece argument for God. He delivers every step in a clear and engaging style. Powerful. Beautiful. Transformative."

-- William Lane Craig, professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology and Houston Baptist University, coauthor of Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview

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Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi, Lee Strobel (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Product Description
In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, now expanded with bonus content, Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way.

Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil that will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world’s greatest religions.

Engaging and thought-provoking, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus tells a powerful story of the clash between Islam and Christianity in one man’s heart—and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus.

The New York Times bestselling Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus has been expanded to include:

A revised foreword and introduction
A substantially extended epilogue that shares how Nabeel told his friend David of his decision to follow Christ, how his parents found out, and much more
Expert contributions from scholars and ministry leaders on each section of the book, contributions previously included only in the ebook edition
An appendix with a topical table of contents (for teaching from Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus)
An appendix tackling the objection that Ahmadi Muslims are not true Muslims
And a sneak peek prologue from Nabeel’s forthcoming new book, No God but One: Allah or Jesus?
About the Author
Nabeel Qureshi was a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He earned an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University, and an MA in religion from Duke University.

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Origins of Life Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off by Fazale Rana, Hugh Ross (z-lib.org).pdf

Product Description
For years naturalistic theories have monopolized academia as the only possible scientific explanation for the origin of life. But there's something many people don't know--the facts just don't support such theories. In Origins of Life, biochemist Fazale Rana and astronomer Hugh Ross reveal a model that shows how perspectives on first life's beginnings can be tested--as a creation event--with astounding results. Rana and Ross challenge the myth that scientific evidence supports naturalistic theories and show how research corroborates a transcendent Creator who formed and nurtured the initial life forms and more.

Review
Fazale Rana and Hugh Ross's critique of materialistic theories for the origin of life is so thorough and balanced that one wonders if materialists might be holding on to their Swiss-cheese hypotheses for reasons other than scientific ones. --Michael J Behe, professor of biological science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Fazale Rana and Hugh Ross have provided a thorough and devastating analysis of all naturalistic attempts to explain the origin of life. --Phillip E. Johnson, author, Darwin on Trial

About the Author
Biochemist Fazale Rana is vice president of research and apologetics at Reasons to Believe. Using evidence from biochemistry, genetics, and human origins, he writes and speaks on the powerful scientific case for God's existence and the Bible's reliability. He is author of multiple books, including The Cell's Design and Creating Life in the Lab.

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Improbable Planet How Earth Became Humanity’s Home by Hugh Ross (z-lib.org).pdf

Are we really just the result of innumerable coincidences?
Or is there a more reasonable explanation?

Most of us remember the basics from science classes about how Earth came to be the only known planet that sustains complex life. But what most people don't know is that the more thoroughly researchers investigate the history of our planet, the more astonishing the story of our existence becomes.

The number and complexity of the astronomical, geological, chemical, and biological features recognized as essential to human existence have expanded explosively within the past decade. An understanding of what is required to make possible a large human population and advanced civilizations has raised profound questions about life, our purpose, and our destiny.

This fascinating book helps nonscientists understand the countless miracles that undergird the exquisitely fine-tuned planet we call home--as if Someone had us in mind all along.| Hugh Ross (PhD, University of Toronto) is founder and president of Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org). He is the author of many books, including More Than a Theory and Why the Universe Is the Way It Is. An astronomer and a member of the pastoral staff of a church near Caltech, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over three hundred campuses in the United States and abroad on a wide variety of science-faith topics. From science conferences to churches to government and private research labs, Ross presents powerful evidence for a purpose-filled universe. He lives in the Los Angeles area.

From the Back Cover
"With his typical clarity, insight, and precision, Ross shows how recent scientific findings undermine naturalism while simultaneously providing evidence that there is a plan, purpose, and design in the universe."-- Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; bestselling author of over fifteen books, including A New Kind of Apologist

"In Improbable Planet, Ross holds readers' hands, leading them in a readable yet gently technical format through a compelling layer-upon-layer argument for the distinctiveness of the planet on which we live and of the preparation for inimitable life on Earth. The text is replete with references from primary scientific articles in some of the most well-respected journals, underscoring the highest academic rigor taken in substantiating the factual claims. Only the shamefully flippant could dismiss this book as being a faith-filled presentation rather than the scholarly work it represents."-- James M. Tour, T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Rice University; R&D magazine's 2013 Scientist of the Year

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Taking Pascals Wager Faith, Evidence and the Abundant Life by Michael Rota (z-lib.org).pdf

Product Description
WORLD Magazine’s Best Books of 2016 Short List
Christianity Today's 2017 Book of the Year Award of Merit - Apologetics/Evangelism
Since we can't know with absolute certainty that God exists, each of us in a sense makes a bet. If we believe in God and are right, the benefits include eternal life. If we are wrong, the downside is limited. On the other hand, we might not believe in God. If we are right, then we will have lived in line with reality. If we are wrong, however, the consequences could be eternally disastrous. This was the challenge posed by the French philosopher Blaise Pascal over three hundred years ago. But Michael Rota contends that Pascal's argument is still compelling today. Since there is much to gain (for ourselves as well as for others) and relatively little to lose, the wise decision is to seek a relationship with God and live a Christian life. Rota considers Pascal's wager and the roles of uncertainty, evidence, and faith in making a commitment to God. By engaging with themes such as decision theory, the fine-tuning of the universe, divine hiddenness, the problem of evil, the historicity of the resurrection and the nature of miracles, he probes the many dynamics at work in embracing the Christian faith. In addition, Rota takes a turn not found in many books of philosophy. He looks at the actual effects of such a commitment in three recent, vivid, gripping examples―Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jean Vanier and Immaculée Ilibagiza. Like Pascal, Rota leaves us with a question: What wager will we make?

Review
"Rota, a skilled analytic philosopher, provides an engaging and compelling case for taking Pascal's wager. The precision of the points is manifest on every page. But what makes this book even more profitable is its accessible prose. Inviting, charitable, and provocative―this is the sort of book that one could heartily give to a believer, agnostic, or even an ardent atheist. A home-run for Christian apologetics."

-- Chad Meister, Christianity Today, The 2017 Book Awards

"Engagingly written and rigorously argued, Taking Pascal's Wager provides an excellent introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of several central arguments for the reasonableness of Christianity and so is a worthy addition to the literature of philosophical apologetics. It richly deserves a place in academic and public libraries alike."

-- Thomas M. Dousa, Catholic Library World, September 2016

"Michael Rota's book is an ingenious, readable expansion of Pascal's hint in Pensées that commitment to God is worth making even if we can't be sure God exists. This is the rare book that both makes a profoundly serious argument and does so in a wonderfully joyful way. Those who haven't yet taken the wager of Christian commitment will be challenged by this book. But so will others who haven't yet taken the wager of philosophy itself―to see how fun and even life-changing philosophical reasoning can be."

-- Andy Crouch, executive editor, Christianity Today, author of Culture Making, Playing God and Strong and Weak

"As a Pascal enthusiast, I am enthusiastic about Taking Pascal's Wager. Professor Rota presents a careful and cogent understanding of the wager and places it within a robust apologetic program. Bravo!"

-- Douglas Groothuis, author of Christian Apologetics

"The conventional wisdom is that Pascal's wager has been completely discredited: it is excessively self-interested, intellectually dishonest and stands in opposition to real faith. But Michael Rota shows that the conventional wisdom is wrong. In Taking Pascal's Wager, Rota confronts the usual objections to the wager and argues that they all miss the point. For those who say that 'more evidence' is needed before Christianity can be considered rational, Rota provides a solid response. But he also goes beyond the head and appeals to the heart. This is a book that should be read by any honest, thoughtful skeptic and that will also answer many of the questions of believers who are questioning their faith. As Rota shows, Pascal's wager can be as powerful an evangelistic tool today as it was in the seventeenth century."

-- Forrest E. Baird, Whitworth University

"Taking Pascal's Wager is a novel combination of Pascalian wagering with natural theology and Christian evidences. Rigorous but readable, this unusual book challenges the mind while appealing to the heart. Believers and unbelievers alike will find much in this book to challenge and inspire them. Truly a gem!"

-- William Lane Craig, Talbot School of Theology, Houston Baptist University

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The Goldilocks Enigma Why Is the Universe Just Right for Life by Paul Davies (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Product Description
The Goldilocks Enigma is Paul Davies’s eagerly awaited return to cosmology, the successor to his critically acclaimed bestseller The Mind of God. Here he tackles all the "big questions," including the biggest of them all: Why does the universe seem so well adapted for life?

In his characteristically clear and elegant style, Davies shows how recent scientific discoveries point to a perplexing fact: many different aspects of the cosmos, from the properties of the humble carbon atom to the speed of light, seem tailor-made to produce life. A radical new theory says it’s because our universe is just one of an infinite number of universes, each one slightly different. Our universe is bio-friendly by accident -- we just happened to win the cosmic jackpot.

While this "multiverse" theory is compelling, it has bizarre implications, such as the existence of infinite copies of each of us and Matrix-like simulated universes. And it still leaves a lot unexplained. Davies believes there’s a more satisfying solution to the problem of existence: the observations we make today could help shape the nature of reality in the remote past. If this is true, then life -- and, ultimately, consciousness -- aren’t just incidental byproducts of nature, but central players in the evolution of the universe.

Whether he’s elucidating dark matter or dark energy, M-theory or the multiverse, Davies brings the leading edge of science into sharp focus, provoking us to think about the cosmos and our place within it in new and thrilling ways.
Review
"Paul Davies' Cosmic Jackpot is a truly mesmerizing book, no matter which you universe you may inhabit!" --Michio Kaku, prof. of theoretical physics, author of Hyperspace and Parallel Worlds
About the Author
PAUL DAVIES is an internationally acclaimed physicist, cosmologist, and astrobiologist at Arizona State University. He is the author of more than twenty books, including The Mind of God, About Time, How to Build a Time Machine, and The Goldilocks Enigma.

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A Fortunate Universe Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos by Geraint F. Lewis, Luke A. Barnes, Brian Schmidt (z-lib.org).pdf

Product Description
Over the last forty years, scientists have uncovered evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.

Review
"My colleagues, Geraint and Luke, in A Fortunate Universe, take you on a tour of the Cosmos in all of its glory, and all of its mystery. You will see that humanity appears to be part of a remarkable set of circumstances involving a special time around a special planet, which orbits a special star, all within a specially constructed Universe. It is these set of conditions that have allowed humans to ponder our place in space and time. I have no idea why we are here, but I do know the Universe is beautiful. A Fortunate Universe captures the mysterious beauty of the Cosmos in a way that all can share."
Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Canberra, and Nobel Laureate in Physics (2011), from the Foreword

"Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes provide a breathtaking tour of contemporary physics from the subatomic to the cosmological scale. Everywhere they find the Universe to be fine-tuned for complex structure. If the quark masses, or the basic forces, or the cosmological constant had been much different, the Universe would have been a sterile wasteland. It seems that the only reactions are either to embrace a multiverse or a designer. The authors have constructed a powerful case for the specialness of our Universe."
Tim Maudlin, New York University

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Signposts to God - How Modern Physics and Astronomy Point the Way to Belief by Peter J. Bussey (z-lib.org).epub.pdf

Product Description
"The heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps 19:1). Can we still sing the words of the Psalmist in an age where scientists talk about an expanding cosmos, the Higgs boson, and the multiverse? In Signposts to God particle physicist Peter Bussey introduces readers to the mysteries of modern physics and astronomy. Written in clear, accessible prose, Bussey provides a primer on topics such as the laws of nature, quantum physics, fine-tuning, and current cosmological models. He shows that despite the remarkable achievements of science, the latest research in these fields does not lead to simple physicalism in which physical processes are able to explain everything that exists. Bussey argues that, far from ruling out a divine Creator, modern physics and astronomy present us with compelling signposts to God. The more we know about the cosmos and our presence in it, the more plausible belief in God becomes. We can be intellectually satisfied in both science and the Christian faith. Written by someone who has worked for years in scientific research, Signposts to God is a timely and winsome response to a cultural stalemate.

Review
"During my decades of teaching, I have carried a constant sadness about the complete ignorance and misunderstanding―by almost all secularists and many Christians―of the relationship between Christianity and science. Upon reading Signposts to God, my cloud began to lift. This book does a thorough and masterful job of showing that physics and astronomy have usually been friendly, not hostile, to Christian ideas. Peter Bussey wisely provides a user-friendly overview of the last centuries of physics and astronomy so the reader can understand the arguments to follow. If you get one book on science and religion this year, get this one."

-- J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Biola University

"In Signposts to God, Peter Bussey brings a useful survey of today's science. In this book, he shows that rather than conflicting with the biblical picture of a creating God active in the universe, the discoveries of the past century and a half have moved the view of science ever closer to that unchanging biblical paradigm."

-- Gerald Schroeder, The College of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, author of Genesis and the Big Bang and The Science of God

(3.38 MiB) Скачиваний: 19