Persuasions: A Dream of Reason Meeting Unbelief

Rating:
Summary: following logic
Review: Anyone who likes to follow an argument will appreciate this

Rating:
Summary: Persuasions, A dream of Reason Meeting Unbelief
Review: As a fairly new Christain and a student at a secular university, I would very strongly recommend reading this book. Apologetics is a daunting word to most (is was to me!) and this book is a gracious gift from God to those of us who want to learn more about the questions others have about the faith but in a very practical, conversational-type of manner. I just ordered it for a sweet friend of mine who is eager to learn more and I hope more Christians pick it up, to use the resources God has given to articulate better, why we can rest in our knowlegde of God.

Rating:
Summary: Short Dialogues that teach Method of Apologetics!
Review: I enjoyed this book very much because of its brevity as well as its readability. It introduces the application of pressupositional apologetics through series of dialogues with the "Evangelist". Much like in Pilgrim's Progress, Evangelist meets interesting characters each with different objections to Christianity.

Let me just name a few topics that are covered: Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Evolutionism, Antinomianism, Legalism, and Roman Catholicism. Doug Wilson manages to even address practical issues like Marriage! What¡¯s great about this book is that it lays down clearly what Reformed Christians believe without getting too technical.

Although I would highly recommend this book to anyone, my only regret is that this book could have done much more. At times, I felt like the dialogues just ended too abruptly leaving the reader hanging. Therefore, in some ways length of this book is its weakness as well as its strength. I felt that much more could have been discussed in each dialogues. Maybe even tell the reader, for instance, what Antinomianism is before the dialogue begins. In fact, I think there is an error in the table of content regarding Antinomianism (topics of John and Bill should be switched). You see, I wouldn't have known that if I weren¡¯t already familiar with the subject.

I¡¯m just hoping there¡¯s going to be a sequel. =)

Rating:
Summary: Short Dialogues that teach Method of Apologetics!
Review: I enjoyed this book very much because of its brevity as well as its readability. It introduces the application of pressupositional apologetics through series of dialogues with the "Evangelist". Much like in Pilgrim's Progress, Evangelist meets interesting characters each with different objections to Christianity.

Let me just name a few topics that are covered: Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Evolutionism, Antinomianism, Legalism, and Roman Catholicism. Doug Wilson manages to even address practical issues like Marriage! What¡¯s great about this book is that it lays down clearly what Reformed Christians believe without getting too technical.

Although I would highly recommend this book to anyone, my only regret is that this book could have done much more. At times, I felt like the dialogues just ended too abruptly leaving the reader hanging. Therefore, in some ways length of this book is its weakness as well as its strength. I felt that much more could have been discussed in each dialogues. Maybe even tell the reader, for instance, what Antinomianism is before the dialogue begins. In fact, I think there is an error in the table of content regarding Antinomianism (topics of John and Bill should be switched). You see, I wouldn't have known that if I weren¡¯t already familiar with the subject.

I¡¯m just hoping there¡¯s going to be a sequel. =)

Rating:
Summary: Apologetics for the average Christian -- wonderful book!
Review: Kudos to the author for an excellent primer on Christian apologetics. This semi-allegorical book is designed to equip the "average" Christian to understand the major criticisms of his faith, and how to refute them logically, lovingly, and effectively -- without needing a seminary degree!

The narrator relates his observations of Evangelist, who travels the road leading to the City, i.e. heaven. He meets a series of people traveling in the opposite direction, toward the Abyss which awaits at the other end of the road. Each mistakenly believes, however, that he is headed in the right direction. When Evangelist gently notes their error, each proceeds to explain to him why they are correct and he is wrong. Each dialogue is based on a different critique of Christianity, whether it be antinomianism, existentialism, or hypocrisy within the church, to name just a few. Each conversation ends with the traveler continuing on his way, with new ideas and implications to think about.

There are thirteen such encounters in all, each presented in a concise, easy to read chapter. The arguments follow a smooth logical flow, and the reasoning presented in each chapter is incisive. In short, this book enables the lay reader to quickly grasp and use some powerful tools to "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." This is an incredibly practical resource which can easily be read in one sitting. However, I definitely intend to re-read it when the opportunity arises. I commend this book to the reading of every committed believer in Jesus Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Persuasive indeed!
Review: This book is in the form of dialogues between a Christian and various people who have other world views (e.g., feminist, agnostic, pantheistic, etc.). Each dialogue is short and gets right to the point of showing the illogic of the other world view compared to the Christian world view. Outstanding!!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book!
Review: Wilson lays easy to understand solutions against different worldviews. Page 44 is one of my favorite parts of this book:

"Your earlier chain of reasoning, and your statement just now, indicate that you believe in the validity of reason."

"That is correct."

"Why is that?"

"What do you mean, 'Why is that?'"

"Do you believe in the theory of evolution?"

"I certainly do. Science has settled the matter beyond question."

"So you believe that all we see around us is the result of time and chance acting on matter?"

"I do."

"And that nothing exists unless it is the result of this process?"

"Correct."

"So this is what lies behind my earlier question. Why do you believe in the validity of reason? How can time and chance, acting on matter, produce reason?"

This leaves many atheists virtually speechless or mute on the subject. You should make an effort to get Wilson's debate with Dan Barker. Furthermore, if you search any web enginge, you're liable to find Wilson's debate with Farrell Till and Theodore M. Drange.