In the past few years I’ve becoming increasingly convinced of the importance of Apologetics not just because it’s important to defend the faith, but rather because ideas have consequences, sometimes- far reaching, and world-changing ones. The Christian faith contains many volatile truths that challenge and continue to challenge the cultural and religious status quo. 7 Truths That Changed the World Discovering Christianity’s Most Dangerous Ideas by Kenneth Samples is an exploration that offers a unique look at how the world changed when Christ and His followers came on the scene. In a world where Christian belief and practice are increasingly under fire this book helps readers to be able to answer the “what and why” of what they believe in order to impact the world for Christ—for good.
The best part of this book is the approach of the author. The author begins each section by outlining how Christianity is under attack and then moves to answer each objection. Whenever I discuss contemporary theological issues with other Christians at some point, I’m asked, “Why does this matter Dave?” What these people are asking is what practical relevance does a particular teaching have on their everyday lives. By writing his book the way he does the author helps the reader to see why these “dangerous ideas” of Christianity are important.
The Christian faith contains powerful truth-claims that have transformed the church and turned the world upside down. Christianity’s initial dangerous ideas started with twelve men (Jesus’ apostles) and within three hundred years came to dominate the ancient Roman world. And for more than a thousand years after that, the historic faith dominated all aspects of Western civilization.
Many Christian’s want to know the practical relevance of their faith, how to defend it and apply it to their lives. Many people today also are unfamiliar with historic Christianity’s unique perspective on God, Christ, the world, humankind, values, death, and suffering. Christian’s who pick up and read this book will become familiar with not only biblical Christianity but also learn how to answer objection to the faith.
Christianity was once dangerous because the Apostles and the early followers of Jesus knew that Christianity turned people’s lives upside down. Biblical Christianity doesn’t just stay inside the safe walls of the Church, but rather goes out with the Gospel into the world to proclaim Christ to the nations in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus saves people and then sends them out into everyday life and uses them in their vocations and communities by empowering them through the work of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in the world. This book will not only help Christians to understand that their faith isn’t safe but dangerous but also help non-Christians to understand Christianity’s dangerous but helpful teachings. Whether you’re a Christian or a non-Christian this book will help you understand what historic Christianity is all about by revealing the explosive truth of what the Bible teaches about God, Christ, the world, humankind, values, death and suffering.
Title: 7 Truths That Changed the World: Discovering Christianity’s Most Dangerous Ideas
Author: Kenneth Samples
Publisher: Baker (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Baker book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
