A Commonsense Case For Christianity

Herein is an appeal to an examination of mere, authentic Christianity. I concluded my last book, The Philosophy of Commonsense with the premise that Christian values had informed the common-sense of ordinary and extraordinary people throughout the history of the West to culminate in the formation of American culture. This work is a continuation of that theme with a discussion of precisely what is meant by authentic Christianity and why anyone that seeks to understand their place in the cosmos should at least give it the old college try.

Have you ever wondered if there is anything to the concepts of God, religion, and miracles? Are you the kind of person that doesn’t just want to stick their head in the sand and be duped by someone who says “You just need to take a leap in the dark and believe”? I hear you. Or perhaps you are a Christian, but you have some doubts. I want to share the evidence for Christianity in a succinct, readable (with a slight touch of humor), and compelling way using the concept of American jurisprudence, which demands good reasoning but not necessarily one hundred percent proof to make its case. Average, commonsense people live this way all the time, and this book is for them. This book will benefit the average Christian, giving valuable information in a memorable way so that they can share their faith with confidence. It will also benefit those who don’t know Christ yet by its brevity, clarity, and persuasive nature. I begin talking about common sense using American jurisprudence and the concept of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. I then make a case using common sense to gradually move a person down the line from unbeliever to believer. I first help the atheist see why it is more reasonable to be an agnostic. Then I aid the agnostic in realizing it is more fitting to be a theist (a believer in a supreme being) than to stay agnostic. Next, I assist the theist into embracing Christianity. If there is a God, then it makes sense that He would reveal Himself in such a way that we don’t have to wander in the dark all our lives. Then I cover the thorny question of properly interpreting the Bible. I conclude with a satisfying answer to the legitimate question of why an all-powerful and all-loving God would allow so much evil and suffering in the world. Is there evidence for God and Jesus? I think you will be surprised.

Systematically sets forth the ethics and basic doctrines of Christian faith.

Originally published: San Francisco, Calif.: Chronicle Books, 2006.