Honest Christianity: Why People Still Choose to Believe

How is it that in a modern western society some people still hold to a belief in Christianity?

The religion is founded on the historical premise that a human being died, rose again from the dead, violating what is the most certain law in all human existence: death. How can modern people still believe this malarkey?

If this question is gnawing away at you then this book is worth reading. Honest Christianity will outline the best evidence and arguments for how people can still reasonably believe the Christian message today. It will lay bare the evidence for which people derive Christian belief and provide answers to common objections that modern culture presents regarding Christian practice.

ENDORSEMENTS

This book is, quite simply, a valuable read for believers, non-believers, and everyone in between. Drew Cordell plainly has a powerful mind, deep research capability, and a careful ear for the questions that people ask and need answers to. I have found it to be very informative and easy to read, and I sincerely commend it. Our world has been shaped by religious ideas, both good and bad. As an attempt to make sense of it all, there is much of real value in these pages. THE HON JOHN ANDERSON AC FTSE Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Drew has packed this one book with more wisdom and grace than most apologists have done. What sets it apart is its deeply personal and humble approach, in stark contrast to the heroic and triumphant tone often found in similar works—the former style I find much more appealing. Rather than inundating readers with an overwhelming deluge of data and scientific arguments, Drew strikes a delicate balance, avoiding naivety while remaining approachable.

One of the book’s notable strengths is its reliance on reasonable evidence, eschewing the sole reliance on biblical quotations that we see all too frequently in other similar books. This approach not only informs but also respects non-Christian readers, creating a space for dialogue and understanding. You need not wholeheartedly agree with all the book’s assertions before recommending it to a friend. The book sets up conversations for you to follow up, and different views to tease open. This is the book’s major strength in my view. No more passing out of gospel tracts within a set-and-forget type evangelistic mode. This text will help you to maintain an ongoing dialogue.

Lastly, the text operates on two fundamental assumptions. Firstly, it assumes that orthodox historic Christianity can stand firmly when articulated clearly, which Drew does without apology. However, for many Christians who may not subscribe to these beliefs intellectually and rely on alternative cultural viewpoints, the book may challenge them to present equally lucid explanations. Secondly, and notably, the text presupposes that non-Christian readers ideally possess a solid familiarity with the life and teachings of Jesus before delving into its pages. For those whose knowledge is primarily gleaned from movies and memes, the book may remain enigmatic. REV DR IAN ROBINSON Former Alan Walker Lecturer in Leadership, Evangelism, Apologetics and Mission, United Theological College. Author of This Thirsty Heart: A Journey in the Heart of Australia, Creator of the Makes You Wonder course. Oxford University: MA Theology, Charles Sturt University: PhD, Doctor of Philosophy, Desert Spirituality.

While this book hasn’t altered my worldview, I did find it helpful to better understand the origins of the Christian faith and the available evidence that enables some to believe in the Christian message. RHETT Agnostic

This is a straightforward and sympathetic attempt to clear the ground for people who want to explore faith. Drew is obviously familiar with the sorts of arguments that the thinking non-Christian makes. His approach is honest and undefensive and this should help people with real questions who want to know what the true foundations are.

As the leader of an inclusive evangelical church, I can’t endorse his traditional position on homosexuality but that does not mean I can’t appreciate the apologetic work he has produced in this book. JOHN PETERS

Rector of St Mary’s Bryanston Square London. Author of Third Person: The Work of the Holy Spirit and Message: Send: Communicating the Gospel in a Post-Truth Culture. Creator of The Life Course. Oxford University: Bachelor of Theology and Law. Drew has brought together an accessible and friendly set of responses to some of the questions that reflective people sometimes raise about the Christian faith. He writes personably and honestly, recognizing areas of mystery, misunderstanding, and disagreement, and engaging readers with his own thoughtfully held convictions. For those exploring faith, this straightforward and thorough book could be an excellent resource. JENNY DAWKINS Formerly Associate Vicar of All Saints Peckham. University of Cambridge: Bachelor of Theology. Kings College London: MA Biblical Studies.

Honest Christianity addresses issues that non-believers and skeptics find interesting and relevant. As a popular-level book, the average reader will be able to understand the content and be challenged to consider the truth of Christianity. Any serious skeptic or interested Christian should find something challenging about this book as well as relevant sources to enhance their study. DR J. BRIAN HUFFLING Director of the Ph.D. Program and Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology: Southern Evangelical Seminary. BA History: Lee University. MA Apologetics, Biblical Studies, Philosophy: Southern Evangelical Seminary. PhD Philosophy of Religion: Southern Evangelical Seminary.

This book helpfully engages with many of life’s most difficult questions. Drew Cordell has undertaken rigorous research on numerous topics, and he presents it in an accessible way. He helps distinguish fact from fiction, enabling readers to make informed decisions about issues that really matter. RUTH JACKSON Producer and Presenter for the Unbelievable? Apologetics podcast. Oxford University: MA Theology.

This honest and engaging book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to seriously engage the question of whether the claims of Christianity are true. Drew tackles important issues, does not avoid potentially embarrassing passages of Scripture, gives reasonable answers and evidence, and does so in an accessible format rather than a lengthy academic tome. The section on the development of the canon of Scripture is alone worth the price, explaining the historical process in detail, and allowing questions of legitimacy to be seriously considered. This book will be an excellent aid in producing quality conversations about faith. DR DARRELL DOOYEMA Colorado Christian University. MA Philosophy: Denver Seminary. DMin Philosophy, Theology, & Culture: Talbot School of Theology.

This book is both intelligent and witty. Drew’s personality and humor shine through, which makes for a pleasant read.

Drew’s takes a look both inside and outside the Bible for valuable information, giving a full and well-rounded read. He does a deep dive into the context of scripture and the cultural understanding of the time. We see him mapping-out biblical landscapes, using current and relevant analogies to help us understand what is being communicated. Furthermore, he illuminates the culture and the unique situations faced by people in biblical societies with great descriptive detail.

This book is both enlightening and rich with information. Drew answers some tough questions in a helpful and down-to-earth way. It is written with humility and honesty, and whether you agree with his opinion or stance on specific issues discussed, you’ll see Drew’s courage and bravery in naming his personal stance and conviction. He offers clarity on matters that might appear ambiguous to others, avoiding the temptation to merely utilize the ‘Both-And’ approach often employed to navigate tricky questions. I’m sure the reader will come away enriched and challenged in a good way. REV PAUL SAWREY Middlesex University: BA Hons Theology

In this book, Drew Cordell addresses many potential obstacles to Christian belief. One of the book’s key strengths stems from Drew’s willingness to face disconcerting issues and potentially awkward passages of scripture. In each instance, key issues and questions are set out and relevant evidence is brought to bear on them. Furthermore, this evidence is presented in a readable and accessible way, employing illustrations where needed and using nontechnical language throughout. For anyone, including both Christians and non-Christians, wanting to wrestle with the question of whether Christianity’s truth claims just might be true and worthy of belief, this book will be a helpful resource. DR PAUL CHAMBERLAIN Professor, Philosophy of Religion, Ethics & Leadership: Trinity Western University. Author of Why People Don’t Believe and Can We Be Good Without God?