The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask

“Postmodernism has made apologetics irrelevant.” I have read statements to this effect from various sources. The idea is that since the culture has largely imbibed the postmodern denial of absolutes, Christianity therefore cannot be defended; it must be demonstrated. While this may sound plausible on the surface, there are problems with this kind of thinking.


First, it is not clear how postmodern thinking has trickled down to street level. Certainly, in academia there can be found those who read their political correctness agendas into classical literary works and who revise history to give voice to the oppressed. It is likewise the case that judges and legislators adopt a type of postmodernism when they see the Constitution as fluid, not fixed. But the extent to which this kind of thinking has been embraced by our neighbors and coworkers is debatable.

Second, regardless of the prevailing culture, Scripture counsels us to always be “prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks for you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). The assumption seems to be that there will always be those who ask Christians “what” or “why.” Mark Mittelberg has produced a useable resource to help believers answer those questions. The book is The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask.

The title shows something of the dilemma. Unbelievers often ask difficult questions that many Christians are unable to answer. In 306 pages of text (excluding endnotes and resources), Mittelberg has prepared a manual that will help one find the Bible’s teaching on some of these difficult topics. In addition to showing how Scripture addresses an issue, Mittelberg will give insight on how to best articulate and frame the response.

Do not imagine that The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask is a catalogue of Bible verses listed by topic. The author distills the Biblical teaching and calls science, politics and logic to witness to the truth expounded in the Bible. At the end of the book is a list of resources for further study. The aim is to point the Christian to every resource necessary to make a reasoned defense of his or her faith.

Apologetics is not dead. Christians will be asked hard questions. This book will help to provide solid answers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publications as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."