William Lane Craig

This debate between two philosophers ventures into the bog of obfuscatory language and dense argumentation, not easily followed by even the well educated. Craig starts, and spends an inordinate amount of time demolishing a position his opponent doesn't even hold, forcing his opponent to defend a position that isn't his own. Craig returns ad infinitum to the problem of infinity, giving a ridiculous analogy that makes no sense at all, and insisting that this is a solid argument well grounded show more in logic. Overall, i wouldn't waste your time; Craig's arguments, once you sift out the noise, simply don't hold water, but it's difficult to follow at times, making it seem more learned and grounded than it really is. There are many better treatments of the same subject, from both sides of the argument. show less

William L. Craig is probably the leading Christian apologist for the historicity of the resurrection. He has several popular treatments available, the most recent being The Son Rises. Although I have benefited from these treatments, I wanted to see the more detailed and in-depth research behind these popularizations. So I forked over the money and bought it. Did it live up to my hopes and the price I paid? Yes. Worth every penny.

This book is, in essence, a passage-by-passage discussion of show more the historicity of the New Testament passages dealing with Jesus' resurrection. Craig has spent a great deal of time conducting research in Europe and it shows. At over 400 pages, Craig uses every bit of space to cram in informed discussion. He interacts with a tremendous amount of European and U.S. research, from all sides of the discussion. You would be hard pressed to find so much ground covered with so much familiarity.

After a brief preface, Craig spends about 150 pages dealing with the Pauline evidence for the resurrection. He makes a compelling case for the early origins of Paul's formulaic recitation of the 1 Cor. 15 tradition about the death, burial, resurrection and appearances of Jesus to various witnesses. There is also a convincing and thorough examination of the nature of Jesus' resurrection body in Paul's letters--a physical resurrected body. This discussion should be enough to drive a steak through the heart of the lingering skepticism that clings to the belief that Paul believed only in a "spiritual" resurrection (which is, a Craig shows, a contradiction in terms).

After wrapping up the Pauline evidence, Craig turns to the Gospels and continues his methodical, passage-by-passage discussion of the evidence. As with the rest of the book, you will be hard pressed to find one scholar who engages so many different theories and approaches in one book. Finally, Craig wraps it up and makes his case for the resurrection. Those who have read one of Craig's popular books or even heard him in a debate will immediately see the origins of those treatments. It was nice to see how well the research and background supporting the final argument actually fit together. show less

Here is a layman’s guide to answer some of the hard questions in our culture. Hard Questions, Real Answers by William Lane Craig is a small paperback that belong’s in every layman’s library. Craig who is an american philosopher, theologian, and Christian apologist known for his contributions to the philosophy of time, philosophy of religion, and historical Jesus studies and here he brings a small book with plenty of answers packed in it.

Dr. Craig is an amazing scholar who he has show more simplified his amazing knowledge and intellect and written a book easy to understand for beginning seekers, and those who are just getting started in apologetics. This is a good starting point to be able to help you to answer your friends’ hard questions. Craig gives some excellent material and does not flinch on the most difficult of questions on suffering and evil, Abortion, unanswered prayer and homosexuality. The final chapter on `Christ, the Only Way’ deals directly with the pluralistic mind set that defines our culture today.

Craig begins his introduction by pointing out that much of the church and society has parked itself “in intellectual neutral.” In this particular section, his reasoning is in line with the text of scripture “Love the Lord with all your mind”. He then moves into the section on doubt followed by failure. Craig does a nice job dismantling common misconceptions and proceeds to build a correct view on doubt and failure. There are two separate sections dedicated to suffering and evil. The following quote is found at the end of the chapter on “suffering and evil”…”God could not have created a world that had so much good as the actual world but had less evil, both in terms of quantity and quality; and moreover, God has morally sufficient reasons for the evil that exists” (p.86).

His argument regarding homosexuality is particularly interesting: against homosexual behavior rather than orientation. Moreover, he also considers the issue from a completely non-religious point of view, making his case from the standpoint of well-being. This is sure to raise some eyebrows, but if his statistics are correct, it shreds the happy, clean stereotype we’re force-fed in the media, and should motivate rational beings to reconsider their choices.

Lastly especially appreciated the powerful chapter on unanswered prayer, where Craig gives a number of solid reasons why a person’s prayers often go unanswered (personal sin, lack of passion, lack of persistence, self-centered praying, and praying for something that isn’t God’s will (1 John 5:14). He also highlights some New Testament prayers as paradigms for how we should pray. All an all a great read as a primer for apologetics. show less

In the lengthy introduction to A REASONABLE RESPONSE, Joseph Gorra writes, "I think that the key to victorious Christian living is not to have all your questions answered— which is probably impossible in a finite lifetime—but to learn to live successfully with unanswered questions. The key is to prevent unanswered questions from becoming destructive doubts." A REASONABLE RESPONSE is a collection of letters from individuals asking William Lane Craig questions and his responses to those show more questions. Sometimes the responses are answers. Other times they are re-directions to what is the real question or the more important questions. In both cases, Craig's breadth of knowledge is remarkable and his defense of the Christian faith solid.

This is a lengthy book (over 400 pages in my version), and it is structured to not be necessarily read straight through from beginning to end. In fact, it lends itself more to browsing the table of contents and finding topics of personal interest. If you have not read William Lane Craig or seen his debates, He is a brilliant man. Be aware that if you do not have a strong grounding in philosophy, syllogisms, and the advanced mechanics of how arguments work; the first third of the book might not mean much to you. I admit much of it was over my head. Once you get past the "knowing and believing what is real" section, the questions and answers become easier to follow for the average reader who did not major in philosophy.

Craig tackles all of the tough questions from the existence of God, the problem of evil (several times), origins of the universe, atheism, scientism, homosexuality, morals, Jesus' resurrection, etc. At the beginning of each section, Gorra includes lists of suggested readings divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced. It is telling that several of the letters begin with the writer stating that they are atheist, but that they respect Craig's work. Craig is not one to mince words. If someone has not done their homework or simply has shoddy thinking, he tells them so up front. He always goes on to explain and address their questions piece by piece.

One of my favorite responses is in regards to Stephen Hawking's book - "The answer to your question, Matthew—'how can physicists make these statements?'—was given long ago by Albert Einstein, when he remarked, 'The man of science is a poor philosopher.' Hawking and Mlodinow’s book bears witness to Einstein’s sagacity."

If you are a student of apologetics, philosophy, and the Christian worldview; I would recommend this book. There are appendices that give recommendations for how to use the book for small group studies on apologetics and answering those tough questions. In our world today, which is so hostile to the Christian worldview, this book is a blessing. show less