Though I was not a religion major or minor in college I have had enough courses, seminars and book readings to feel fairly comfortable in my Christian education. However, when it came to Christian apologetics I admit I found myself either overwhelmed or bored. This is largely due to the fact that books utilizing apologetics are usually written as though they are for seminary students and people already serving in Christian leadership roles. One reason C. S. Lewis remains so popular is that he could delve into the deepest line of Christian thought and the reader would find it understandable and take something away from it. We need more writers like that and we have one in Pamela Christian.
When sent this book I was very pleased to find it both heavily into issues we face today and examines a belief that has become too prevalent—the belief that all roads go to the same God and Heaven. There are many churches taking this line today and sadly, in many cases, it has caused a loss of church membership. It is no wonder that there is an increase in home churches, with people wanting to go back to worship as described in the book of Acts.
In a very down to earth style Pamela Christian first goes into her own story and background. A good teaching concept used by many of your best classroom professors. Those who first let students know why you are there and what gives you the ability to handle the subject they have signed up for. Do not get that wrong, her approach is humble and loving and you get the feeling that she truly wants you to learn from her own experiences. She does not want you to think she is the authority on all things, but asks you to look at the evidence of history, archeology, religious writings and more to see what we can know about the many issues we face today. We do have spiritual warfare in our world and very much so in our nation. Equipped with accurate knowledge as the author seemingly earnestly desires people to be, is tantamount to putting on the full armor of God as Paul would say, (Eph 5:10-18).
The author then examines various popular faiths, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Secular beliefs, Islam and Christianity. In looking at these the reader will see how some ideas contrary to Christianity, have crept into many of our churches. For example there is an embrace of Buddhism even by some who profess to be Christian. You may also be surprised to find that Hinduism has encouraged the idea that evolution will lead us to perfection someday without the need of accepting Jesus Christ. In the secular line there is the New Age movement which has already split many denominations. Secular humanism has crept into our nation and has also been accepted by too many Christians. Another thought is that we do not have to take the Bible literally—we do not have to accept the stories in the Old Testament or all that is written in the Gospels.
I was especially interested in the section on Islam because as a young man I read the Koran out of curiosity and frankly found it frightening. Yet, today many people feel that the only way to protect ourselves from what appears to be a world takeover by Islamists is to attack in return, to show great anger and exchange insult for insult. Pamela Christian carefully describes the beginnings of Islam, which go back to the days of Abraham and what it is today. She uses the approach of comparing Christianity to Islam and how Christians have a relationship with Jesus Christ that cannot be equaled by any other belief. Her approach is similar to that used by SAT-7, a satellite TV platform organized through indigenous people who are Christians, spreading the Gospel in North Africa and the Middle East. Jesus on Line, uses the same approach as produced on the Internet. The author doesn’t go into those programs, however they are examples of the way she handles Christianity’s differences with Islam.
The third section is most appealing of all as here we look at the origin and expansion of Christianity—deciding truth as she calls it. Here again she goes into some differences between various faiths and then takes a careful look at how Jesus is distinct. She traces prophesies about Jesus and goes through his whole story from birth to his ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. Like C. S. Lewis she examines the logic of specific old stories that Christians have grown up with and shows how objective verifiable evidence proves them true and that they have great meaning for today. The importance of belief and faith are paramount in her reasoning and the intellectually honest reader will agree.
I am one of those who likes to know where a person gathers their information and making use of the chapter endnotes is vital. In addition to scriptures, the writings of people down through the ages are referenced. A great deal of research went into this book and while 212 pages may not seem a lot, there is a great deal of meat in this book. Once you finish the book there is good news as two more are in the planning. Renew Your Hope! Remedy for Personal Breakthroughs and Revive Your Life! Rest for Your Anxious Heart. Pamela Christian is referred to as the “Faith Doctor” and once you finish this book you will agree it is an appropriate title. Like this reviewer, you will be recommending the book to others.
For more information about Pamela Christian you may check out her webpage at pamelachristianministries.com.
Examine Your Faith is available at:
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.
About Dr. Fred Eichelman
