Dave Hunt wrote this book to demonstrate that Christians need not (and should not) have a blind faith.  The Christian's faith should have a factual foundation.  This book is dedicated to answering some of the "tough" issues of the Christian faith such as:

• Why a merciful God would punish people who have never heard of Christ

• How to answer attacks against God's existence and the Bible

• How to tell the difference between God's workings and Satan's

• Alleged contradictions in the Bible and many more

     In Defense of the Faith is a helpful introductory work in evidential apologetics.  The reader will not be bombarded with fancy theological and philosophical terms.  Neither will the reader find an in-depth treatment of any particular question.  Instead, Hunt provides ample answers to some of the common questions asked by critics, skeptics, and even Christians.  

     Hunt does not limit himself to questions coming from outside the Christian faith.  He addresses numerous issues within the church.  As such, readers of a different theological bent than Hunt may not agree with his conclusions.  Nevertheless, Hunt's responses are within an evangelical framework.  In fact, I like to think of the author as an evangelical with a backbone.  By this, I mean that he is willing to say and write what many evangelicals believe but refuse to address.  I have noticed a disturbing trend among evangelicals who refuse to discuss anything that may be remotely controversial.

     Like many other books of this nature (see also The Complete Book of Bible Answers and The Bible Has the Answer), it is set up in a Question and Answer format.  The questions are generally grouped by category so it is easy for the reader to find an answer to the question he is looking for.  To aid the reader in this search, the book contains a helpful index.  As such, this book could easily be used as a reference work.

     The first three chapters are perhaps the most important because they cover some extremely important issues.  Chapter One deals with the relationship between evidence, reason, and faith.  The second chapter addresses the identity and nature of God and whether or not He exists.  In the third chapter, the author deals with the reliability of the Bible.  After establishing these three fundamental issues, Hunt moves on to specific questions concerning the Christian faith.

     I really enjoyed this book, especially since I read it several years ago when I first became interested in apologetics.  As I skim through it I find myself wishing that Hunt would update it with a little more depth and add some more issues.  The wisdom gained from his many years of ministry experience shine through in this work and should aid the reader in his ministry efforts. 

(6/10/05)

(back to reviews)