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Edward Boyd's agnosticism rested "not ... too much on any positive position ... but rather on a host of negative ones" about Christianity. In an attempt to address these negative issues, his son Greg, a professor of theology, asked his father, a strong-willed, highly intelligent, and stubborn 70-year-old, to enter into a correspondence in which "all of their cards would be laid on the table." Greg would give his father the opportunity to raise all his objections to the veracity of Christianity, and Greg would "answer these objections as well as give positive grounds for holding to the Christian faith."

Three years and more than 30 letters later, Letters from a Skeptic was published and Edward Boyd came to accept Christ. During his journey, he and his son hash through such topics as why the world is so full of suffering; why an all-powerful God needs prayer; how you can believe in someone who rose from the dead; and how another man's death can pardon others. Despite their brutal honesty, both men exhibit respect and love toward one another as they address these volatile subjects. In Edward's second response to Greg, he boldly says, "Well, your distinction between the 'Christian Church' and 'Christians' is interesting and novel, but frankly, I don't buy it." Greg responds, saying, "I've got to admit that you are raising some extremely good points in your letters. You are raising the most difficult questions a theist can face." --Jill Heatherly

Customer Reviews:

• Great for the firm believer or the skeptic
  I bought this book because my best friend is atheist and i needed some help in my conversation with him. Often I cant answer his questions but this book had some of his same questions in it. It was perfect....more info
• Loved this book
  I don't necessarily agree with everything Greg Boyd says, but that said, I loved this book! It's not perfect, (actually no book can be) in perfectly representing Christianity to someone agnostic/atheistic, but this is the one book I recommend to anyone who is seeking. I have given out several copies of this book personally to different individuals. I have read other apologetic Christian books but I just like the style and the warmth and the intellectual reasoning in Dr. Boyd's book best....more info
• A wonderful book
  This book is a wonderful blessing in my life. It has set turned my world upside down (actually right side up) and provided a spark to my Christian life. I have been so moved by this book that my life has taken on new meaning and direction. God has used this book to change a life forever....more info
• Invaluable Book for Skeptics
  This is a great book on Christian apologetics for the layman. I highly recommend it.
  
  In contrast to so many books on this subject that read like a textbook, this is composed of a series of letters between a father who is a skeptic and his son who is a Christian. The tone is loving and respectful throughout.
  
  There will certainly be many Christians who won't like this book because some of Dr. Boyd's answers will be in conflict with their own theological interpretations or denominational positions. I am one of those who disagrees with his view on several questions. It also contains many excellent responses.
  
  The value of this book far outweighs any of its weaknesses. The bottom line is that everyone has a critical decision to make about whether or not to accept Jesus Christ. Not making a decision is still a decision; it is rejecting Him by default and it will have eternal consequences. As Boyd says, "It's like being in a house and someone outside hollers 'fire'! You can choose to believe him or not to believe him - and you weigh the evidence carefully (do you smell smoke? do you see flames? etc.). You can choose to believe and risk looking foolish for running out of your house if it's a joke, or you can choose not to believe and risk being burned up. If you choose to suspend judgment, you risk the same thing. So there simply is no 'risk free' position, not even the position of not taking a position."
  
  He goes on to say: "The most reasonable thing to do, Dad is to believe! The evidence is strong. The alternatives are comparably weak. And the risk of not believing is far greater than the risk of believing. As Blaise Pascal said (in his famous 'Pascal's Wager'), if Christianity is false, you've lost nothing. If it's true, you've lost all eternity. Christianity, therefore, is clearly the best bet!"
  
  For anyone who is a skeptic, this may be an invaluable book in helping you to work though your doubts. If you are already a believer, don't get hung up on issues apart from the central one....more info
• so close, but so far
  This book cured me of trusting a title and a publisher to insure that what I was buying was truly Christian. I purchased this for my father, who is searching. Whether it helped or not, I've yet to discover. It's been many years. The problem came when I looked closer at the book, and then, closer at the author. Greg Boyd teaches in this book and in various other places, heresy not known in the "orthodox" church for centuries and centuries. His view of "Open Theism", which fixes the difficulties of reconciling predestination and free-will by creating the greater difficulty of obliterating God's omniscience, is a doctrine that is anethema to just about every denomination of every Christian church in the last 18 centuries. Be ye Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalean, CMA, Evangelical Free, Southern Baptist, or independent, your traditions and history and statements of faith will make this man a heretic. What good is an apologetic book that converts a seeker to Christ only to simultaneously lead him to heresy? This book should be in the heresy section of your church and personal libarary.
  
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• Find Your Faith !
  Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles With His Father's Questions About Christianity by Gregory A., Dr. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd is a book about a son who wanted to address the many negative issues his father had toward Christianity. Greg, the son, let his father ask any question he had about Jesus and Christianity and Greg would answer them to the best of his knowledge. It took three years but finally his answers apparently converted his father.
  
  If you're ready for enlightenment from another source about The Almighty One, may I suggest you read my book as well entitled "The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers, a Message for Everyone" (See Profile Above)
  
  ...more info
• peculiar personal opinions downgrade gospel apologetic
  mixed-blessing misbegotten enterprise.
  
  the Gospel's great; the rest is otherwise.
  
  if boyd's peculiar notions could be scrubbed
  
  (like God NOT knowing things), this might be dubbed
  
  more useful. as it is, unrecommended
  
  is all that can be said: Truth here's too bended
  
  for popular consumption. Wariness
  
  is one's best bet against contrariness
  
  that twists some Scriptures into pretzel dough.
  
  Heed Jesus' charge telling stray doctrines, 'Whoa!' ...more info
• A skeptic's critique of "Letters From a Skeptic"
  This is probably the best compilation I have read for understanding a non-believer's rationale for rejecting the existence and presence of God in the universe. Dr. Greg is a true scholar and an extraordinary apologetic. It would take immense scholarly effort to be as versed as he is in the scholastic background of Christianity, but it is his heart that sways his skeptical father to the peace of knowing and loving our God. I have given at least 40 copies of this book to others, and we are currently studying it chapter by chapter in our bible study group. Buy this book! It will give you a way to approach that skeptic that you love with the wisdom and words to engage in a voyage of discovery, and hopefully, salvation....more info
• Definitely Worth Reading
  I read excerpts from this book during our WHY> campaign at church. My pastor had this book and loaned it to me. I was so impressed that I had to not only buy a copy for me, but for a couple of friends who have very skeptical family members. Growing up in a Christian home, there were things I just always believed and never questioned, so it was difficult answering questions from skeptics. Greg Boyd answered his father's heartfelt questions with honest and Biblical answers in a way that was easy to understand. Now I feel more confident to answer those tough questions, too....more info
• A fun and worth-while read
  Dr. Boyd has been very generous to let us gaze upon such a life changing event using this book as the window. It is so uplifting to see a life long unbeliever and skeptic become transformed and renewed accepting Christ as his savior.
  With this in mind I was shocked to find many harsh reviews of Boyd's beleifs and convictions on discrepencies concerning God's attributes. Dr. Boyd loves God, and he loves Jesus, and thanks to him, and to my delight, his father does too. Indeed, Boyd's open view of God is a bit of a rationalization, but to call this man a heretic is self defeating. We all have our misconceptions, and our faults. We all have our strongholds our problems with unbelief. Not one of us can claim to love Jesus more than another nor should we try. One reviewer expressed a concern that if one is converted on flawed theology "is he really saved?" Lets let Jesus be the judge of their hearts and take this time to rejoice in the fact that this book is at least planting seeds and providing a path for many to find their personal relationship with Jesus our Savior....more info
• This Skeptic Never had a Chance
  Edward Boyd never had a chance.
  
  As the skeptic in this duo, his conversion was never in doubt. The book details three years and more than 30 letters which resulted in Edward Boyd decision to accept Christ.
  
  During his journey, he and his son hash through such topics as why the world is so full of suffering; why God needs prayer; how you can believe someone rose from the dead; and how another man's death pardons others.
  
  Not that his son, Dr. Gregory Boyd, a professor of theology at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, was all that convincing. Too often, the apologetics professor restructured or rephrased his father's legitimate arguments and doubts to ones premised on the acceptance of the faith. This technique is far more effective with believers who have already made the leap of faith and are looking for a rational justification for their decision than a true skeptic.
  
  Despite the letter's brutal honesty, both men exhibit respect and love toward one another as they address these volatile subjects. There is never a doubt that the son is persistent and determined. During the three year long correspondence, Greg reveals he is training for a 100 kilometer running road race championship. In it, he finished as the seventh American and 23rd overall.
  
  My only issue with the book lies in its effectiveness at persuading a skeptic without as dedicated a mentor as Greg to make the leap. For those who have already made it this book is a must read....more info
• An incredibly helpful book
  I highly recommend this book for both believers and nonbelievers. Dr. Boyd successfully provides rational answers to some of the most difficult questions regarding Christianity. Regardless of your present beliefs, I think you'll find that your feelings on the subject will forever be viewed in a new light....more info
• Quite interesting
  A nice batch of letters between father and son. Some are more meaty than others. There are some very good arguments for the existence of a higher power (i.e. God) here and it is interesting to see the father struggle thru his tough questions until the end of the book. Recommended....more info
• Touching and practical
  What a marvelous and touching book this was. This book is a good example of how one can systematically chip away at the hardened heart many people seem to have over Christianity. Indeed, Ed's heart had a pretty "tough edge" to it, but, over the course of 3 years, Greg (his son) softened it up slowly and gradually with these well crafted letters. After reading this book, I'm amazed at the amount of misinformation and misunderstanding that people seem to accumulate and cling to over the years concerning Christianity. Here then is a good tool for clearing things up. This was a very classy book- one I will be recommending to people who need to give Christianity a second look. Or even a first look!...more info
• Bad Theology mixed with good theology,
  I disagree with much of what he writes, and taking the skeptical view, I find it very unconvincing. Taking it from a Christian view, this book is not just challenging, but rejecting, many things that make God who He is. This books gets two stars just for a good effort, and the few things he gets right....more info
• A great teaching tool
  Any questions an old, new, or non-believer may have with the truth of the Christian faith is answered here. The men at church use this book as a weekly bible study topic, I encourage everyone to get involved in Christian apologetics. Remember; "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have". (1 Peter 3:15)...more info
• Good Intent - but without true wisdom
  If you've ever heard the the phrase, 'Whatever you think, you're right'. Take any subject you believe in and you can make it sound right. But if your only point is to make 'sure' you're right and convince the world of that using only sources you're aware of, i.e. the bible and what you've been taught. Then you haven't opened up to the vastness of God. And, if you're the type of person that doesn't consider anything outside of what you've been taught, you're missing a true, unedited relationship with God. No one can do that for you, only you can experience it internally. The justifications of the conflicts can never truly be resolved, you are better off finding it yourself....more info
• Answers to questions we all ask.
  If you are searching for answers to life's most difficult questions, this book is for you. It is well written, and explains the true 'Christian' faith in thought provoking detail, from a point of view that we all have, one of a skeptic....more info
• Wonderful, authentic, insightful father-son conversation
  All individuals of faith are at times either skeptical or apologetic for their faith beliefs. So, we can identify with both the skeptical father in his forceful, honest questioning and the remarkably insightful son in his clear, loving explanation of Christian faith. My MIT education and my seminary education both prepared me to appreciate the mystery and complexity of finite living in an infinite reality. Surprised at the unexpected depth of thought in this book, I enjoyed it from beginning to end---and purchased 3 copies for my sons! Highly recommended. You might also want to check out Greg Boyd's website and download (free) his fantastic and very timely sermon series The Cross and the Sword! ...more info
• Not really a Christian book
  Greg Boyd takes up the noble cause of trying to present answers to very difficult objections of historic Christianity, but in doing so he removes from God much of His 'God-ness'. Greg Boyd's "God" is not the God I read in the Bible. His God is not eternal, and does not know what will happen tomorrow. According to Boyd, God has a best-guess at what tomorrow will hold, but in the end tomorrow may surprise him because he can't perfectly see the future, he can only predict it. This is not how God is portrayed in the Bible: "I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come."
  
  Because this is a very, very serious departure from the Christian view of God I do not recommend this book to anybody....more info
• Great book for mature believer or skeptic
  This book addresses questions that most people have about God and Christianity. It contains a series of letters written between an unbelieving dad, and his believing son. You find yourself saying about the dad's questions, "I can understand why he asked that". But the responses by the son are quiet effective and thought provoking.
  
  I have given away over 20 copies of this book. It also lends itself to group study. I highly recomment it....more info
• Superb reading for anyone who does not have all the truth
  Hi!
  I just want to say this to all and anyone who complains about Gregory A. Boyd. Do it better yourself!
  I have been a (Bible believing-Bible qouting) christian for more than 22 years. I've attended bible school for two years, read a lot of books and listened two several hundred sermons taught by a vide range of teachers/preachers. I consider my self to rather well educated in the facts and truths of the Bible. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading this book. There were many questions asked by Gregory's father (Edward Boyd) that suddenly began to appear to me in a new light and understanding. I never had any problems with these questions myself, but still I needed to recieve a more solid foundation, considering there are a lot of people out there struggling in these matters.
  I'll say, that even if you know everything worth knowing about good-evil,angels-demons or whatever, maybe there is someone out there who doesn't. Buy it and read it for there sake. Maybe you'll learn something on the way.
  I'm sure that everyone of us understands that Gregory A. Boyd, is mere human like you and me and hence marred by weekness, just like you and I, so please dont expect him to do what only God can do, that is knowing it all. And, most important of all, dont force him to live up to your standard! ;-)
  
  Finally, dont be upset by my spelling or my writng. I dont have eglish as my native language, so please be understanding about it.
  
  God Bless ' take care.
  ...more info
• Disappointed in "skeptic's" critics
  In pulling this book up to recommend to a friend, I was so disappointed to see the negative reviews. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion - so here is mine:
  
  This is a great book for skeptical unbelievers as well as those who are believers but have come to a crossroads in their faith due to many of these questions. Also great for helping you answer questions of new believers. I remember the author saying to his dad that these were his opinions based on the bible and other teachings, and he never stated that this in fact was the Word of God. I just appreciate him trying to answer these very difficult questions.
  
  I, myself, was tired of hearing the cliques: "Everything happens for a reason" and "God's ways are higher" as the answer to why bad things happen to good people, etc. It is tough to truly understand these things and sometimes even a challenge to live in faith amidst so many questions.
  
  I credit this book for really helping me get past some faith-hindering questions and really recommend it. Whether you agree or disagree with his answers to the questions his dad asks, it gets you thinking. I honestly do not see how this could hinder one's faith. There are many interpretations of God's word and this is one of them. As long as you are true to the essentials of faith (not some church), you can let God grow your desire to understand more through a book like this. ...more info
• Great Read
  I really enjoyed reading this book. The letters between the father and son, make for an easy, interesting read. The author offers some thought provoking questions to traditionally-taught theology. Definately some good food for thought. ...more info
• Stopping the hammer upside the Head
  This is an incredible book about family, more particular about an agnostic, skeptical 70 year old father and a son who had very little in common on issues of faith. The times they had talked about faith and spirituality had been "awkward, very short and totally futile." That is to say until they started writing letters to one another over a three year period of time where the son gave the father an opportunity to lay all of his objections to the truth of Christianity and the father gave the son the opportunity to answer these objections and give positive grounds for holding his Christian faith.
  
  It is a fascinating, honest and painful journey and this is a incredible resource of hope of which we will refer for many years to come. They cover questions about God, Jesus Christ and the Bible like, Why has Christianity done so much harm? or Why didn't God spare your mother? or is the risk of freedom worth all of the suffering? What about Does God know the future? Do all non-Christians go to Hell? What about the holy books of other religions?
  
  There is a lot of respect and love for one another shown while reliving some of the most life-wrenching events in their lives, particularly losing a wife and a mother. They share their real feelings, their anger, their questions and some surprising answers. It is a story of language from the heart, ups and downs, just like life. But I have to tell you, at 73 he becomes a believer in Jesus which is unbelievable!!! From the epilogue, Dad says, `Well, as I told you over the phone, I finally "took the leap," Hallelujah! As I sit here and read over all of our correspondence, I still can't believe how I've changed from a smart-ass-know-it-all to an actual believer! Jeanne can't believe it either! It's probably even confused the hell out of our dog! The angels whom you say rejoice over this sort of thing are probably giving each other high-fives!'
  
  Greg has been amazed at his dad's post-conversion life, his transformation and his tenderness. By the age of 80, Dad Boyd had had three strokes before the last one put him in a coma but the worse it got, the more grateful he became. This is a book of life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ and whether you are young or old, you will want to read it. ...more info
• Easy to read and informative
  This book is easy to read and informative. It can be helpful regardless of one's predisposition on the subject of faith and Christianity....more info
• A good start with some problems
  Although I disagree with Dr. Boyd's theology on several points over all I think this is a good book for Christians to read to learn how to address problems our unsaved friends and family have with orthodox Christianity. I especially enjoyed the no holds barred attitude Dr. Boyd's dad had about asking the tough questions.
  
  I am not sure I would give this book to a non-Christian or a new Christian b/c of Dr. Boyd's unbiblical view of God's ominiscience and sovereignty. However, I did find this book helpful b/c of its thoughtful, honest, and loving approach to a discussion about God....more info