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Reviews
Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin
jencunn2024's review against another edition
2.0
I was really excited for the 12 hard questions and the premise and title of the book. I had high hopes that this would feel like a conversation, especially having the author read it herself in audio. I found some enjoyment in listening to many of her thoughts and perspective but unfortunately I ended up feeling like the presentation of this book was dishonest as it wasn’t really challenging Christianity at all; it was just praising instead of engaging critical thinking an manner that promotes thoughts and discussions. However, I still think Rebecca McLaughlin offers some unique ideas that would be better in interview or small group discussion. Her one-way presentation was circular and stretched out like bubblegum about to pop. And it would explode over the incredible lack of research, cross-cultural or cross-lifestyle study, and under representation of comparative religion and secular understandings. After the great reviews I felt this was overrated and was disappointed that her 12 questions didn’t spark much for me. I was really looking for something that did confront Christianity in a meaningful way that strengthens faith. It just didn’t do it for me. Unfortunately, I found some of her personal claims and conversion of her faith out of those experiences to seem false as presented to others within the book but also to herself and in her relationship with God and friends. And I have hope for her that there is a more genuine reality that she was just lacking in conveyance to me as a reader. Overall, this was average on my scale.
madmath's review against another edition
5.0
Winner of the 2019 Christianity Today's book award, Rebecca McLaughlin's "Confronting Christianity" is an excellent apologetic for Christianity. The questions McLaughlin tackles are by no means easy or simple, but she approaches them with frankness, depth, and nuance.
I especially appreciated her treatment of human suffering. After briefly comparing atheist, Buddhist, and Christian frameworks to suffering, McLaughlin dives into Christianity's multifaceted approach to this topic using the story of Lazarus as a lens (when Jesus doesn't come). By the end of the chapter, she's calling on Christians to take on Jesus' call to enter into the suffering of others, the way He did for us.
Not all the chapters were equally interesting. Some of the questions like "How can you take the Bible literally?" and "Doesn't religion hinder morality?" were not serious questions for me (but, they might be for you). Even on most of these, however, I learned something new and found my appreciation for Christianity deepened. For example, in "Doesn't the Bible condone slavery?", McLaughlin (while acknowledging Christian failures through history in this regard) shows how the Church has actually done much to undo slavery, and how when blacks in America found freedom, they found Christianity not as a symbol of their oppression but as a reason for their hope. Moreover, she shows how condoning slavery is not simply one of many legitimate interpretations of Scripture, but rather a blatant twisting of Scripture.
The hardest questions for me were those concerning gender relations ("oppression of women" and "homophobia") and the question on hell. While these chapters did leave me wanting a bit more, I greatly appreciate what McLaughlin has added to the conversation. These chapters certainly left me with a bite to chew on as she roots marriage in the Gospel and ties God's judgment into God's love.
This is another book that I would heartily recommend to all. More than just an apologetic, this book has deepened my faith as McLaughlin roots her answers in the goodness of God and the Gospel itself.
It also would make great discussion, so if you decide to give it a read, feel free to engage with me on it.
I especially appreciated her treatment of human suffering. After briefly comparing atheist, Buddhist, and Christian frameworks to suffering, McLaughlin dives into Christianity's multifaceted approach to this topic using the story of Lazarus as a lens (when Jesus doesn't come). By the end of the chapter, she's calling on Christians to take on Jesus' call to enter into the suffering of others, the way He did for us.
Not all the chapters were equally interesting. Some of the questions like "How can you take the Bible literally?" and "Doesn't religion hinder morality?" were not serious questions for me (but, they might be for you). Even on most of these, however, I learned something new and found my appreciation for Christianity deepened. For example, in "Doesn't the Bible condone slavery?", McLaughlin (while acknowledging Christian failures through history in this regard) shows how the Church has actually done much to undo slavery, and how when blacks in America found freedom, they found Christianity not as a symbol of their oppression but as a reason for their hope. Moreover, she shows how condoning slavery is not simply one of many legitimate interpretations of Scripture, but rather a blatant twisting of Scripture.
The hardest questions for me were those concerning gender relations ("oppression of women" and "homophobia") and the question on hell. While these chapters did leave me wanting a bit more, I greatly appreciate what McLaughlin has added to the conversation. These chapters certainly left me with a bite to chew on as she roots marriage in the Gospel and ties God's judgment into God's love.
This is another book that I would heartily recommend to all. More than just an apologetic, this book has deepened my faith as McLaughlin roots her answers in the goodness of God and the Gospel itself.
It also would make great discussion, so if you decide to give it a read, feel free to engage with me on it.
shubbard116's review against another edition
4.0
Mclaughlin is someone I deeply respect and admire. I’ve heard many of her talks and interviews, but did not, until now, pick up one of her books. But I am so glad I did! Mclaughlin is immensely brilliant, and yet does a great job of “dumbing things down” without being patronizing or cutting out the meat. She somehow managed to dive into some of the toughest topics in apologetics with poise and elegance. I really appreciated all of the research and insight she offered. I did not give 5 stars because I personally struggled through the first few chapters— whether it be due to less interest in the topics or maybe less ability to understand the abstract concepts.
rustadmd's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Mostly boilerplate apologetics, but a few insightful thoughts.
oliviajh's review against another edition
4.0
A solid and worthwhile read. Although I think that her exegesis could be stronger at certain points throughout the book, the logic and reasoning for the topics are good.
melanie_books's review
5.0
Christianity & its adherents have been accused of a lot since the very beginning. It is the world's largest religion but also one of the most polarizing. In Confronting Christianity, author Rebecca McLaughlin explores 12 charges against Christianity and answers them with grace and truth.
I really enjoyed this book. It was written in such a way that it would appeal to both skeptics and believers. Rebecca McLaughlin is unashamed of truth and is firm in her beliefs. But she is kind and gracious and understanding as she answers the questions that people have about the Bible. It was a very encouraging read - simply to be pointed back to Jesus while being equipped to "give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Highly recommended for believers and searchers alike!
I really enjoyed this book. It was written in such a way that it would appeal to both skeptics and believers. Rebecca McLaughlin is unashamed of truth and is firm in her beliefs. But she is kind and gracious and understanding as she answers the questions that people have about the Bible. It was a very encouraging read - simply to be pointed back to Jesus while being equipped to "give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Highly recommended for believers and searchers alike!