Everything You Always Wanted to Know about God (But Were Afraid to Ask): The Jesus Edition

Though this is a fairly comprehensive book on all things Jesus, it is not at all daunting. The author uses a conversational style that pulls you in and helps you move quickly through the book. This book looks at some of the tough questions about Jesus and he answers honestly and uses humor very effectively. It's not a scholarly work, but isn't meant to be so. It is written for the everyday Joe in a language all can understand. I think he did a great job.

Eric Metaxas deals with the subject of apologetics in a light-hearted, witty, engaging manner. He utilizes a question and answer format that gives the book a conversational feel. It's a fast-paced type of Q & A style that goes back and forth frequently and it helps the reading move along quickly. A "Publishers Weekly" review describes Metaxas as a humor writer and some of the humor in the book almost borders on being silly. I don't mean that in a disparaging way, it's funny. Really. But it's right there on the edge, sometimes, where it's almost downright silly. I like it...but then again, sometimes I border on being silly, too. I mention these issues regarding the overall tone of the book because I think of "apologetics" as a blend of theology, philosophy and history, and these are not subjects that one typically breezes through quickly when reading. So, this approach to the subject would, presumably, be very effective for many people, but particularly, for those who have not done a lot of prior reading in this field of study. This is the "Jesus Edition" of "Everything You Always Wanted To Know..." it is part of an "Everything You Always Wanted To Know..." series. Admittedly, this is not a deep, scholarly treatment of the subject of Jesus--you can tell by looking at the cover of the book--but it's substantive enough to be of value and to offer answers to genuine questions. It even has some moments of profundity. I know, I've suggested that this book can be both "silly" and "profound". Hey, I think it pulls it off. From now on, when I'm dealing with people who ask me to recommend a book on the subject of "apologetics"--even though they may not actually know that "apologetics" is the word that describes what it is they are looking for--this is going to be one of the books I will recommend. Dan Marler Oak Lawn, IL