The Battle for Truth: Defending the Christian Worldview in the Marketplace of Ideas

Written in textbook style (actually condensed from the "Understanding the Times" textbook and curriculum for high-school students), this book earns a very literal "worth my time" rating. Not written to inspire, but to inform, The Battle for Truth is an even-handed comparison of the secular humanist, Marxist, cosmic humanist (New Age) and Christian world views in disciplines of theology, economics, biology, and so on. It relies extensively on quotes and ideas from self-proclaimed proponents of each world view, to give each a fair hearing. One minor criticism of the book is its typeface which was small and hard to read. Perhaps a hardback or large print edition would be easier to read. And maybe I'm just getting old.

I don't give out five stars easily, but I would say that this could be the most important book a Christian--or anyone who thinks they are a Christian, or is considering becoming one--can read today. I say this as a former zealously liberal secular humanist who was comitted to the viewpoints accurately criticized in this volume. In a clear and concise manner, Mr. Noebel summarizes the opinions and value systems of four of the most prevalent world views today: Secular Humanism, Marxism/Leninism, Cosmic Humanism, and Biblical Christianity. Most impressive to me is that he does this largely by using the very words of the major proponents of these worldviews. This book would be worth the price just for the collection of quotes from some these historic opponents of the Christian world view. The case they make against themselves is devastating! This book is apparently an abridgement of the book "Understanding The Times," but it is also significantly updated to include a full treatment of the newly evolving world view of Cosmic Humanism, otherwise known as the New Age Movement. Of the two books, I would recommend starting with this one. You can rest assured that this book will be positively trashed by anyone holding to a secular viewpoint (see the reviews of other books by this author). I would encourage open-minded people, however, to challenge themselves with these questions: (1) How do I view this world I live in? (2) What influences caused me to have this view? (3) Does this view ultimately make sense? I also challenge Christians to re-educate themselves on the competing views that are out there. You might be amazed to find out how some of these views may have even subliminally infiltrated your own thinking. Identifying the sources of these ideas could be invaluable for the edification of your own biblical faith and perception of our world.