Table Of ContentPRAISE FOR 10 Answers for Skeptics
It’s not an easy task to answer tough questions briefly and to the point, yet Alex McFarland does it with
flair! Seldom will one find so many hard-hitting responses in a single volume. Alex takes seriously the
research that indicates that many, if not most, religious doubts, questions and anger directed at God comes
not from a lack of answers but from a variety of emotional hurts and other existential issues. I highly
recommend this quick read that allows skeptics to survey such a broad range of issues.
Gary R. Habermas
Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Alex McFarland has written yet
another volume that is both engaging and enlightening. After reading this book, you will have a better sense
of why skeptics think and feel the way they do. Not only will you be able to see through the smoke screen
of their objections and catch a glimpse of what’s really troubling them, but you’ll find yourself becoming
more compassionate as you share the truth of the gospel of Christ. This is an enjoyable read.
Michael Licona, Ph.D.
Apologetics Coordinator, North American Mission Board Alex McFarland is someone for whom I have
unbridled respect. He is a prolific author, and one of the leading Christian apologists of our day.
Janet Parshall
Host of In the Marketplace, Moody Radio Alex McFarland’s previous books, tireless speaking schedule and
near-constant presence in the media have made him perhaps the leading figure of the rising generation of
Christian apologists. Alex’s answers in 10 Answers for Skeptics are clear, direct and accessible, but they are
not simple and trite. Most of all, this book is filled with compassion. Alex never forgets that the purpose of
Christian apologetics is not to win arguments, but to win people.
Warren Cole Smith
Associate Publisher, WORLD Magazine Why are some of your friends and relatives not Christians? Know
your audience! Know your audience! Know your audience! 10 Answers for Skeptics will help you know
your audience and show you how to reach them. Great insights from Alex McFarland!
Dr. Frank Turek
Co-author, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist
President of CrossExamined.org
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© 2011 Alex McFarland
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Used by permission of International Bible Society .
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Bethany House Publishers edition published 2014
ISBN 978-1-4412-6659-0
Previously published by Regal Books
Ebook edition originally created 2011
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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International
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DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to all who truly seek truth;
it is they who will find it.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Foreword (by Dinesh J. D’Souza) Section I
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE SKEPTIC
1. Responding to Someone Who Is Skeptical About God
2. The Necessity of Facing Tough Questions
3. Listening Before You Speak
Section II
ANSWERING THE SKEPTICS
1. The Educated Skeptic
2. The Wounded Skeptic
3. The Frightened Skeptic
4. The Proud Skeptic
5. The Orphaned Skeptic
6. The Tolerant Skeptic
7. The Sensual Skeptic
8. The Seeking Skeptic
9. The Syncretistic Skeptic
10. The Honest Skeptic
Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?
Appendices
Appendix 1: Making a Defense of Christianity
Appendix 2: Facts About Other Religions
Appendix 3: Conversational Answers to 40 Common Questions
Appendix 4: Understanding the Resurrection
Appendix 5: Real-World Answers to 20 Commonly Asked Questions
Endnotes
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The publication of 10 Answers for Skeptics has come about through the
dedication and involvement of a number of people. I am grateful for every
person involved with this special project. Special thanks are due to the great
folks at Regal Books, especially Bill Grieg III, Steve Lawson, Kim Bangs and
Elaine Montefu, to name just a few.
I want to thank my friend and colleague Tom Neven (whose labyrinthine
knowledge of nearly everything landed him an appearance on Jeopardy). Tom’s
assistance in formatting and clarifying this material was invaluable. Also, Dr.
Elmer Towns, dean of Liberty University, has deeply impacted my life as a
professor, Sunday School teacher, friend and colleague. The basic idea for this
book came about in a conversation with Dr. Towns.
Special thanks are also due to the following people who have graciously
invested themselves in my work of apologetics: my wonderful public
relations/media team at Hamilton Strategies in Pennsylvania; my friend and
advisor Mr. Marshall Barnes; Chad Cannon and Gracie Lasater at Outreach, Inc.;
Arline Bell and the NRB television network; Larry Patton and all the staff at
TCT; and everyone at the American Family Radio Network.
For everything that true friendship includes, I thank God for Jeffrey Foskett,
Ric Davis, Chris Gambos, Keith Lowder, Warren C. Smith and especially Larry
and Marianne. Thanks are due to the gracious pastors of more than 1,000
American churches who have allowed me to come and speak on the very topic at
hand, I thank you. Finally, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave
Himself for me.
Alex McFarland June 2011
Description:Overview: In 10 Answers for Skeptics, McFarland identifies the 10 most common types of skepticism that plague doubters’ minds and offers believers proven strategies for connecting intellectually and spiritually with those who are skeptical about the claims of Christianity. Today’s skeptics are l
