Reasons to Believe Collection (8 vols.)

by Fazale Rana; Kenneth Richard Samples; Hugh Ross

Publisher:

Baker

, 2004–2012

Overview

Reasons to Believe is a ministry that demonstrates how sound reason and scientific research support the Bible’s inerrancy. Encouraging and equipping people to integrate science and the Christian faith, the ministry provides compelling resources proving that the universe was shaped and designed exactly as Scripture reveals.

The Reasons to Believe Collection provides eight volumes of sound scholarship addressing apologetic issues. What scientific insights can we draw from the book of Job? Does the quest for synthetic life prove or disprove evolution’s explanation for life’s origin? What contemporary scientific discoveries point to intelligent design? These questions, and more, are addressed and answered, providing a solid defense of the Christian faith.

The Logos Bible Software edition of the Reasons to Believe Collection is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of science and the Christian faith. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations and to the original language texts, and important apologetic concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about evolution, Scripture’s inerrancy, and different worldviews.

Key Features

• Illustrates how current scientific discoveries point to Creation and intelligent design
• Equips believers to share and defend their faith
• Analyzes and supports Scripture’s scientific claims

Product Details

• Title: Reasons to Believe Collection
• Publisher: Baker
• Volumes: 8
• Pages: 2,208
• Christian Group: Evangelicals
• Resource Type: Topical
• Topic: Creation and Origins; Science; Worldview; Apologetic Methods

Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions

• Author: Kenneth Richard Samples
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 288

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

It can be difficult to answer questions about the Christian faith—even for Christians who regularly read their Bibles and attend church. What can they say to a skeptic who questions Christian doctrine or truth claims? What about young Christians who want answers to their tough questions?

Without a Doubt covers questions on everything from the doctrine of the incarnation to religious pluralism, from evolution to moral relativism, with rational answers for even the most stubborn skeptic. Authorities ranging from prophets and philosophers to scientists and the Scriptures provide rational explanations and compelling evidence for those who have questions about their or question faith altogether. Chapters contain charts, relevant biblical texts, and outlines to help readers grasp key ideas relevant to proclaiming the gospel to an unbeliever or discussing doctrine with another Christian.

Sample exhibits the virtues of charity and intellectual integrity along with a deep understanding of the sorts of challenges to the Christian faith that are offered in our contemporary world and must be met by the serious Christian. Without a Doubt is a wonderful work.

—Francis J. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies, Baylor University

Without a Doubt fills a specific void in the apologetic literature. It brings together very careful research with a reader-friendly style. A great read for anyone interested in answers to some of life’s most puzzling questions.

—J.P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

Rarely does one find such an array of issues and quality responses under one cover, all ready for personal use or in addressing questions or challenges.

—Gary R. Habermas, distinguished professor of apologetics and philosophy, Liberty University

Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar with Reasons To Believe, the premier science-religion think tank. An adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University, Samples is the author of A World of Difference.

A World of Difference: Putting Christian Truth-Claims to the Worldview Test

• Author: Kenneth Richard Samples
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 320

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

At a time when Christian belief is constantly challenged, understanding different worldviews can help Christians think and live faithfully. Kenneth Samples’ own life-and-death crisis encourages believers to develop a worldview perspective based on truth, critical thinking, and logic. In A World of Difference, he addresses the historic Christian worldview and evaluates four modern-day competitors—Islam, naturalism, postmodernism, and pantheistic monism. The use of nine distinct and challenging tests shows how all worldviews should be assessed.

With compelling insight into Scripture, history, science, and theology, A World of Difference will challenge and strengthen your beliefs.

Christians can no longer afford to be ignorant of how to think and see the world in light of their worldview and alternative worldviews. A World of Difference is the right book at the right time.

—J.P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

One of my biggest concerns for Christians struggling to make their way through the intellectual challenges of our age is that they often don’t have the basic categories to think biblically about their own faith. Ken Samples’ A World of Difference will give them those categories.

—Kim Riddlebarger, senior pastor, Christ Reformed Church, Anaheim, CA

Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar with Reasons To Believe, the premier science-religion think tank. An adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University, Samples is the author of Without a Doubt.

The Cell’s Design: How Chemistry Reveals the Creator’s Artistry

• Author: Fazale Rana
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 336

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The scientific evidence of design just got stronger. Armed with cutting-edge techniques, today’s biochemists have uncovered startling molecular features inside the cell that can compel only one reasonable conclusion—a supernatural agent must be responsible for life.

Destined to be a landmark apologetic work, The Cell’s Design explores the scientific and theological impact of these discoveries. Instead of focusing on the inability of natural processes to generate life’s chemical systems (as nearly all apologetics works do), Fazale Rana makes a positive case for life’s supernatural origin by highlighting the many biochemical features that reflect the Creator’s signature.

This breakthrough book extends the case for design beyond irreducible complexity. These never-before-discussed evidences will evoke awe and amazement at God’s creative majesty in the remarkable elegance of the cell’s chemistry.

In Darwin’s day, a living cell was thought to be quite simply—for all practical purposes—little more than a microscopic blob of gelatin. Rana lays out what contemporary science has learned about the cell’s design, and he poignantly and provocatively shows that it is the handiwork of not only an Intelligent Designer but specifically the God revealed in Scripture.

—Hank Hanegraaff, president, Christian Research Institute

Fazale Rana’s welcome sequel to Origins of Life makes a significant contribution to the growing scientific literature pointing to intelligent design.

—Kenneth Boa, president, Reflections Ministries

Fazale Rana is vice president of research and apologetics at Reasons To Believe. He is the author, with Hugh Ross, of Origins of Life and Who Was Adam?

Why the Universe Is the Way It Is

• Author: Hugh Ross
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Increasingly astronomers recognize that if the cosmos had not unfolded exactly as it did, humanity would not, could not, exist. Yet these researchers—along with countless ordinary folks—resist belief in the biblical Creator. Why? They say a loving God would have made a better home for us, one without trouble and tragedy. In Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Hugh Ross draws from his depth of study in both science and Scripture to explain how the universe’s design fulfills several distinct purposes. He also reveals God’s surpassing love and ultimate purpose for each individual.

Why the Universe Is the Way It Is will interest anyone who wonders where and how the universe came to be, what or who is responsible for it, why we are here, or how and when the universe ends. Far from leaving the reader at this philosophical jumping-off point, Ross builds toward answering the big question of human destiny and the specific question of each reader’s personal destiny.

This book will expand your mind with the universe it describes. It is a challenging, fascinating, and mind-stretching discussion of the nature and purpose of our amazing universe in the light of Scripture by one of America’s foremost evangelical astronomers.

—Norman L. Geisler, cofounder and former dean, Southern Evangelical Seminary

Absolutely delightful! Ross’ ability to take science and show the biblical correlation in prophecy and application is unparalleled; it makes God’s wisdom and the biblical text seem so much more magnificent.

—James M. Tour, T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Rice University

Ross simultaneously challenges skeptics and Christians alike with his fresh take on scientific discoveries that point to the existence of God.

—Ben Young, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX

Hugh Ross is founder and president of international and interdenominational Reasons To Believe. He is the author of many books, including The Creator and the Cosmos and More Than a Theory. An astronomer, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over 300 campuses in the United States and abroad on a wide variety of science-faith topics. From science conferences to churches to government labs, Ross presents powerful evidence for a purpose-filled universe.

Creating Life in the Lab: How New Discoveries in Synthetic Biology Make a Case for the Creator

• Author: Fazale Rana
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Each year brings to light new scientific discoveries that have the power to either test our faith or strengthen it—most recently the news that scientists have created artificial life forms in the laboratory. If humans can create life, what does that mean for the creation story found in Scripture?

Biochemist and Christian apologist Fazale Rana, for one, isn’t worried. In Creating Life in the Lab, he details the fascinating quest for synthetic life and argues convincingly that when scientists succeed in creating life in the lab, they will unwittingly undermine the evolutionary explanation for the origin of life, demonstrating instead that undirected chemical processes cannot produce a living entity.

Like it or not, a brave new world replete with synthetic biology is now upon us. Rana’s book will equip lovers of the truth to think Christianly in defense of that which corresponds to reality.

—Hank Hanegraaff, president, Christian Research Institute

Beautifully details how intelligent divine planning—rather than unguided naturalistic processes—best explains the emergence of first life.

—Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University

As Fazale Rana puts it in his significant new contribution to the growing literature on synthetic biology, to generate, sustain, and manipulate a living entity requires the intense involvement of highly intelligent beings. Rana’s analysis is achieved with clarity and scientific rigor.

—Kenneth Boa, president, Reflections Ministries

An excellent resource for understanding in detail current developments in synthetic biology and origin-of-life research.

—Vern S. Poythress, professor of New Testament interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary

Fazale Rana is vice president of research and apologetics at Reasons To Believe. He is the author, with Hugh Ross, of Origins of Life and Who Was Adam?

Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job: How the Oldest Book in the Bible Answers Today’s Scientific Questions

• Author: Hugh Ross
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Arguably the oldest book in the Bible, the book of Job has a surprising amount to say about some of the newest scientific discoveries and controversies. Far from a book that is just about suffering, Job is filled with rich insight into both ancient and modern questions about

• The formation of the world
• The difference between animals and humans
• Cosmology
• Dinosaurs and the fossil record
• Global warming and how to care for creation
• And more

With careful consideration and exegesis, internationally-known astrophysicist and Christian apologist Hugh Ross adds yet another compelling argument to the case for the veracity of the biblical commentary on the history of the universe, Earth, life, and humanity. Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job shows that the Bible is an accurate predictor of scientific discoveries and a trustworthy source of scientific information, and that the book of Scripture and the book of nature are consistent both internally and externally.

Yet another sparkling gem from the treasure house that is the mind of Hugh Ross! A fabulous and typically thoughtful treatment of many vitally important subjects.

—Eric Metaxas, American author

This is a brilliant, insightful, and provocative book, filled with nuggets from digging deeply into the hidden treasures of the book of Job.

—Norman L. Geisler, cofounder and former dean, Southern Evangelical Seminary

Surprising and accurate scientific insights few consider. Hugh Ross brilliantly analyzes these details with great scrutiny to highlight the fact that Scripture presents compelling information regarding our greatest scientific complexities. I highly recommend this work for those considering the evidence of the Bible’s scientific claims.

—John Ankerberg, founder and president of The John Ankerberg Show

This book is an elegant explanation of how Scripture, the scientific facts of nature, and the tragedy of human suffering all point people to God. It’s sophisticated and simple and arguably groundbreaking. I can’t wait to use it in the classroom.

—Sarah Sumner, former dean, A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary

A treasure in and of itself. It is enormously engaging in both its content and its style. It is one of the most up-to-date scientific, as well as biblical, responses in the evolution, creation, young earth debate, yet all offered with clear facts, gentleness of tone, and convincing logic.

—Walter C. Kaiser Jr., emeritus president, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Hugh Ross is founder and president of international and interdenominational Reasons To Believe. He is the author of many books, including The Creator and the Cosmos and More Than a Theory. An astronomer, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over 300 campuses in the United States and abroad on a wide variety of science-faith topics. From science conferences to churches to government labs, Ross presents powerful evidence for a purpose-filled universe.

More Than a Theory: Revealing a Testable Model for Creation

• Author: Hugh Ross
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 304

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Christians are increasingly challenged with evolution theories as the only models for the origins and histories of the universe and life. But is there any valid scientifically testable alternative?

More Than a Theory offers a comprehensive, testable creation model and supplies Christians with the scientific information they need to defend their conviction that the Creator is the God of the Bible. Complete with appendices that put competing models for creation and/or evolution to the same kinds of tests, More Than a Theory is a bold and brave work that will stir profitable discussion in both the scientific and the religious realms.

The more we discover about the universe, the more I appreciate our Creator. And that’s why I’m grateful for Hugh Ross. This book will not only expand your appreciation of God, it will stretch your faith.

—Mark Batterson, lead pastor, National Community Church

In the physical sciences, we are continually concerned with the question ‘Can a theory stand up to the latest experimental results?’ In this book Ross suggests a great many tests for his understanding of issues related to origins.

—Henry F. Schaefer III, Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry, University of Georgia

To all who think that belief in a Creator requires a blind leap of faith, this book serves strong notice otherwise! The creation model is not only testable, it passes multiple scientific tests with flying colors.

—Mark Mittelberg, speaker and best-selling author

Ross effectively argues that by imposing artificial and unnecessary restraints on scientific inquiry, science loses its claim as a search for truth and simultaneously makes science less attractive to inquiring young minds. Removing those constraints unleashes the power of unbiased exploration in the quest for truth.

—Carl A. Koval, professor and interim faculty director of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Initiative, University of Colorado

Hugh Ross is founder and president of international and interdenominational Reasons To Believe. He is the author of many books, including The Creator and the Cosmos and More Than a Theory. An astronomer, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over 300 campuses in the United States and abroad on a wide variety of science-faith topics. From science conferences to churches to government labs, Ross presents powerful evidence for a purpose-filled universe.

7 Truths That Changed the World: Discovering Christianity’s Most Dangerous Ideas

• Author: Kenneth Richard Samples
• Series: Reasons to Believe
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Ideas have consequences, sometimes far-reaching and world-changing ones. The Christian faith contains many volatile truths that challenged—and continue to challenge—the cultural and religious status quo. This fascinating exploration offers a unique look at how the world changed when Christ and his followers came on the scene. In a world where Christian belief and practice are increasingly under fire, 7 Truths That Changed the World will give you the confidence to impact the world for Christ—for good.

While many Christians are accustomed to hearing that there is good evidence for their faith, far less common are arguments that point out how other worldviews are far inferior in terms of both evidence and explanatory power. Ken Samples develops a cumulative case for Christianity, arguing well that no other thesis even comes close to accounting for what we know about reality. 7 Truths That Changed the World is a very readable and recommended account that describes what Samples calls Christianity’s seven dangerous ideas that best encapsulate the current state of the evidence.

—Gary R. Habermas, distinguished professor of apologetics and philosophy, Liberty University

Ken Samples has combined clear thinking with clear writing to give us a guided tour through basic Christian truths. He shows us what those truths are, why we should believe them, and how they make better sense of the world than the alternatives. This book serves all kinds of people: those wanting to know about Christian belief, those whose Christian belief is wobbling, and those who, like good athletes, want to renew their commitment to doing the fundamentals well. Thanks be to God for this helpful, encouraging, and challenging book!

—C. John Collins, professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

Ken Samples has done it again. He has written about some of the most important issues in life, with seriousness and depth, and then made it accessible to everyone. I hope 7 Truths That Changed the World is read in Bible studies and home groups around the globe. It has a transformative message and a style that can engage everyone.

—Craig J. Hazen, professor of comparative religion and apologetics, Biola University

One of the most skilled and thoughtful apologists of our time, Ken Samples, has done it again. His 7 Truths That Changed the World is a powerful reminder that Christianity is a truth claim which confronts the beliefs and values of our contemporary age at a number of critical points. But Samples is neither confrontational nor combative as he spells out seven aspects of the Christian truth-claim which stand in opposition to much of what our non-Christian neighbors hold dear. This is must reading.

—Kim Riddlebarger, senior pastor, Christ Reformed Church, Anaheim, CA

Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar with Reasons To Believe, the premier science-religion think tank. An adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University, Samples is the author of A World of Difference.