Smooth Stones: Bringing Down the Giant Questions of Apologetics

Point: Scriptures and human reasoning, both gifts of God, testify to the validity of the historic Christian faith.Path: Coffey offers short answers for six big questions: 1. Is there a God? 2. Does Science disprove God's existence? 3. Is the Bible true? 4. What about evil and pain? 5. Can there be only one true religion? 6. How do we know that Jesus is who he says he is?He then ends with two short notes, one to an unbeliever and one to a believer.Sources: Based on a Lee Strobel method, Coffey's answers interact with and quote from people like Patrick Glynn, Alvin Plantinga, C.S. Lewis, Stephen Jay Gould, and others.Agreement: In a tough spot, information from this little book (maybe "booklet" would be appropriate) would come in handy. His succinct answers would answer the questions/objections of the majority of Westerners.He recognizes that there is both a head and heart issue that need to be faced in presenting the Gospel. Even if you give facts, that won't change a person.I thought his five key words for religion were very helpful, and I plan on using those in the future. "How does your religion define "Sin", "Justice", "Love", "Sacrifice", and "Grace"?Disagreement: There is a problem with the approach. Not all the answers can be wrapped up in a nice little package. For those who have actually thought about and struggled through these difficulties, many of these answers will seem trite and shallow. If someone tries to run someone over with these proofs (the author doesn't recommend this), it will harden them even more. The book, in trying to be accessible, is crippled by its length.With that in mind I would suggest reading " The Reason for God " by Keller and " Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions " by Koukl as supplemental reading.Personal App: Have I made the effort to discuss these big questions with anyone?Favorite Quote: "Christianity in its exclusivity, is the most inclusive religion the world has ever seen" (82).I would recommend it to someone who is looking for some more answers for questions from a friend.

Coffee's writing style is remarkably down to earth, but also connected to something much bigger than he is. While he doesn't go into the greatest of depth on all of the questions you may have, he provides an overview of the main arguments that most people will encounter within everyday life, and I think for that reason it is a very useful tool.Additionally I would recommend it to any Christian, whether or not they are seeking answers. I have found my faith strengthen as I learn apologetics like, both in this book and in others, and to be reminded that your faith is not baseless is a great treasure.

The author provides a helpful, short introductory discussion on apologetics. He writes in a way that is personable, and engaging, using anecdotes from his own life as illustrations. I would recommend this book to teens, new believers or someone who hasn’t yet read any other works on apologetics.

I've read a number of apologetic works over the years. Many of them have been incredibly helpful. Yet none of them have ever been short or simple. Until now. I did not know it was possible to communicate such helpful apologetic truth in such a short and simple book. The perfect gift for a non-Christian and perfect tool to train everyday Christians to defend the faith.

If you’re looking for a layman’s book on apologetics this was a good read. It always comes back to the Gospel. This is a handy one to have on hand to pass along to your non-Christian friends too.

I enjoy reading all chapter but one chapter that is Second chapter about Science and many different view of Science which I am an idiot in that subject. It is a very different kind of book for me to read.

Apologetics is a field where we all tread, but few know it. I ordered this book as I have recently been asked questions about Christianity that I had trouble answering. Smooth Stones is an easy read, truly giving you many "smooth stones" with which to slay the giants of questions about God and the Bible. I highly recommend it!

In his conversational, yet effective method of communicating, Pastor Joe Coffey does an exceptional job in sharing how to address the "head and heart" issues as it relates to sharing the Gospel. Well written and easy to read, Dr. Coffey's illustrations are right on mark.

I'm not convinced. Almost all the proofs start with the assumption that Christianity is valid! That is a bit dumb in my book.