Erwin W. Lutzer, “Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible”

I noted after I read it my sense that the beginning of the book was better, that it seemed to get more strident and less persuasive toward the end.  Here’s a short chapter-by-chapter summary.

Chapter 1, “A Logical Reason”:  (a) The fact that the Bible claims over and over again to be the Word of God is some evidence that it is, since it would be odd for otherwise good and sane men (i.e., the Biblical authors) to say this repeatedly if it were not so.  (b) Also, the amazing unity of the Bible’s message — despite having been authored by many different people (and kinds of people) over many centuries (and in different places) — is evidence of its truth.  (c) This interesting point in particular:  Despite all the different genres and authors, there really is just one theme, namely how to be saved.

Chapter 2, “A Historical Reason”:  Consistency of the Bible with other ancient texts and archaeology.

Chapter 3, “A Prophetic Reason”:  Lists (with too many exclamation points) the many Biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled.

Chapter 4, “A Christological Reason”:  (a) Jesus considered the Old Testament authoritative; and (b) why the disciples were unlikely to make it up that Jesus was the Son of God (in particular) given their culture and beliefs.

Chapter 5, “A Scientific Reason”:  Pretty good on the point that the Big Bang, etc., actually support the existence of God; the narrow range of life-supporting environment; and so forth.  He’s strongly anti-evolution.

Chapter 6, “A Providential Reason — The Canonical Reason”:  How the Bible was put together; Protestants versus Catholics on the role of tradition versus the primacy of Scripture.  The discussion is okay, but very strident (see my introductory caveat above).

Chapter 7, “A Personal Reason — The Power of the Word”:  Just how powerful the Bible can be.