Recommended Further Reading

Some books recommended for further study on the evidence for the existence of God are:

• The Creator and the Cosmos (2001) by Dr. Hugh Ross.

Hugh Ross is an astronomer who became a Christian because of the evidence for the Creator revealed through his study of the universe. In this book he describes the unique characteristics of planet earth in order for life to exist. He also calculates the probabilities for earth to support life “just by chance,” how unlikely it is to expect to find other planets like earth in the entire universe and evidence for design in the fine tuning of our universe and the laws of nature.

• The Privileged Planet (2004) by Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez and Dr. Jay Richards.

Based on cutting edge evidence and observations from astronomy, cosmology and astrobiology the authors conclude that earth’s characteristics are so unique, that it is truly a “privileged planet.” Like Ross, they recognize the hand of our Lord the almighty Creator.

• The Case for a Creator (2004) by Lee Strobel.

Through conducting a series of interviews, Strobel discusses with various scientists the evidence for the existence of a Creator and the lack of real evidence for the evolution model.

• Icons of Evolution (2000) by Dr. Jonathan Wells.

Dr. Wells demonstrates with stunning clarity that the textbook examples so often used to prove evolution are mostly false and misleading.

Some suggested books for further study on the reliability of the Bible, and especially the gospels, are:

• Is the Bible True? (1999) by Jeffery L. Sheler.

Sheler, a journalist by profession, describes in clear language that he believes that the Bible must be critically assessed but that it has considerable historical substance and makes various historical claims, that are credible when checked against other historical and archaeological data.

• On the Reliability of the Old Testament (2003) by Dr. K.A. Kitchen.

Dr. Kitchen, a historian, describes and analyses the historical and archaeological evidence, with an emphasis on recent discoveries, for the reliability of the Old Testament.

• Is the New Testament Reliable? (1986) by Dr. Paul Barnett.

A straightforward and easy to read analysis of the evidence for the accuracy and reliability of the New Testament books.

• The Historical Reliability of the Gospels (1987) by Dr. Craig Blomberg.

Dr. Blomberg, an acclaimed evangelical scholar, describes and analyses the four gospels, their similarities and differences, authorship and dating, and evidence from non-Biblical sources.

• The New Testament Documents (1943) by Dr. F.F. Bruce.

A classic, but still accurate and actual presentation of the evidence for the historical reliability of the New Testament.

The following books are recommended for further study on the evidence for the resurrection:

• The Historical Jesus (1996) by Dr. Gary Habermas.

Habermas, a philosopher , New Testament historian and renowned scholar, offers a balanced and Biblical argument for the historicity of the New Testament and the evidence for the life, ministry and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The book extensively discusses Biblical and non-Biblical sources as evidence for the reliability of the New Testament claims.

• The Case for Christ (1998) by Lee Strobel.

Journalist Strobel interviews in a fact filled and fast paced manner fourteen experts to analyze and (dis)prove the truth about the claims for Jesus being the Son of God.

• The Third Day  (2003) by Hank Hanegraaf.

An easy to read, fairly brief summary and overview of the major evidence for the resurrection of Jesus on “the third day.”

• Who Moved the Stone (1930) by Frank Morrison.

A classic, but still a brilliant logical analysis by English journalist Frank Morrison, who by tracing all the details as recorded in the gospels, reconstructs the events around the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as they were experienced by all the main characters and witnesses

Recommended further reading on the evidences for divine inspiration of the Bible:

• Genesis, Science & History (2004) by Douglas Jacoby.

Historian and New Testament scholar Douglas Jacoby addresses the scientific and historical background to the texts of the Bible. You do not have to agree with all his conclusions and exhibits to still feel enriched by his fresh and inspiring ideas and convictions.

• Number in Scripture (1967, original text about one century ago) by E.W. Bullinger.

A classic, monumental study into Biblical numerology. E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913) extensively explains the use and meaning of numbers, most importantly the numbers six (representing “man” and “incomplete”) and seven (for “God” and “complete”). He presents evidence not just from the text of the Bible, but especially and most fascinating from the structures hidden under the texts and stories.

• The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook (1990) by John F Valvoort.

Following the structure of the Bible, the author identifies and explains every prophecy, fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, found in the Scriptures.

• Cosmic Codes: Hidden Messages from the Edge of Eternity (2004) by Chuck Missler.

In this, sometimes perhaps what controversial book, Dr Missler describes the results of over 50 years of discovery of design and symbolic prophecies that show the hand of the Creator in the Bible. Not all presented conclusions will be supported by all readers, but this powerful overview will change the way you read the Bible in the future.

For further study on the world religions in relationship to Christianity you might find the following books a valuable source of information:

• So What’s the Difference (2001) by Fritz Ridenour.

A to the point, brief and factual comparative overview between Christianity and the major other world religions.

• The Compact Guide to the World Religions (1996) edited by Dean Halverson.

An easy-to use handbook on the origins, basic beliefs, and evangelistic challenges and opportunities of the world’s major religions in comparison to Christianity written by different expert contributors.

• Unveiling Islam (2002) by the brothers Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner.

A highly recommended book written by two raised Muslim but converted to Christianity college professors. Their background allows the authors to describe their inside views on the youngest and fastest growing world religion.

Lastly, as we all search and sometimes struggle with understanding how to apply the Biblical teachings to our day to day life, I would like to recommended:

• Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up  (1989) by David W Bercot.

Based on a thorough investigation and study of the Bible and the writings of the Early Church Leaders before the Council of Nicea, Bercot describes how the first Christians at the close of the age of the apostles lived and stood up for their faith. 

Read on about: Dating Techniques

 

(1) Table of references

(2) Recommended books