When God Goes to Starbucks by Paul Copan intrigued me when I saw it in a bookstore a few weeks ago. It is subtitled “A Guide to Everyday Apologetics”.
The book is written in a very straightforward manner and from a distinctly Christian perspective. Questions, or statements, that might come up in a casual conversation with friends at the coffee shop (hence the Starbucks reference) are asked and then answered.
I discovered that I had already formulated answers to most of the questions listed in the book. However, I also found that my answers are very simple when compared to the well thought-out answers from Copan. Sources and supporting documents are referenced throughout the book. I found the discussions to be complete and non-threatening to even the reader who does not agree with his answers.
I found that one question/answer challenged me to think differently than I had previously. The discussion of the second coming of Christ is compelling, but I have not thoroughly discovered how it fits with my previous eschatological notions.
That being said, here is a list of the questions (and answers) that are found in the book…
- Why not just look out for yourself?
- Do what you want, just as long as you don’t hurt anyone.
- Is it okay to lie to Nazis?
- Why is God so arrogant and egotistical?
- Miracles are unscientific.
- Only gullible people believe in miracles.
- Don’t people from all religions experience God?
- Does the Bible condemn loving, committed homosexual relationships?
- Aren’t people born gay?
- What’s wrong with gay marriage?
- How can the Psalmists say such vindictive, hateful things?
- Aren’t the Bible’s “holy wars” just like Islamic jihad?
- Was Jesus mistaken about an early second coming?
- Why are Christians so divided? Why so many denominations?
If you have found yourself asking questions similar to these, I urge you to find a copy of this book and honestly seek to understand the answers that are given. You might find your previously held ideas to be challenged.
- Dan
