A book that was recommended to me by the Atheist Missionary, is You’re Not as Crazy as I Think by Randal Rauser. Randal Rauser teaches at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta. What makes this book unique is that it’s main goal is to promote true conversation and not to get other people to change their mind. Part of this is to see the people we are talking to not as a stereotype or as a label but as people not that different from us. It also may mean that if we want them to rethink their beliefs that we must be willing to rethink our beliefs. Our goal should not be to defend our position no matter what but to seek the truth and help others find the truth. If this is true, there is a time re-evaluate our own beliefs and adjust them to a greater understanding of the truth. I am sure that there are many people who would be uncomfortable with some of the things that Rauser says. That is a good thing. We need to be challenged on our presuppositions.
That is not to say that this book is perfect. I was disappointed in his chapter on evolution and intelligent design. My problem was not the position he took but that in this chapter he ignores his own advice. He seems to accept that intelligent design is a disguise for young earth creationism and that thinking Christians should accept evolution. While that is a valid position, that is not the attitude he is promoting elsewhere in the book.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I recommend it to all Christians interested in apologetics, not just as an academic pursuit, but as a calling to interact with others. Even if you don’t agree with all of Rauser’s views, you will be challenged on how you look at others and how you look at yourself. You will be a better apologist for having read this book.