Review of "Beyond Opinion"

Beyond Opinion, Ravi Zacharias, Author and General Editor, is filled with lots of good, helpful, interesting information, if you are interested in the field of apologetics—and I am. But, I appreciated this book because it does not simply address the same topics that we encounter in all the other books on apologetics. Its fresh approach addresses issues like “Challenges from Youth” and “Challenges from Eastern Religions” and “Conversational Apologetics” and “The Trinity as a Paradigm for Spiritual Transformation” in useful and insightful ways.

Also, the various authors write with an awareness of the fact that although answering questions at an intellectual level is part of the task of apologetics, also, living as an authentic follower of Christ is a key part of the task for one who would be a defender of the faith. Ravi Zacharias addresses that matter in the introduction of the book, writing, “The ultimate calling upon the follower of Christ is to live a life reflecting who he is . . .” Joe Boot reflects that awareness, as well, writing, “few things are more obvious to those engaged in sharing and defending the faith than that the messenger and the method are as important as the message.” This important awareness—that living a genuine life of faith is critical to the apologetic task—seems to come through in the writings of all the authors of the book.

The following chapters were particularly helpful . . .

“Challenges From Islam” by Sam Soloman. What Soloman writes about the Doctrine of Takkiya is quite interesting.

“Broader Cultural and Philosophical Challenges” by Joe Boot. Boot writes, “Our priority in apologetics is not to make the nonbeliever listen to us, but to help the person be ready to listen to God and be taught by him.” That’s a terrific thought.

“The Trinity As A Paradigm For Spiritual Transformation” by L.T. Jeyachandran.

“Book Reviews That Really Excite People” by Dan Marler.

Oh wait, that that last chapter doesn’t exist. But what a thrill, if it did, huh?

A book worth reading.


Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL

http://www.visitusonline.org/