Thursday, March 15, 2012

An Unsolicited Letter

Dr. Groothuis-

I have just finished reading Christians Apologetics, and wanted to thank you for all the time and thought you put into it. It has been a "ministry-elevating" experience - one of those books read or lectures heard or videos watched after which you know your perspective on God, life, and Kingdom service will never be the same.

A vast majority of the issues you address are ones that I have studied or processed through, whether in a classroom or ministry setting. However, you were able to peel layers off theological onions that I didn't even know existed. I discovered I craved that level of depth, and needed it to deepen my own understanding and confidence. There were plenty of other subjects, too, that you brought up that I hadn't even considered. In both categories, you greatly expanded the available tools that I have in my theological toolbox.

My reason for originally picking up your book was a five-week series on Apologetics I had decided to preach to my congregation. Your statement in the conclusion, "We should hear apologetics ringing out from the pulpit and being discussed in every level of Christian education," has definitely been proven out in the first three weeks of this series. The congregational response has been very strong. So many Christians are uncomfortable with their biblical and apologetic illiteracy. When they are given answers, it's like handing out Gatorade to a marathon runner. In a congregation of 160, I have 60+ who have signed up to receive an email of my sermon notes, so that they can study the subjects with more depth.

So, again, I say thank you. I know how lonely the writing process is. To produce a work such as yours takes endurance, patience, and, most of all, calling. Your book has rekindled in me a passion for apologetics and philosophy that has been lying dormant for some years.

Steve Yohn

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