Editor's Note: The number of books that come out every month is astronomical. Our book reviews are usually ones that your editor has read. One of our co-workers, Phillip Eichman, has his doctorate in biology and has worked with us for many years in our ministry. Here are two reviews he has written on books we have not had a chance to read but which you may find useful. Thank you, Phil, for your help in this.

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog
by James W. Sire, InterVarsity Press, 2004, 259 pages, $16.00, ISBN 0-8308-2780-3.

Each person, whether he or she realizes it or not, holds a particular worldview. This worldview serves as a basis for all thought, beliefs, values, and actions. It is also the framework through which we understand and make sense of the world around us. There are a number of competing worldviews that are prevalent today. Much of the problem between science and religion is in fact due to differing worldviews.

Described as a "worldview catalog," this book contains a description and evaluation of several worldviews. Those examined in the book include Christian theism, deism, naturalism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern pantheistic monism, New Age, and postmodernism.

Although the author accepts the Christian theistic worldview, this is not an apologetic defense of that particular worldview. What Sire does is examine each worldview, pointing out various assumptions and weaknesses of each one, often contrasting it with Christian theism.

The current edition is the fourth, revised and updated edition of a book which first appeared in 1976. The fact that it has been revised several times and is still available in print is an indication of the value of this book. It is somewhat technical in places but still a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand more about worldviews.


Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith
by Alister McGrath, InterVarsity Press, 2006, 155 pages, $13.00, ISBN 0-8308-3352-8.

This excellent little book was written by Alister McGrath, who holds degrees in science and theology and has written several books in the area of apologetics. Although McGrath does touch on apologetics in several places this is not a book written to provide supporting evidence for the Christian faith. The purpose of the book is rather to suggest ways to deal with doubts and uncertainties associated with that faith.

McGrath does a very good job of discussing how doubts arise and how to deal with them without abandoning faith in God and the Bible. The book was written mainly for a young adult audience, but would be appropriate for older adults as well.

I found the book to be very helpful to me in understanding the relationship between doubts and faith. I believe that it would be helpful to others as well, and I would not hesitate to give a copy of the book to anyone who is experiencing questions or doubts about their faith or simply wanting to strengthen their own faith.

Back to Contents Does God Exist?, SepOct07.