7 Reasons to (Re)Consider Christianity

John Dickson

This is Ben Shaw at his best, doing what he does best: communicating the Christian faith to those who don’t quite know what to make of it. Written for believers and doubters alike, the book is a perfect blend of contrasts: informative and moving, funny and sad, worldly-wise yet pulling no punches about the significance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Andrew Heard

This is a book that connects to real people. Its chapter headings got me in. They’re all the right questions, and Ben gives compelling answers. It’s disarming, thoughtful, warm and hugely relevant.

"A helpful book to give to friends and family with doubts and questions about Christianity"

Shaw notes that he first began to think about God and the Bible after the death of his mother over four decades ago, and his curiosity gave way to finding intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s biggest questions. Shaw covers existential questions, historical questions, and theological questions while providing practical, digestible answers for readers.... continue reading

See for Yourself

Shaw explains that Jesus is the most influential person in history by looking at his words of conviction, words of controversy, his conduct, and miracles. Shaw ultimately invites his readers to pick up one of the Gospels and see for themselves.... continue reading

“Excellent!!!”

This is an excellent book for non- Christians & Christian readers. When I first read this book I couldn't put it down and have subsequently re-read it. The book is simply written and very easy to read. It provides compelling evidence to support the Bible, as well as practical examples and steps that have enabled me to confidently discuss the Bible with my non- Christian friends. I have also shared this book with others, who have all positively rated it.

This book also references the true day of the Sabbath, which is great to see in a Christian book.

“Excellent read for both Christians and non-Christians”

Unfortunately I didn't get to meet Ben as I joined Boathouse after his time, but I wish I could have known him whilst he was writing this incredible book and have an in depth chat with him!
Contrary to the title of the book, it really is a beneficial read for Christians, not just non-Christians! It reinforced my faith, especially Ben's last few pages where he talked about his cancer diagnosis and how he himself had to reconsider his faith.. and that it came out stronger with him having more hope in our Lord and the eternal life we have in Him!

Furthermore, God was so good with the timing of me reading this book - a new colleague at work is sceptical of becoming a Christian as he does not see enough evidence to prove Christ rose from the dead - Chapter 7 (the 7th reason) addresses this directly and I hope & pray that I relayed it well to my colleague, so that he can really see Christ is our true saviour and that He did indeed rise from the dead to save us from our sins!

“An open invitation to ask some really good questions about life, Jesus, and the Bible”

This book is like an open invitation to ask some really good questions about life, Jesus, and the Bible. I didn't find it pushy, and at the end, it doesn't offer a sinner's prayer, instead it has some helpful suggestions for those who want to take it further and ask more questions. Ultimately, I would say it is set up to help people make an informed choice on whether the Bible is trustworthy and worth investigating.

The section that has stuck with me the most is a section on 'misheard lyrics'. In a similar way to how we can mishear certain lyrics, this book makes the case that the message of the bible can be also be misheard for various reasons. It then goes on to look at the misheard lyrics we often have about God, Jesus, and Heaven, and then presents us with the real lyrics according to the Bible. I love that it also makes a case for the intellectual credibility of the message of the Bible, and challenges those who write off the reliability of the Bible when really they are just assuming it is unreliable.

The copy I had was borrowed, upon finishing I promptly went out and purchase a copy for myself, and a few spares, as I have several friends this book would be perfect for.

“Thanks again Ben for a great book and to hear your life testimony.”

Ben, thanks so much for your wonderful book, 7 reasons to consider Christianity. And thanks so much for letting us/me know about your current situation with cancer and the real meaning of 'life' and what on earth is life about and what happens when we die. I had always been a well healthy bloke with a good self employed job, a fab wife and 4 great kids. Then when off to work on August 13th 2008 I had a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage bust in my head. I fell out of my transit and that was me gone. An A&E bloke passing by saw me fall and rushed over to save my life, lucky or what! I was rushed to hospital and had major surgery but I was well gone in a coma. I came back round and the dear surgeon told me a should have died at least twice and be badly handicapped. Well to cut it short Ben, I had a mindboggling experience of 'heaven', it burns constantly in my mind. It was and constantly is a huge confirmation of my faith as a Christian and I am so looking forward to my next day of life and amazing eternity with Jesus our amazing God. I am well back at work and meet up with loads of guys and love 'talking real' with them about my faith. Your book will be so good to hand over to folk I talk to about Jesus and the reality of 'life' and what matters. So easy to read and so deep. Well done mate.