How to Talk about Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot

How to Talk about Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot

Author: Andy Bannister

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Published: 2023-07-04

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 1496462394

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Have natural conversations with your friends and family about your faith. Discover four key questions that invite people into engaging discussions about what matters most in life. Why is it so difficult to talk to our closest friends about what's most important to us? Our true identity? Our hopes and dreams? Our true purpose and faith? Andy Bannister struggled with that question himself. As a twentysomething, he operated as an Undercover Christian at his job. He knew it didn't make sense, and he spent the following decades helping countless people find easy, natural ways to talk about the fundamental questions of life with the ones they love. How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot explores why you don't need to be afraid or uncomfortable, the four questions that help people open up, the five steps to respond to tough questions, and how to effortlessly bring faith into a conversation. It doesn't need to be awkward. Everyday conversations that open the door to evangelism can be painless and natural. Let Andy help you find easy ways to talk about the true meaning of life and learn how to share the gospel with your neighbors, friends, and family.


Book Synopsis How to Talk about Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot by : Andy Bannister

Download or read book How to Talk about Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot written by Andy Bannister and published by Tyndale House Publishers. This book was released on 2023-07-04 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have natural conversations with your friends and family about your faith. Discover four key questions that invite people into engaging discussions about what matters most in life. Why is it so difficult to talk to our closest friends about what's most important to us? Our true identity? Our hopes and dreams? Our true purpose and faith? Andy Bannister struggled with that question himself. As a twentysomething, he operated as an Undercover Christian at his job. He knew it didn't make sense, and he spent the following decades helping countless people find easy, natural ways to talk about the fundamental questions of life with the ones they love. How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot explores why you don't need to be afraid or uncomfortable, the four questions that help people open up, the five steps to respond to tough questions, and how to effortlessly bring faith into a conversation. It doesn't need to be awkward. Everyday conversations that open the door to evangelism can be painless and natural. Let Andy help you find easy ways to talk about the true meaning of life and learn how to share the gospel with your neighbors, friends, and family.

Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot

Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot

Author: Seth Andrews

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Published: 2022-01-24

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9781977250827

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Seth Andrews wasn't an idiot during his thirty years as an evangelical Christian. He wasn't unintelligent, nor did his IQ shift when he ultimately left religion entirely. He considered himself thoughtful, moral, reasonable, and at least as smart as the average person. In other words, he wasn't an idiot. Yet strangely, he often sounded like one. In any other context, Christians would likely smirk, scoff, or recoil at many of their "normal" beliefs and practices: reenacted Easter crucifixions, eating monthly communion "flesh," singing hymns about being washed in blood, and the embrace of a Bible containing scripture verses about golden hemorrhoids, apocalypse dragons, and human sacrifice, So what gives? Are these notions embraced only because they're familiar? Do they make any sense? And do they cause otherwise reasonable people to sound like idiots? Seth Andrews admits that, for himself, the answer was a definite yes. For everyone else? Read the book and decide.


Book Synopsis Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot by : Seth Andrews

Download or read book Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot written by Seth Andrews and published by Outskirts Press. This book was released on 2022-01-24 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seth Andrews wasn't an idiot during his thirty years as an evangelical Christian. He wasn't unintelligent, nor did his IQ shift when he ultimately left religion entirely. He considered himself thoughtful, moral, reasonable, and at least as smart as the average person. In other words, he wasn't an idiot. Yet strangely, he often sounded like one. In any other context, Christians would likely smirk, scoff, or recoil at many of their "normal" beliefs and practices: reenacted Easter crucifixions, eating monthly communion "flesh," singing hymns about being washed in blood, and the embrace of a Bible containing scripture verses about golden hemorrhoids, apocalypse dragons, and human sacrifice, So what gives? Are these notions embraced only because they're familiar? Do they make any sense? And do they cause otherwise reasonable people to sound like idiots? Seth Andrews admits that, for himself, the answer was a definite yes. For everyone else? Read the book and decide.

How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy)

How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy)

Author: Sam Chan

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2020-11-03

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 0310112710

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Most Christians know they should be trying to tell their friends and family about Jesus. But in a post-Christendom world, personal evangelism is viewed negatively--it's offensive, inappropriate, and insensitive. Recent studies confirm that the majority of Christians rarely evangelize, worried they might offend their family or lose their friends. In How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), author Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible. Drawing from over two decades of experience as an evangelist, teacher, and pastor, Chan explains why personal evangelism feels so awkward today. And utilizing recent insights from communication theory, cross-cultural ministry, and apologetics, he helps you build confidence in sharing your faith, and teaches you how to evangelize your friends and family in socially appropriate ways.


Book Synopsis How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy) by : Sam Chan

Download or read book How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy) written by Sam Chan and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2020-11-03 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most Christians know they should be trying to tell their friends and family about Jesus. But in a post-Christendom world, personal evangelism is viewed negatively--it's offensive, inappropriate, and insensitive. Recent studies confirm that the majority of Christians rarely evangelize, worried they might offend their family or lose their friends. In How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), author Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible. Drawing from over two decades of experience as an evangelist, teacher, and pastor, Chan explains why personal evangelism feels so awkward today. And utilizing recent insights from communication theory, cross-cultural ministry, and apologetics, he helps you build confidence in sharing your faith, and teaches you how to evangelize your friends and family in socially appropriate ways.

Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?

Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?

Author: Andy Bannister

Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Published: 2021-03-18

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 1789742307

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Are Islam and Christianity essentially the same? Should we seek to overcome divisions by seeing Muslims and Christians as part of one family of Abrahamic faith? Andy Bannister shares his journey from the multicultural streets of inner-city London to being a Christian with a PhD in Qur'anic Studies. Along the way, he came to understand that far from being the same, Islam and Christianity are profoundly different. Get to the heart of what the world's two largest religions say about life's biggest questions-and discover the uniqueness of Christianity's answer to the question of who God really is.


Book Synopsis Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? by : Andy Bannister

Download or read book Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? written by Andy Bannister and published by Inter-Varsity Press. This book was released on 2021-03-18 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are Islam and Christianity essentially the same? Should we seek to overcome divisions by seeing Muslims and Christians as part of one family of Abrahamic faith? Andy Bannister shares his journey from the multicultural streets of inner-city London to being a Christian with a PhD in Qur'anic Studies. Along the way, he came to understand that far from being the same, Islam and Christianity are profoundly different. Get to the heart of what the world's two largest religions say about life's biggest questions-and discover the uniqueness of Christianity's answer to the question of who God really is.

The Atheist Who Didn't Exist

The Atheist Who Didn't Exist

Author: Andy Bannister

Publisher: Monarch Books

Published: 2015-07-17

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0857216112

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"A breath, a gust, a positive whoosh of fresh air. Made me laugh, made me think, made me cry. " Adrian Plass In the last decade, atheism has leapt from obscurity to the front pages: producing best-selling books, making movies, and plastering adverts on the side of buses. There's an energy and a confidence to contemporary atheism: many people now assume that a godless scepticism is the default position, indeed the only position for anybody wishing to appear educated, contemporary, and urbane. Atheism is hip, religion is boring. Yet when one pokes at popular atheism, many of the arguments used to prop it up quickly unravel. The Atheist Who Didn't Exist is designed to expose some of the loose threads on the cardigan of atheism, tug a little, and see what happens. Blending humour with serious thought, Andy Bannister helps the reader question everything, assume nothing and, above all, recognise lazy scepticism and bad arguments. Be an atheist by all means: but do be a thought-through one.


Book Synopsis The Atheist Who Didn't Exist by : Andy Bannister

Download or read book The Atheist Who Didn't Exist written by Andy Bannister and published by Monarch Books. This book was released on 2015-07-17 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A breath, a gust, a positive whoosh of fresh air. Made me laugh, made me think, made me cry. " Adrian Plass In the last decade, atheism has leapt from obscurity to the front pages: producing best-selling books, making movies, and plastering adverts on the side of buses. There's an energy and a confidence to contemporary atheism: many people now assume that a godless scepticism is the default position, indeed the only position for anybody wishing to appear educated, contemporary, and urbane. Atheism is hip, religion is boring. Yet when one pokes at popular atheism, many of the arguments used to prop it up quickly unravel. The Atheist Who Didn't Exist is designed to expose some of the loose threads on the cardigan of atheism, tug a little, and see what happens. Blending humour with serious thought, Andy Bannister helps the reader question everything, assume nothing and, above all, recognise lazy scepticism and bad arguments. Be an atheist by all means: but do be a thought-through one.

An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an

An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an

Author: Andrew G. Bannister

Publisher: Lexington Books

Published: 2014-04-24

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 0739183583

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The Qur’an makes extensive use of older religious material, stories, and traditions that predate the origins of Islam, and there has long been a fierce debate about how this material found its way into the Qur’an. This unique book argues that this debate has largely been characterized by a failure to fully appreciate the Qur’an as a predominately oral product. Using innovative computerized linguistic analysis, this study demonstrates that the Qur’an displays many of the signs of oral composition that have been found in other traditional literature. When one then combines these computerized results with other clues to the Qur’an’s origins (such as the demonstrably oral culture that both predated and preceded the Qur’an, as well as the “folk memory” in the Islamic tradition that Muhammad was an oral performer) these multiple lines of evidence converge and point to the conclusion that large portions of the Qur’an need to be understood as being constructed live, in oral performance. Combining historical, linguistic, and statistical analysis, much of it made possible for the first time due to new computerized tools developed specifically for this book, Bannister argues that the implications of orality have long been overlooked in studies of the Qur’an. By relocating the Islamic scripture firmly back into an oral context, one gains both a fresh appreciation of the Qur’an on its own terms, as well as a fresh understanding of how Muhammad used early religious traditions, retelling old tales afresh for a new audience.


Book Synopsis An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an by : Andrew G. Bannister

Download or read book An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an written by Andrew G. Bannister and published by Lexington Books. This book was released on 2014-04-24 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Qur’an makes extensive use of older religious material, stories, and traditions that predate the origins of Islam, and there has long been a fierce debate about how this material found its way into the Qur’an. This unique book argues that this debate has largely been characterized by a failure to fully appreciate the Qur’an as a predominately oral product. Using innovative computerized linguistic analysis, this study demonstrates that the Qur’an displays many of the signs of oral composition that have been found in other traditional literature. When one then combines these computerized results with other clues to the Qur’an’s origins (such as the demonstrably oral culture that both predated and preceded the Qur’an, as well as the “folk memory” in the Islamic tradition that Muhammad was an oral performer) these multiple lines of evidence converge and point to the conclusion that large portions of the Qur’an need to be understood as being constructed live, in oral performance. Combining historical, linguistic, and statistical analysis, much of it made possible for the first time due to new computerized tools developed specifically for this book, Bannister argues that the implications of orality have long been overlooked in studies of the Qur’an. By relocating the Islamic scripture firmly back into an oral context, one gains both a fresh appreciation of the Qur’an on its own terms, as well as a fresh understanding of how Muhammad used early religious traditions, retelling old tales afresh for a new audience.

I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die

I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die

Author: Sarah J. Robinson

Publisher: WaterBrook

Published: 2021-05-11

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0593193539

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A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days “A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”—Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church What happens when loving Jesus doesn’t cure you of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? You might be crushed by shame over your mental illness, only to be told by well-meaning Christians to “choose joy” and “pray more.” So you beg God to take away the pain, but nothing eases the ache inside. As darkness lingers and color drains from your world, you’re left wondering if God has abandoned you. You just want a way out. But there’s hope. In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah J. Robinson offers a healthy, practical, and shame-free guide for Christians struggling with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Sarah shares her story of battling depression and fighting to stay alive despite toxic theology that made her afraid to seek help outside the church. Pairing her own story with scriptural insights, mental health research, and simple practices, Sarah helps you reconnect with the God who is present in our deepest anguish and discover that you are worth everything it takes to get better. Beautifully written and full of hard-won wisdom, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die offers a path toward a rich, hope-filled life in Christ, even when healing doesn’t look like what you expect.


Book Synopsis I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die by : Sarah J. Robinson

Download or read book I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die written by Sarah J. Robinson and published by WaterBrook. This book was released on 2021-05-11 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days “A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”—Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church What happens when loving Jesus doesn’t cure you of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? You might be crushed by shame over your mental illness, only to be told by well-meaning Christians to “choose joy” and “pray more.” So you beg God to take away the pain, but nothing eases the ache inside. As darkness lingers and color drains from your world, you’re left wondering if God has abandoned you. You just want a way out. But there’s hope. In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah J. Robinson offers a healthy, practical, and shame-free guide for Christians struggling with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Sarah shares her story of battling depression and fighting to stay alive despite toxic theology that made her afraid to seek help outside the church. Pairing her own story with scriptural insights, mental health research, and simple practices, Sarah helps you reconnect with the God who is present in our deepest anguish and discover that you are worth everything it takes to get better. Beautifully written and full of hard-won wisdom, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die offers a path toward a rich, hope-filled life in Christ, even when healing doesn’t look like what you expect.

The Bible Made Impossible

The Bible Made Impossible

Author: Christian Smith

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2012-08-01

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 1441241515

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Biblicism, an approach to the Bible common among some American evangelicals, emphasizes together the Bible's exclusive authority, infallibility, clarity, self-sufficiency, internal consistency, self-evident meaning, and universal applicability. Acclaimed sociologist Christian Smith argues that this approach is misguided and unable to live up to its own claims. If evangelical biblicism worked as its proponents say it should, there would not be the vast variety of interpretive differences that biblicists themselves reach when they actually read and interpret the Bible. Far from challenging the inspiration and authority of Scripture, Smith critiques a particular rendering of it, encouraging evangelicals to seek a more responsible, coherent, and defensible approach to biblical authority. This important book has generated lively discussion and debate. The paperback edition adds a new chapter responding to the conversation that the cloth edition has sparked.


Book Synopsis The Bible Made Impossible by : Christian Smith

Download or read book The Bible Made Impossible written by Christian Smith and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2012-08-01 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biblicism, an approach to the Bible common among some American evangelicals, emphasizes together the Bible's exclusive authority, infallibility, clarity, self-sufficiency, internal consistency, self-evident meaning, and universal applicability. Acclaimed sociologist Christian Smith argues that this approach is misguided and unable to live up to its own claims. If evangelical biblicism worked as its proponents say it should, there would not be the vast variety of interpretive differences that biblicists themselves reach when they actually read and interpret the Bible. Far from challenging the inspiration and authority of Scripture, Smith critiques a particular rendering of it, encouraging evangelicals to seek a more responsible, coherent, and defensible approach to biblical authority. This important book has generated lively discussion and debate. The paperback edition adds a new chapter responding to the conversation that the cloth edition has sparked.

Survivor, Bible Style

Survivor, Bible Style

Author:

Publisher: David C Cook

Published:

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9780781407328

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Survivor: Bible Style introduces kids to spine-tingling stories of Bible-time survivors, from Rahab to Gideon, Esther, Daniel, Paul, and many more. From one hair-raising adventure to the next, kids will discover that God takes care of those who are faithful to Him, no matter the odds against them. Reproducible lessons chock full of incredible escapes, spies in danger, and desperate plots will help kids learn that the God who intervened for His people throughout history still rules the world and watches over them today!


Book Synopsis Survivor, Bible Style by :

Download or read book Survivor, Bible Style written by and published by David C Cook. This book was released on with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Survivor: Bible Style introduces kids to spine-tingling stories of Bible-time survivors, from Rahab to Gideon, Esther, Daniel, Paul, and many more. From one hair-raising adventure to the next, kids will discover that God takes care of those who are faithful to Him, no matter the odds against them. Reproducible lessons chock full of incredible escapes, spies in danger, and desperate plots will help kids learn that the God who intervened for His people throughout history still rules the world and watches over them today!

Stay Salt

Stay Salt

Author: Rebecca Manley Pippert

Publisher: The Good Book Company

Published: 2020-05-01

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 1784985236

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Helps Christians to share their faith in today's world confidently and effectively. The world has changed in so many ways, and many of us no longer feel confident when it comes to evangelism, especially with the rise of hostility towards Christian points of view. Keeping quiet is becoming our default position. Yet the world has not changed in one way-it still needs Jesus. Renowned evangelist Becky Pippert draws on decades of conversations about Christianity around the world to call and equip ordinary Christians to share Jesus through their ordinary day-to-day conversations. She shows that by leaning on our extraordinary God, such conversations can, and often do, have extraordinary results. They will transform hearts, transform society, and transform the world! Weaving Bible teaching with compelling stories, Stay Salt is the next generation "Out of the Saltshaker" for this new era. It will give readers the confidence share Jesus like Jesus-relevantly, thoughtfully, and effectively. Contains discussion questions for small groups at the end of each chapter.


Book Synopsis Stay Salt by : Rebecca Manley Pippert

Download or read book Stay Salt written by Rebecca Manley Pippert and published by The Good Book Company. This book was released on 2020-05-01 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Helps Christians to share their faith in today's world confidently and effectively. The world has changed in so many ways, and many of us no longer feel confident when it comes to evangelism, especially with the rise of hostility towards Christian points of view. Keeping quiet is becoming our default position. Yet the world has not changed in one way-it still needs Jesus. Renowned evangelist Becky Pippert draws on decades of conversations about Christianity around the world to call and equip ordinary Christians to share Jesus through their ordinary day-to-day conversations. She shows that by leaning on our extraordinary God, such conversations can, and often do, have extraordinary results. They will transform hearts, transform society, and transform the world! Weaving Bible teaching with compelling stories, Stay Salt is the next generation "Out of the Saltshaker" for this new era. It will give readers the confidence share Jesus like Jesus-relevantly, thoughtfully, and effectively. Contains discussion questions for small groups at the end of each chapter.