Christianity: Opium or Truth? (Myrtlefield Encounters)

Is Christianity just a belief that dulls the pain of our existence with dreams that are beautiful but false? Or is it an accurate account of reality, our own condition and God’s attitude toward us? Gooding and Lennox address crucial issues that can make it difficult for thoughtful people to accept the Christian message. They answer those questions and show that clear thinking is not in conflict with personal faith in Jesus Christ. Myrtlefield Encounters are complementary studies of biblical literature, Christian teaching and apologetics. Key Bible Concepts explores and clarifies the central terms of the Christian gospel and provides succinct explanations of the basic vocabulary of Christian thought. The Definition of Christianity throws fresh light on the Book of Acts and observes how the first generation of Christians identified and defended the unique features of the gospel. The Bible and Ethics presents a concise survey of leading events and people, ideas, poetry, moral values and ethics across both the Old and New Testaments. The books in this series engage the minds of believers and sceptics. They show how God has spoken in the Bible to address the realities of life and its questions, problems, beauty and potential.

David W. Gooding is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek at Queen s University, Belfast and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. He has taught the Bible internationally and lectured on its relevance to philosophy and world religions. He has published scholarly studies on the Septuagint and Old Testament narratives, as well as expositions of Luke, John 13-17, Acts, Hebrews and the New Testament s Use of the Old Testament.

John C. Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions and teaches the Bible extensively. In addition to his academic works, he has published books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He has also participated in a number of televised debates with some of the world s leading atheist thinkers.