Contending for the Truth: A Biblical Look at Thirteen Contentious Doctrines (Theology and Apologetics)

What happens when God's people stop contending for the truth?

In a world where confusion is often mistaken for compassion, and doctrinal compromise is praised as unity, Christians must not only believe the truth, they must be equipped to defend it. Contending for the Truth explores thirteen highly debated doctrines in Christianity today, applying biblical rigor to each and calling believers to stand firm on Scripture.

From apologetics to creationism, church discipline to the doctrine of inerrancy, this book walks readers through contentious topics with clarity and conviction. Each chapter grounds its arguments in Scripture, compares doctrinal views, and invites readers to test everything against the Word of God, not tradition, consensus, or culture.

Whether used for personal study, classroom engagement, or group discussion, this book will help readers:

• Identify theological drift in today's church
• Compare key doctrines against Scripture itself
• Engage contentious issues with clarity and confidence
• Contend for the faith with humility and courage

This is not a primer on the basics of the faith. It's a theological sharpening stone for those seeking to grow, think, and live more biblically.

Written by L. J. Anderson, author, independent scholar, and founder of Lamad Press, Contending for the Truth serves as a companion volume to his earlier work, Theology and Apologetics, applying that foundational method to real-world doctrinal challenges. Anderson holds a Master of Divinity, is pursuing a PhD in theological studies, and publishes accessible, academically grounded works for pastors, students, and lay leaders alike.

If you're ready to think deeply, study biblically, and live faithfully, this book will challenge and equip you.

Contents

Introduction

1. Why God?
2. The Moral Argument
3. Truth
4. The Inerrancy of Scripture
5. Gnosticism: A Biblical and Historical Response
6. Biblical Forgiveness
7. Biblical Church Discipline
8. Is Christianity a Religion or a Relationship?
9. Religious Freedom
10. Scientific Naturalism v Creationism
11. Young Earth v Old Earth Creationism
12. Sons of God
13. The Doctrine of Election

A Brief Call to Action

Also by L. J. Anderson

Bibliography

L. J. Anderson is an independent scholar, author, and founder of Lamad Press, an academic imprint committed to biblically grounded theology. He holds a Master of Divinity and is pursuing a PhD in theological studies, where his research focuses on developing a new model of God that addresses key challenges in Trinitarian doctrine. Anderson publishes accessible yet rigorous works for students, pastors, lay leaders, and fellow scholars. His books are indexed in Google Scholar and available through libraries and major retailers.