Book Review: Defending the Faith

Today’s review is of an apologetics book, sent to me by Kregel.

I was quite excited about Defending the Faith by Mary Jo Sharp. I looked forward to practical information about incorporating apologetics into women’s ministry. That’s not exactly what I found, but I did still thoroughly enjoy what I read.

Defending the Faith makes several of assumptions.

1. It assumes that the reader is already familiar with apologetics. She knows what is means. She knows its important.
2. It also assumes that the reader needs to be fully convinced that apologetics should be an active part of women’s ministry.
3. Finally, it assumes that the reader naturally knows how to ask questions simply for the sake of knowledge, even without circumstances that produce the questions.

I am familiar with apologetics. I am not deeply immersed in much of the official terminology, but I have long desired to know why I believe what I believe. So, in this way, the book was applicable to me.

I do not, however, need to be convinced of the need for apologetics in women’s ministry. I am thoroughly convinced of this already. The first four chapters in Sharp’s six-chapter book are devoted to creating a convincing argument for apologetics in women’s ministry. I found these chapters easy to read, delightful, and deep. But, they offered nothing new to me.

I also am not a naturally questioner. When a circumstance or conversation introduces a question, I am glad to explore it. But, my brain is not going to conjure the question up out of thin air with no context. Such is not the case for Mary Jo Sharp. She has asked questions since childhood. Consequently, she almost instinctively knows how to ask questions about her faith. I do not. I must wait until the topic is broached.

Individuals who think like Mary Jo Sharp will find Defending the Faith practical from beginning to end. Light bulbs will come on, and they will be ready to dive in to apologetics in their women’s ministry. I personally read quickly through most of the book and poured most of my attention into the practical advice, tips, and suggestions found in chapter five. That chapter is where I will park, while I also access the list of resources found at the end of the book.

This may seem to reflect a somewhat negative attitude toward Defending the Faith. In reality, though, I loved this book! This is just the tool I need to hand to other women to convince them of what I already know. I’m thrilled to have Defending the Faith on my shelf (or my husband’s shelf at church!), and I am delighted to be armed with the suggestions from chapter five and the appendix.

This book was sent to me by Kregel in exchange for my honest review.