A Shot of Faith to the Head by Mitch Stokes

A Shot of Faith to the Head by Mitch Stokes is a Christian endeavor to bolster faith amid an age of Atheism. The author has a practical and pragmatic method to improving our methods of apologetics in order to give sound defense against atheist claims. The author does so by identifying several problems and weaknesses with our current model of apologetics. Each chapter reveals the historical way in which we defended that particular view and then provides an up to date defense. I applaud the author’s attempt to create solid defense for many of the Christian doctrines and appreciate the time, effort, and study to prepare such a necessary tool. There are certain places in which the author’s time may have been better allocated. First, the author’s appraisal of Atheist views seem to be one sided, though I am a Christian, there are many things one can learn from unbiased study of Atheist perspective. In studying their perspective one may be able to provide a better critique of their claims. His appeal to scripture to battle against Atheist claims help bolster Christian faith but not the faith of those who do not hold to the authority of Scripture. Therefore, one might grapple with Philosophy and Ethics which are more secular arenas for discourse. In doing so with a Christian perspective, one can make claims which are translatable to non-Christians.

I am A Follower by Lenny Sweet

Leonard Sweet’s book I am a Follower: The way, truth, and life of Following Jesus is a deeply impacting tool. I provides its readers with a systematic approach to developing not only a drive for discipleship but a lifestyle which reflects discipleship. Through each of his chapters he uses life stories and personal events, which readers across the board can relate to, so that one might grasp how a life of discipleship might change one’s view on the world. His convincing methods and tools create a paradigm for growth in which believers are able to foster spiritual growth amongst themselves and others. Using the way of Jesus’ example of being the way, truth, and life we come across Sweet’s adoption of this into daily life. I found this book to be very helpful because it provided practical insight which would be applicable to daily life. His presentation was very attainable and by the end of the book I felt closer to Christ and had a day by day plan in which I would be able to grow in discipleship. I enjoyed the perspective which he gave because it gave a biblically sound approach to discipleship in which the method corresponded with the biblical accounts of Jesus’ discipleship practices.