Christ or Chaos [eBook]

Is Christianity irrational?

Atheists often say that it is. But does such a charge really stand up to close scrutiny? This book follows the story of Thomas, a junior in college, as he wrestles with the claims of those who think the Christian faith is nothing more than a collection of ancient myths with little connecting to reality. Whether you are facing objections to your faith for the first time, simply discussing your faith with unbelieving friends, or doubting your faith altogether, you might be surprised to discover that Christianity actually offers a more compelling explanation of what it means to be human than atheism could ever hope to provide.

Dan DeWitt (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the dean of Boyce College, the undergraduate school of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses on worldview, philosophy, apologetics, and C. S. Lewis. He is the author of Jesus or Nothing.

“Dan DeWitt is a sharp, rigorous thinker who can communicate deep truths in a way people can grasp. This book shows the way forward in the struggle between Christ and our reigning secularist cultural mood. Buy three copies of this book. Get one copy for an unbelieving friend, to think through the claims of Christ. Get one for a young Christian, unsure of his or her faith. And then read one copy yourself, to equip you to engage your neighbors with the credible good news of Jesus Christ.”
—Russell Moore, President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; author, Onward

“Dan DeWitt has written a pithy, intelligent, and delightfully readable book that takes aim at—and hits squarely—the old questions raised by the so-called new atheists. Having debated atheists Christopher Hitchens, Michael Shermer, and Daniel Dennett, I can say authoritatively that DeWitt has neither oversimplified nor overcomplicated the issues. Every serious-minded Christian would do well to read this book.”
—Larry Taunton, Executive Director, Fixed Point Foundation

“A wonderfully accessible book, perfect not only for college students, but for seekers and doubters as well. Dan takes sophisticated reasoning on some of the most difficult questions and really puts it on the bottom shelf.”
—J. D. Greear, Lead Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina; author, Gaining By Losing

“Thanks to Dan DeWitt for a very readable and articulate conversation about the power of the gospel in the face of various forms of opposition. DeWitt’s discussion will be useful to anyone who would consider the claims of Christianity in the context of other treasured options and objections. In recognizing the power of presuppositions for any view we hold, DeWitt explains how only the presuppositions of the Christian faith can provide the foundation that other views claim to offer.”
—K. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary; author, Covenantal Apologetics

“Dan DeWitt’s book packs a wallop. The conversational style masks a deep acquaintance with the major issues and philosophies of the day. DeWitt successfully shows how behind every apparently rational objection to faith lies a moral and ‘religious’ commitment, which can be shaken only by a gospel jolt. Winsome and engaging, this text is must reading for any aspiring Christian apologist.”
—William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

“I’m kind of over apologetics-type books. Many—if not most—portray conversations with skeptics in this weird alternate reality where unbelievers ask all the right questions in the right order and care about intellectual consistency. Dan DeWitt knows that world doesn’t exist. And in Christ or Chaos he shows how fluid and complex journeys to and from Christ really are. Still, he avoids wandering through spiritual-sounding truisms. DeWitt is not afraid of arguments and facts. Like all his writing, this book anthologizes some of the most compelling reflections from Christianity’s best thinkers. Christ or Chaos wrestles with the deepest questions without the familiar cookie cutters.”
—Aaron Cline Hanbury, Editorial Director, Relevant magazine

“Christ or Chaos gets right to the heart of the biggest human question: Are we made by God with a plan, or are we a cosmic accident? With stories, research, and personal examples, Dan will take you on a journey exploring the most important questions of life. And as you will see, the evidence for the Christian worldview is compelling.”
—Sean McDowell, Assistant Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola University; author, A New Kind of Apologist

“Change begins with conversations. With compassion-filled logical prose, DeWitt’s Christ or Chaos provides believers with an accessible icebreaker so that they can begin thoughtful long-term conversations with the nonbelieving world.”
—D. A. Horton, Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina; author, Bound to Be Free

“In Christ or Chaos DeWitt uses argument in an artistic way to illustrate the biblical view of the world. He shows not only that Christianity is true, but also that it is the only compelling way to understand the cosmos and the human condition. This is a great read.”
—FLAME, Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop artist

“In this book Dan applies eternal truth to modern ideologies in a way that engages and equips every reader to discover or defend his or her faith. All who care about spiritual truth owe it to themselves to read this book.”
—Russ Lee, award-winning singer/songwriter; lead singer, NewSong

“DeWitt weighs the evidence for and against Christianity theologically, cleverly, and profoundly, yet with sensitivity and clarity. In the end, he reminds us that only the gospel can change the human heart and enlighten the mind. If you want to be prepared to answer difficult questions about the reality of your Christian faith in the public arena in a gentle and reverent way, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will recommend it frequently.”
—Miguel Nunez, Senior Pastor, International Baptist Church of Santo Domingo; President, Wisdom and Integrity