Books by John Blanchard
March 3rd, 2010Andrew Young (Fraserburgh) reviews two books written by John Blanchard, evangelist who has written a number books in the apologetics area:
Does God Believe in Atheists? (Evangelical Press)
A very extensive work, which presents a powerful case for belief in God. In it, the author traces the developments of atheistic and agnostic thoughts down through the ages. He examines the rise and development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and exposes the flaws of such thinking. He shows the weaknesses associated with different worldviews, such as existentialism and secular humanism, and also highlights errors in various world religions and cults. In addition, he deals with another two issues which people have used as arguments against God’s existence. He shows that modern science does not contradict religion, but rather, complements it. He also presents his case that God can still be a God of love, although evil and suffering still exist.
Here is a book that is full of fascinating information, well presented arguments and shows extensive research on the subject. However, the problem is that it is arguably too exhaustive and not always accessible for the common reader. It can certainly be useful for preachers and theologians in particular, and is also a useful reference book. However, I’m not sure that this book is appropriate for the type of person that Blanchard originally had in mind as he wrote the book. For such people, I would recommend some of his (very good) shorter works, such as ‘Is God Past His Sell-By Date?’ ‘Evolution: Fact or Fiction?’ or ‘Has Science got rid of God?’ What we have here, is undoubtedly a good, comprehensive and carefully prepared book, although perhaps not the ‘classic’ that some have claimed.
Can we be good without God? (Evangelical Press)
This is the latest booklet in the ‘Popular Christian Apologetics’ series from John Blanchard. Here, he looks at the issue of man’s moral dimension, and confronts the readers with the question: ‘Where does such a moral dimension come from?’ Does it come from nature, and has somehow ‘found its way into our genes over a long process of evolution’ (p.9)? Is it a subjective concept, where ‘every individual is capable of setting ethical norms’ (p.13)? Or, is morality determined according to the culture in which we live? Is it a case of the majority being right? In the first half of this short book John Blanchard takes a philosophical look at these ideas and shows the flaws stemming from each one.
In the second half of the book, Blanchard then shows that the requirements for finding a sound basis for the moral law within, can be found in the God of the Bible. There then follows a sound and thorough exposition of the message of the Gospel, rooted in the Bible, where Blanchard smashes any notions of man’s goodness within himself, or his ability to save himself and be right with God.
The first half of this brief work is rather philosophical and characteristic of much of Blanchard’s writings in recent years. Some of the issues covered (for example Kant’s ethics) may be a bit too complicated for some readers. However, the second half of the booklet contains a sound gospel message, pointing the reader away from any false ideas of being able to earn his or her own salvation, and instead, pointing to a saving faith in Christ. This is worth getting hold of. Christians may find much of the information useful for sharpening up their own apologetic methods, and enabling them to be ready to make a stronger case for the Gospel message. Non-Christians and sceptics should find it a real challenge to their own self-righteous worldview .
