A Christian Apologist and a Pastor-Educator Respond to Philosophy for Believers

Early in the fall Energion Publications released a new book, Philosophy for Believers, designed to introduce Christian believers to the kinds of questions philosophers raise and the logic and ideas involved in answering those questions. This book provides an introduction to the philosophy of religion that can be used by a variety of groups in the church and in academia.

In order to highlight the philosophical questions raised in this book, and also to provide a look from two writers and educators who live and work where ideas meet their practical application, we have invited Energion authors Bob LaRochelle and Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. to do chapter by chapter responses to this book. Their responses will be published in parallel, but they are not in a debate with each other. Rather, they independently read the chapters and respond to key questions.

If you are interested in an exciting study for the coming year, consider following this discussion month by month. The material covered thus far is introductory, and it would be very easy for you to catch up if you want to read the chapters along with the responses. The print edition is available direct from us, while the Kindle edition is available from Amazon.com and is only $8.99.

In addition, from December 9, 2014 to January 9, 2015, Philosophy for Believers will be on sale at 20% off for just $11.99. If you make an order of $25 or more, our Advent 2014 coupon (code: advent) will apply for 20% off your entire shopping cart.

Discussion Details

Here are links to the discussion posts, including the responses published thus far. We will add links to each response to the schedule post, and will also provide links on Twitter (@energion), our Facebook page, and our Google+ page.

Schedule and List of Questions

Responses to question #1: Elgin Hushbeck, Jr., Bob LaRochelle

Responses to question #2: Bob LaRochelle, Elgin Hushbeck, Jr.

Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. is author of the following Energion titles:

	Evidence for the Bible is the first in the Consider Christianity series and discusses the evidence for the inspiration and reliability of the Bible, and deals with objections.
	Christianity and Secularism is the second volume in the Consider Christianity series and focuses on the evidences for the Christian faith and the conflict between Christianity and secularism.
	Preserving Democracy:What the Founding Fathers Knew, What We Have Forgotten, and How It Threatens Democracy. An ever increasing government threatens both freedom and a financial collapse. What is causing this decay? What can we do?

Bob LaRochelle is author of the following Energion titles:

	Crossing the Street The rift between Protestants and Roman Catholics continues to separate Christians from one another and to diminish our witness in the world.  Bob LaRochelle, as a former Roman Catholic and now a United Church of Christ minister, is well-equipped to guide us toward a more constructive relationship.
	So Much Older Then …:Understanding Preaching As Conversation. You are invited into the author’s ministry as he shares his experience with some of the most difficult and troubling questions and thought provoking comments he has faced.
	What Protestants Need to Know about Roman Catholics  What is it like in that church across the street? When “that church” is Roman Catholic and the person asking the question is a Protestant, this question can be very hard to answer. Do you actually know what Catholics do? Do you know what they believe? What difference does it make?Bob LaRochelle approaches this topic with a serious interest in dialog, in learning from one another, and in ecumenical outreach.