10 of those

Can We Be Good Without God?

Here is a booklet from ‘Popular Christian Apologetics’ series by 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. 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 book 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.

A. Young