God Conversation: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith - Softcover

"Most conversations, let alone ones about God, are either dull, single-sided or competing monologues full of smoke. It simply shouldn't be. Carrying on a vital, passionate, engaging conversation with another human being is an art that has been sufficiently lost that we need wisdom and perspective on how to engage well. The God Conversation is a gift to the church to invigorate our conversations with believers, seekers and unbelievers. J. P. and Tim walk with us through the use of story and authenticity with such masterful delight that one ends by sensing the authors have given us the very gift we are to give to others."--Dan B. Allender, Ph.D., President and Professor of Counseling, Mars Hill Graduate School, and author of The Wounded Heart and To Be Told

"If you are a headhunting evangelist or an intellectual who must have the last word, put this book down and go home. If you love your pre-Christian friends and want stimulating resources to engage them in meaningful spiritual dialogue on hard questions, J. P. and Tim are the mentors you seek."--Dr. Fred H. Wevodau, Director, U.S. Metro Mission, The Navigators

"Today's culture is increasingly a story-based culture. As Tim and J. P. help to show, a story-based culture does not have to be a culture without truth. This book is an excellent tool to learn how to better communicate the great truths about God, the world, our faith and human nature through stories, modern-day parables, and by listening and teaching like Jesus. It is a must-read for all who want to help others find faith in Jesus Christ."--Alan Andrews, U.S. President, The Navigators

"I love stories and illustrations because of the impact they have had on me. If they have had a similar effect on you, this book is for you. It will reinforce your faith, hone your ability to share your relationship to Jesus Christ and delight your imagination. I cannot give it a higher recommendation."--Clyde Cook, former president, Biola University

The stories are memorable and thought provoking, and the colver writing brings out the authors' message. This is a well-written guidebook for evangelizing the curious and responding to skeptics.--Jason W. in Church Libraries, Spring 2008

The God Conversation offers user-friendly help in countering objections to the faith.--World, March 22/29, 2008

Their stories, coupled with advice on constructive listening, will be helpful to any Christian who wants to move beyond ideas and arguments to communicate the gospel using a softer approach.--Christian Retailing, November 2007

"Moreland and Muehlhoff have written a unique and engaging book. The style is casual, yet the topics are treated with sufficient detail and nuance to be helpful. I commend The God Conversation to anyone seeking to discuss these matters in meaningful ways with family, friends and colleagues."--Stan W. Wallace, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Faculty Ministry Emerging Scholars Network, National Director

The God Conversation offers user-friendly help in countering objections to the faith.--World, March 22/29, 2008

Think of It This Way . . .Our beliefs are challenged from many directions. Every day it seems more difficult to explain to our friends, families and neighbors what we believe and why. When our ideas and arguments fail to persuade them, what then? Is there another approach we can take?In The God Conversation veteran apologists and communicators J. P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff say that often the best way to win over others is with a good story. Stories have the ability to get behind our preconceptions and defenses. They can connect both emotionally and intellectually, appealing to the whole person rather than just to the mind.How do we defend belief in a good God in the face of terrorist attacks or natural disasters? What can we say to show we are not arrogant to believe that Jesus is the only way with so many sincere people following other world religions? What if they think we are naive to say Jesus actually rose from the dead? And when they seem confident in their right to choose their own ethical stances, how can we help them appreciate the value of a universal standard of right and wrong found in the Bible?The authors offer a wealth of penetrating illustrations, examples and quotes that respond to these issues and more. In these pages they enhance the logic and evidence found in other books defending the faith, with things that your friends, relatives or coworkers will ponder long after a conversation is over. Here is sound, empathetic coaching for those of us who long to communicate our faith more effectively.