Book Review: How Do We Know God is Really There?

We were excited to pick up a copy of the first book in the Young Defenders series, How Do We Know God is Really There? by Melissa Cain Travis, this week. Below, we will share briefly what we found to be the pros and cons of the book.

Pros: 

• Presents important Christian apologetic arguments in a children’s medium.
• The flow of conversation seems natural, and the young character’s imagination is endearing.
• The young character’s father is patient and thorough as he shares evidence for God’s existence.
• This book addresses the gap. That is, the lack of Christian apologetics materials available to families with young children. We look forward to seeing the next topic addressed by Travis!
• Written by a graduate of the well-respected Christian Apologetics Masters program at Biola University. We didn’t have to be as apprehensive about the theological undergirding of the material.
• Good Quality. The physical product is a sturdy, 48 page, hardcover book.
• The words are legible and readable.
• The illustrations are full-color and full-page. From artist Christopher Voss.

Cons: 

• At times complex for the assumed age range. At times, the language seems appropriate for young children, but at others, it seems to be for 5th grade and older.  An adult can help clarify for younger kiddos.
• The illustrations have a “rough draft” flavor. Part of us wishes they had been polished a bit more, and the other part of us realizes children will probably not be bothered by this at all!

Do We Recommend it?

Despite the cons that we laid out above, we think that this book is a useful, entertaining tool that can help families begin conversations about why they believe in the Christian God. It is so important to begin these discussions at a young age, and to assure our children that asking questions is encouraged and biblical. We look forward to more Young Defender books, as well as other authors stepping into the youth apologetics gap.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

 

And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’” (Matthew 22:37)

Read more about Melissa Cain Travis’ quest in Biola Magazine.

Pick up a copy here: How Do We Know God is Really There? by Melissa Cain Travis (2013)