Publication Date: January 8, 2024
In your discussions with those who don’t believe in God, have you heard one of the following?
- We don’t really know how Christianity started
- Christianity is a made-up religion just like all of the others
- Christianity has too many legends and myths mixed in with the truth to know what is real and what isn’t
- The New Testament is written too late after the events to be a reliable source for knowing the truth about Jesus
- There is no evidence for Christianity
In this short book, we are going to take a look at answers to all of these questions and more, with one of the goals being that you will be better equipped and more confident to share your faith with others.
“How Did Christianity Begin?” can be used as a reference book to which you can access often as well as in a class, small group or Bible study at your church.
As the title suggests, we start by asking the question, “How did Christianity begin?” and take it from there. The key to this approach is that it starts with common ground- the existence of Christianity. This is one thing that all people of all beliefs agree on- that Christianity exists. This may sound pretty simplistic, but God can use it in a powerful way.
With the title of How Did Christianity Begin?, author Christopher Hearn creates a certain set of expectations.
However, the author uses the introduction to appropriately narrow the scope of his investigation. The subtitle, “Hallucinations? Fabrications? Myths? Resurrection?” is followed by a clear premise based on evidence found in the Bible.
The author’s purpose is to create an evangelistic tool that helps believers share the news of Jesus. His focus is to open dialog on common ground—that Christianity exists. From there, he focuses on debunking three more common reasons why some people dismiss the biblical account of Christianity.
He uses scriptural arguments to refute the hallucination theory, alternative explanations for the empty tomb, and the validity of New Testament documentation. Organizational tools serve to present his logic smoothly.
This type of guide is helpful when trying to share concepts that believers have accepted by faith. To build a successful discussion, there has to be some sort of foundational agreement.
How Did Christianity Begin? serves as a basis for only one of the many tenets of the Christian faith by providing a starting point in a dialog with non-believers.
I have written two books concerning Christianity:
2. Let’s Meet God: Answering Common Questions Concerning Christianity
I have served as a missionary to Russia with Operation Mobilization (OM) and as a Senior Pastor for 8 years.
I have a BA in Journalism from Point Loma Nazarene University and an MDIV from Bethel Theological Seminary San Diego.
Along with writing, I love photography. My family and I live in Michigan.
