Don't Check Your Brains at the Door

Each 'chapter heading' in the book names a myth some people believe about Christianity. The book then refutes the myth, the refutation backed up with plenty of scripture. Each 'chapter' ends with a workbook-type set of questions that I skipped over, because I read away from my desk, without pencil or Bible handy, and can't write on a Kindle gadget. A few of the myths named in the book are the initial "Killjoy Myth," that God hates it when people have fun, the "Meek and Mild Myth," that Jesus' life on earth was less than real, and the "Blind Faith Myth," following the "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (of the church)" instruction. The Blind Faith Myth 'chapter' begins with a college professor asking a Christian student if he can prove, with 100% certainty, that Jesus rose from the dead. The student says no, but I with a day the student doesn't have to think it over, and without the worry about a grade at the end of the course that the student has, can think of a different answer: 'No, but because He did, you can't prove He didn't.'McDowell admits that as a young man, he'd have agreed with the professor; he then doesn't try to embarrass the professor, but instead argues that we know much we can't prove with 100% certainty, and mentions advertising claims and jury decisions as examples.The book follows a 'formula' with the chapter headings but truth follows each mythical statement with stories, anecdotes, logic, and scripture in a different way after each. The 'chapters' are short and stand-alone. I can imagine sermons built on each. Individual chapters and the entire book are five-star. David Carlyle, "Another Land."

This is a good basic apologetics primer for its intended audience - teenagers.It has some very good information about the historical evidences of Jesus and his resurrection. It is also good at exposing several of the myths about Christianity.This text is certainly very basic in comparison to McDowell's 'Evidence That Demands A Verdict', C.S. Lewis' 'Mere Christianity', or Lee Strobel's books, 'The Case For Christ' and 'The Case For Faith'. I would recommend all of these books for adults or teens looking for more indepth treatment of evidences for the Christian faith. As a starting point for high school or younger kids, this is a pretty good one.

Great study guide for my Junior High Class. I like the short lessons that allow for allot of teacher enhancement to spur on discussions. The brain food areas are a good bible based focus for each lesson.

I had the original version as a teen. It came back to mind when I decided it was time to introduce some basic apologetics to my teen and preteen daughters. We read the quick lessons together and enjoy them.

I recently read Don't Check Your Brains as part of the BookSneeze.com review program. An evaluation copy was provided to me at no charge. In the interest of full disclosure, as soon as I finished it, I purchased a copy for our teen Sunday School teachers.This book makes a great introduction to "Christian mythbusting." It tackles the ideas that are fed to us--and that so many of us swallow whole. Do these sound familiar?* God is an impersonal force* Jesus was a white plastic wimp* All roads lead to Heaven* The body of Jesus was really stolen* As long as I'm better than Hitler, I must be alright in God's eyes. (God grades on a curve!)* Christians are idiots* Christianity is easy* Manhood is about sex, strength, and money* Sex is dirty and bad* Mankind can save itselfThese are just a few of the 42 myths tackled by McDowell and Hostetler. The chapters are 2-5 pages each making for a quick and easy read. The authors include great illustrations and anecdotes that help the book relate. I'd recommend the book on this count alone.Another great feature is the inclusion of questions in each chapter. These aren't typical discussion questions; they are "brain food" with scriptures to look up and evaluate. The form has some variation from chapter to chapter to help maintain interest.I enjoyed the book thoroughly. If you're looking to work with young people, I'd consider it a great resource on the basics of intentional Christian thought and living.

McDowell hits home with youth by presenting apologetic ideas in an easy-to-understand mini-devotional. I have recommended this book to my high school students for five years now, and many have really enjoyed it. (Those who didn't enjoy it said it was too simple, so I merely recommended that they read Strobel's The Case for Christ/The Case for Faith--student editions. For the hard core who feel these are still too easy, I recommend Lewis' Mere Christianity.) I just gave the book to my fourth-grade daughter, and in a month she has completed half of it with comprehension, meaning that it probably will not work too well with a post-teen audience. But for those teens who do want to know more about their faith, this is a great place to start.

Good book...I will definitely recommend it!

A good place to start learning the Christianity isn't based upon thin air but, upon history.

This is a powerful book about the myths of the Christian faith that are out there. It is a good tool to learn how to refute those myths. Anyone could relate to the different scenarios given as examples!I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in furthering God's kingdom in the right way!

Despite coming out of American culture (terminology, products etc.) this stimulating book will soon get any youth group, house group or new Christian group growing more confident in their faith. Each chapter provides material to easily fill a session. Church 'jargon' is minimal so great for Christians and non-Christians.

My children and I went through a chapter everyday. We all enjoyed it. I was able to add on my own personal experiences to topics. There are questions at the end of every chapter and that led to discussions on a practical level.

Great