"THE REASON WHY", by Mark Mittelberg

The first version of "The Reason Why" was written by Robert Laidlaw in the early 1900's.  Because many of his examples needed updates, Mittelberg re-wrote "The Reason Why" because he believes the need for answers still exists.  I fully believe we have a lot of good, old books that have gone unread by moderns, so why not re-package them into something that can be sold today?  I think Mittelberg did a fine job with this one.

"The Reason Why" is a very short book, totaling only 127 pages that measure approximately 4" x 7", and could easily be read in one or two sittings.  Realistically, the book is not one that answers every tough question anyone could ever ask; it's much too short for that.  Instead, it is more of a "primer".  It launches the reader into a world of questions about about theology and Christianity:

1) Is There a God?

2) Can the Bible be Trusted?

3) Are We Accountable to God?

4) Who Was Jesus and What Was His Purpose?

5) Is Divine Forgiveness Available?

6) What Do I Need to Do?

What I truly like about this book is its simple approach to the truth of the gospel.  What Laidlaw and Mittelberg have to say about the Cross (its importance and centrality in Christendom) in this short book is unspeakably more than many authors today say in 300 pages.  "The Reason Why" is very straight-forward about the gospel, and the reader will have no choice upon reading the final page but to make a choice: to trust Christ, or not.

I think this book would make a great evangelism tool.  It's pretty cheap ($5.99) and simple for a beginner or questioner to read.  While it hits head-on, the reading is not too "heavy".  For the person more entrenched in apologetics, this book may serve as a springboard into deeper study of individual topics.

I give this book 5 stars out of 5 for its straight-forward presentation of the gospel and for its usefulness in evangelism.  Buy it and share it with a friend.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book from Tyndale Publishers free of charge, in exchange for my unbiased review.  I was not threatened or promised reward for providing a positive review.