We are in the midst of graduation season and some of us either have a graduate or know a graduate who is going to be headed off to college in just a couple of months.
How can we help prepare them to face some the challenges and opportunities that college offers.
Here is a list of the top apologetic books to buy for a recent graduate that would be helpful:
1. Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower’s Guide for the Journey, 2nd edition by Jonothan Morrow (Kregel Publishers, 2017)
Jonothan Morrow is the director of Impact360 which has a two-week Immersion worldview training and a Gap Year for college students. His book Welcome to College, newly published, is now in its second edition. J. P. Moreland, professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, states that “this is the book I’ve been waiting for the last forty years to give to college students. It is the single best volume I have ever read for preparing students to follow Jesus and flourish as His disciples in college.” Morrow covers issues ranging from ethics, apologetics, money management, and practical tips for navigating college. Definitely worth giving a new (or even seasoned) college student.
2. On Guard for Students: A thinker’s Guide to the Christian Faith by William Lane Craig (Cook, 2015)
William Lane Craig (double doctorate), of Reasonable Faith, has been establishing RF Chapters all over the U. S. and the world with several on campuses. This book takes you on an exploration of life’s deepest questions: why anything at all exists, the origin and fine-tuning of the universe, the nature of moral values and the reality of evil, the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth, the resurrection of Jesus.
3. Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College by Michael J. Kruger (Crossway, 2021)
Michael Kruger, president of Reformed Theological Seminary and professor of Early Christianity and New Testament, structures each chapter of the book as a “letter” to his daughter Emma who is now in college. This is to keep the book accessible and personal rather than a knowledge dump of information. Each “letter” (i.e., chapter) covers topics such as: (1) surviving as a Christian at a secular college, (2) since my professor is really smart isn’t it more likely that they are right and I am wrong, (3) hell seems barbaric and cruel, (4) the morality of homosexuality, (5) science seems to explain everything, and (6) the ancient scribes changed the wording of the New Testament, along with ten other letters covering hot topics that high school graduates will face in college.
4. How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski (TH1NK, 2014)
J. Budziszewksi, professor of philosophy and politics at the University of Texas since 1981, blogs daily at The Underground Thomist. In How to Stay Christian in College Budziszewski “discusses the foundations of the Christian faith and directly addresses different worldviews and myths that students may encounter at college. Filled with quotes, statistics, resources, stories, and encouragement, this book will equip students to conquer the dangers that lie ahead.” Budziszewski divides the book into three sections: worldviews, campus myths, and how to cope with social, religious, and classroom issues.
5. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek (Crossway, 2004)
Turek and Geisler make apologetics accessible and practical in the complete introduction to the topic. Frank Turek, who travels around the country giving presentations with the same title as the book on college campuses, is a dynamic presenter. Starting with complete skepticism they build on the existence of truth, God’s existence, reliability of Bible, the divinity of Jesus, and his resurrection. Includes great examples and stories to illustrate the points they make in the text.
There is a wealth of resources readily available to guide students and assist them during their college years. Great graduation gift ideas.
Is Christianity True? 