Achieves what it sets out to do extremely well - Rated 
Nicky Gumbel choses 7 topics based on the frequency with which they have been raised as 'What about' questions by people he has met on Alpha courses (astonishingly successful courses that introduce key ideas about the Christian Faith). The chapters are 'Suffering', 'Other Religions,' 'Sex Before Marriage,' 'The New Age,' 'Homosexuality,' 'Science and Christianity' and 'The Trinity.'
The approach of using summaries, anecdotes and practical advice is engaging, very readable, persuasive, concise and extremely useful in the presentation of Christian answers. This book has depth, but does not set out to provide a thorough academic treatment of each topic - instead directing the reader to further reading if necessary.
This book never sets out prove God's existence. A feature it has in common with the Bible.
I recommend it to anyone who would like a clear Christian explanation of these often problematic areas. I enjoyed reading it very much and hope to make use of what I have learnt from it soon.
Convincing to christians, not to atheists. - Rated 
I am an atheist and in my countless discussions with christians, I saw one particular book on their bookshelves; Searching Issues by Nikky Gumbel. Eight months ago I decided to buy the book to see why this book offers such convincing arguments for christianity in the fight with the unbelieving world.
Unfortunately, it did not offer any challenge. The book does not attempt to argue for theism (the belief in a god). On the contrary, it will not address the basic foundations of theistic claims, and therefore it will leave atheistic counterarguments intact.
An example; apparently, the existence of evil and suffering in the world makes many people doubt the correctness of the christian faith. Gumbel even stresses that since this is the toughest problem for christians when they defend their faith, he will also dedicate the first chapter of the book to the issue of evil.
But then Gumbel asserts that God is not evil; on the contrary, he is like a father testing his children, showing them that their ancestors (Adam and Eve) have been sinful, and that they must face the consequences. He also says that it might be hard for us people to understand God, but eventually, we can do no more than trust in God's righteous judgement, Gumbel says. Will this be devastating to a critical unbeliever when a christian discusses his faith? Hardly. It is merely a repetition of the biblical soteriology; the original sin, repeated in other, more simple words. Only if unbelievers are sensitive to religious language or feelings of sin, the book might be helpful to the christian counterpart in the discussion.
The same thing counts for all the other 'tough questions'; Gumbel avoids tough, philosophical-metaphysical questions and he only offers ethical answers to questions that will arise in discussions of people who either already believe in God, or who have not thought enough about the philosphical arguments against christianity. The book is more of a theological book, answering theological questions, while it does not address issues OUTSIDE theology. Vitally important issues outside theology, such as the question whether or not a god is necessary for existence and ethics (i.e. has man been created or can somebody be moral if he does not believe in a god) are crucial for the survival of christian theology in duiscussions with unbelievers. Unfortunately, they are left untouched, whereas they could maybe convince unbelievers or they could strengthen a christian's faith in a discussion.
Searching Issues is, to my opinion, only useful in discussions within the christian community, in discussions with people who would have been converted soon anyway (and who are therefore 'searching'), or with lapsed christians. Don't expect bold premises in this book. The tough issues have not been tackled; moreover; the toughest issue should be; how to demonstrate the correctness of the claim that God does exist? mrbas_26@hotmail.com
Fantastic way of dealing with common questions! - Rated 
Like other books by Nikky Gumbel this is very easy to read. Nikky talks about topics that many people just coming into Christianity, as well as though who are long established Christians, often find troubling and hard to relate to their faith and beliefs.
While dealing with serious issues there is enough light heartedness throughout the book to give the reader some breathing space.
I found myself relating to everything that Nikky mentioned and was glad to have something to use when people asked me similar questions.
Overall, an easy to read, funny but serious look at some of the big questions for Christians and non Christians
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