Review by James Goldspink
Jim Burns is president of the US organisation HomeWord and has written a full 30 books in his time. Despite this, I have somehow never heard of him before. But I have read one of his books. It’s ‘Truth Unplugged - Real Answers for the Tough Qustions Teens Ask’ – and I must say it’s certainly worth a look.
This book sets out to provide real and down-to-earth answers to tough questions that teenagers ask, where every couple of pages a new question is introduced and answered.
So, how is it to read?
I imagine it’s pretty tough writing Christian books for teens. It’s easy to imagine books that aren’t at all relevant to where you are, don’t address real issues and speak down to you. This book does none of that.
In fact, I was seriously impressed with the way it tackles some really difficult subjects. The questions asked aren’t ‘loaded’ to be easy to answer. The second question in the book is from someone struggling with same-sex desires. It also tackles questions from Why does God let things like murder happen? to What does the Bible say about body piercing and tattoos?
The advice given is caring and genuine. Often questions involve other people, and the author is wonderfully even-handed. He never speaks down to the questioner and, to be totally honest and just a bit spiritual, you can see God’s character in him. At the end of each question there is a bit of the Bible quoted that is simply spot-on for the question.
You should know however that, unless you’re planning to write a book review, because of the question-and-answer format you’re unlikely to read more than just a little at a time. You’re unlikely to need every one of those answers at once. BUT - because it covers so much, you’re quite likely to be coming back to it over and over again.
There’s also a small downside in that, since this is an American book being made available in the UK, when helpful organisations are mentioned and contact details are given they are relevant only in America. Please don’t call the phone numbers it gives - though we’re encouraged to go and speak to people about God in the Bible, if you try those numbers in the UK you may end up with some very confused people on the end of the line. There’s also a question on PG-13 and R rated films that I couldn’t understand. But the rest is plain sailing, trust me ;-)
And if you’re looking to buy this book for someone.. keep in mind this isn’t a book made for defending the faith, but one primarily for strengthening younger Christians who have questions about living out their lives with God.
Is it good?
Yes. Four out of five – it is very good at what it sets out to do.
Worth buying now?
Take a look first. What it sets out to do might not be want you’re looking for!
If you are interested in buying it, it is available for about £5.99.
