Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews by Abdu H. Murray | eBook

Library Journal

06/01/2014
What are the major questions at the heart of different worldviews? And how does Christianity address those questions? Murray (Apocalypse Later), a former Muslim and now a Christian evangelist, examines three major worldviews (atheism, pantheism, and Islamic theism) and the questions they seek to answer. Atheism generally, but more specifically secular humanism, he writes, addresses questions related to humanity's purpose and value apart from any religious beliefs. Pantheism, expressed particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, focuses on questions related to pain and suffering. Islam deals with questions of God's greatness. In chapters on each philosophy, Murray presents the representative ideas but also seeks to show that Christianity can answer the questions in the best way. The most insightful chapters relate to Islam, as the author was raised a Muslim and has an excellent understanding of the tenets of this religion. VERDICT Those interested in worldviews and in Christian apologetics will find this book has significant appeal.—John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.

John Jaeger

"Murray presents the representative ideas [of the major worldviews] but also seeks to show that Christianity can answer the questions in the best way. The most insightful chapters relate to Islam, as the author was raised a Muslim and has an excellent understanding of the tenets of this religion. Those interested in worldviews and in Christian apologetics will find this book has significant appeal."

Todd Outcalt

"The most popular approach to the Christian faith today may, in fact, be apologetics. Movies . . . and many books on apologetics find their legs from the view that whoever shouts the loudest (or is the last one standing) must be right. Yet Abdu Murray's title will have none of this high-pitched screaming when it comes to discussing the Christian worldview. He offers a calm and reasoned exploration of the faith. . . . What I find appealing about Murray's book, especially when compared to other apologetics works, is that Murray brings enough personal experience and humility to the mix to make the book readable and palatable to those who may not yet have settled on the answers (or the questions)."

Wayne Hagerman

"If you want to jumpstart your quest in finding the answers to life's deepest questions, read this book."

Light Magazine

"Abdu Murray digs deeply into these three representatives of major worldviews of our day: atheism, pantheism and theism. This lawyer and former Muslim brings compassion, understanding and clarity to his analysis, comparing the answers of each view to the central message of Christianity."

Gerald Wisz

"This is a thoughtful and clearly written book that will benefit anyone interested in apologetics, or anyone needing to see why Christianity is true."

J. Warner Wallace

"I resonate with Abdu Murray's personal story. We are both professional 'case makers,' and we came to Christianity from non-Christian backgrounds. Abdu's powerful personal story and impressive professional skills inform his investigation into the most important questions of life. He effectively probes beneath the superficial descriptions to the foundational claims. If you're ready for a thoughtful, engaging, investigative comparison between the claims of Christianity and competing worldviews, Grand Central Question will serve as a valuable resource."

Frank Turek

"If comfort is more important to you than truth, you're going to be made uncomfortable by Grand Central Question. No matter what you believe about God, former Muslim Abdu Murray will show you convincingly that the answers to everyone's deepest questions lead right to the foot of Christ's cross. Thankfully, ultimate comfort is free to all those who will follow the truth where it leads!"

Gary R. Habermas

"Applying several fundamental questions, Murray works his way through a number of philosophical and religious stances in an effort to ascertain the best basis for how we believe and behave. What grounds the atheist's good behavior? Should pain have a purpose, and should grief be accompanied by hope, or are both simply meaningless struggles? Does holding that reality is only an illusion make life hurt any less? Still, Murray is at his best when examining Islam, a belief system which he embraced for most of his life. Citing the Qur'an frequently, he shows how contemporary Muslim responses differ from what the Qur'an itself teaches. The overall affect is that of a volume that clearly shows that Christianity is well grounded, unlike other systems."

Paul Copan

"Abdu Murray's Grand Central Question is a practical, powerful guide to the explanatory value of the Christian faith, both intellectually and practically. This book contains helpful personal illustrations, very telling quotations, and real-life dialogues with Muslims, atheists and advocates of other worldviews that will make us wiser in proclaiming and defending the gospel of Christ."

Michael R. Licona

"I like this book for two major reasons. In these pages, Abdu examines the major worldviews fairly and provides a fresh approach to showing how the Christian gospel best answers worldview questions pertaining to value, purpose, suffering and the greatness of God. Moreover, Abdu is a former practicing Muslim and attorney who has successfully field-tested in public forums the ideas presented in this book. So, readers are receiving content that is as sound and practical as it is interesting. An enjoyable read!"

Sean McDowell

"Grand Central Question is fantastic! I am so impressed at both the personal experience and depth of study that Abdu brings to the table. He takes the biggest life questions and provides insightful, provocative answers. I am thrilled and honored to endorse a book that will equip and challenge so many people."

Stuart McAllister

"I have long awaited a book such as this, which gives a sensitive but critical hearing to the major world and life views and which then also engages them in the light of the gospel. This is a very good book, and although there are others of this genre, it is quite unique, as it shows the skill of a well-honed mind—one which demonstrates both compassion and critical thinking, and one which, above all, leads us to compare and contrast competing answers to essential questions. Abdu is uniquely qualified to offer this critique, with his background in law, his history with Islam, and his experience as a father, a husband and an honest seeker. This book will help many, and I highly recommend it, especially for those who need good reasons for any belief."

Lee Strobel

"Outstanding! My friend Abdu Murray, an attorney and former Muslim, uses his razor-sharp intellect to analyze the big questions addressed by various worldviews—and explains why Christianity offers the most satisfying answers. Written with compassion and keen insight, this book will both equip Christians and bring clarity to the spiritually curious."

Ravi Zacharias

"An attorney by training, Abdu Murray keenly recognizes, as Jesus' own ministry unveiled, that often there is a deeper question and motive behind a question, and 'until the heart is open, the e ars remain closed.' He soberly reminds us that truth is costly—and sometimes it costs us dearly, as Abdu's own journey reveals. Here you will find a wise and gentle voice who truly understands the doubter and skeptic. Abdu has wrestled with the claims of truth made by many worldviews and shows how the gospel is utterly unique and beautiful. I enthusiastically recommend his work."

J. P. Moreland

"Grand Central Question is a very informed and well-written tour of important worldview topics. The book's unique strength resides in its fruitful interaction with Islam. I highly recommend it."

Jeff Myers

"Everyone in the world knows something is wrong and in need of fixing. Abdu Murray's stirring account of his conversion from Islam to Christianity, and his earnest engagement with people of other worldviews, will help you quickly identify the pressing questions each worldview is attempting to answer and see how Christ is the one true answer."

Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews

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