Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews, By Abdu H. Murray

Grand Central Question

Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews

by Abdu H. Murray

Grand Central Question
Paperback
  • Length: 261 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.25 in
  • Published: March 07, 2014
  • Imprint: IVP
  • ISBN: 9780830836659
Other Formats:

All religions and worldviews seek to answer the fundamental questions of human existence: Why am I here? What does it mean to be human? Why is there evil in the world and how do we deal with it? But not every worldview places equal emphasis on each issue. The main worldviews each tend to stress a different central question.Secular humanism focuses on: What is the inherent value of human beings?Pantheism emphasizes: How do we escape suffering?Islam?s main concern is: How is God great? AbduMurray digs deeply into these three representatives of major worldviews of our day: secular humanism, pantheism and theism (specifically in the form of Islam). 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.

"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."Lee Strobel, professor of Christian Thought, Houston Baptist University, and author of The Case for Christ
"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."Ravi Zacharias, author and speaker
"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. Anenjoyable read!"Michael R. Licona, associate professor of theology, Houston Baptist University
"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."Sean McDowell, speaker, educator and author of Is God Just a Human Invention?
"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."J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and author of Love Your God with All Your Mind
"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."Paul Copan, professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
"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 uniquelyqualified 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 forany belief."Stuart McAllister, regional director of the Americas, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
"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."Lee Strobel, professor of Christian Thought, Houston Baptist University, and author of The Case for Christ
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CONTENTS

Foreword by Josh McDowell
Prologue: What Truth Costs--What Truth is Worth
1. Grand Central Questions
Part I: Secular Humanism or the Gospel--Which Provides Us with Intrinsic Value and Objective Purpose?
2. Secular Humanism: The Secular Search
3. Saying Nothing as Loud as We Can
4. Will the Real Humanism Please Stand Up?
Part II: Eastern Western Spirituality or the Gospel--Which Gives Real Answers to Suffering?
5. Pantheism and Pain
6. Escaping the Escapism
Part III: Islam or the Gospel--Which Tells Us About God's Greatness?
7. From Whence Comes God's Greatness?
8. God's Greatness and the Preservation of the Gospel
9. God's Triune Greatness
10. Greatness Incarnate
Epilogue: A Worldview that Views the Whole World
Acknowledgments
Notes

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Abdu H. Murray (J.D., University of Michigan) is a co-founder and the president of Embrace the Truth International. He has been a featured guest on numerous national and international television programs, including Newswatch, Jesus or Muhammad? on the Aramaic Broadcasting Network, and SRN News, Eye Opener.