It Makes Sense - Clear Answers to Big Questions About Christianity

In this review of It Makes Sense, Stephen Gaukroger offers a compact, readable guide for anyone wrestling with the common intellectual and practical questions about Christianity. The single biggest reason to buy this revised edition is its blend of plainspoken clarity and up-to-date revision: with new illustrations and an authorial voice that mixes honesty and humor, it makes challenging topics accessible without oversimplifying. This book is best for adult readers seeking clear answers about faith, scripture and suffering, and for those who prefer an educational, conversational approach to apologetics.

Key Features

• Revised and updated edition: The text has been refreshed to address contemporary questions and includes new illustrations to aid understanding.
• Concise explanations: Complex topics such as the reliability of the Bible and the relationship between science and faith are presented in straightforward language that avoids jargon.
• Addresses core questions: The book tackles practical and philosophical issues like suffering, the uniqueness of Jesus and religious pluralism, giving focused responses for each.
• Readable tone: Humor and honesty are used to keep the material engaging, helping readers persist through difficult subjects without feeling lectured.
• Proven reach: With well over 100,000 copies in print, the book has established itself as a widely read introduction in this area.

Who It's For

This volume is aimed at adults curious about Christianity who want direct, thoughtful answers rather than long academic treatments. It suits readers looking for a concise introduction to apologetics, church attendees who want clearer answers to commonly asked questions, and seekers weighing spiritual claims with reason and practicality.

Those who want exhaustive theological exegesis, dense academic footnoting, or a technical textbook on biblical scholarship should look elsewhere; this book is deliberately accessible and conversational rather than an advanced seminar resource.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, approachable writing makes difficult questions easier to follow and reflect on.
• Updated content and new illustrations refresh a well-established book for modern readers.
• Focused chapters that directly answer commonly asked questions save time for busy readers.

Cons

• The concise format means some topics are introduced rather than explored in exhaustive depth, which may disappoint readers seeking comprehensive scholarship.

Specifications

Title	It Makes Sense
Author	Stephen Gaukroger
Edition	Revised and completely updated edition
Illustrations	New illustrations included
Audience	Adult readers; general interest
Topics covered	Jesus, other religions, suffering, Bible reliability, science and God

Our Verdict

It Makes Sense is a strong value for readers who want a clear, conversational introduction to key Christian questions: it balances honesty and humor with straightforward answers and benefits from updated material and illustrations. Buy it if you want accessible, thoughtful responses to the big issues; look elsewhere only if you need technical academic detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. The writing is intentionaly accessible and geared toward readers new to apologetics or exploring faith questions.

Does it cover scientific objections to belief?
Yes. One of the topics listed in the book is the relationship between science and belief, discussed in plain language.

Are illustrations included?
Yes. This revised edition includes new illustrations to support the text.