"12 Truths and a Lie" by J.D. Greear, is a compelling book designed to address common questions and doubts about the Christian faith. It starts with an intriguing premise, borrowing the concept of "Two Truths and a Lie" to structure a dialogue around twelve significant truths of Christianity, intertwined with a pervasive lie that challenges faith. Greear, leveraging his experiences as a pastor and podcaster, aims to provide biblical answers to poignant questions that believers and seekers might have. The book covers a broad range of topics, including salvation, the purpose of life, suffering, morality, prayer, and God's will, among others.

Greear's approach is both practical and pastoral, focusing on clarifying misconceptions and reinforcing the foundational aspects of Christian belief through scriptural insights. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and living out one's faith amidst the doubts and struggles that come with spiritual growth. The inclusion of a lie within the truths serves as a narrative device to engage readers deeply, encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs and the potential misconceptions that might hinder their relationship with God.

What stands out in Greear's work is his ability to blend theological depth with accessible writing, making complex biblical concepts understandable to a broad audience. His use of personal anecdotes, humor, and real-world examples enriches the book's content, making it relatable and engaging.

This book is not just a book of answers but a guide to exploring the depths of faith, confronting doubts, and discovering the transformative power of truth in one's life. Greear's heartfelt and insightful exploration of Christianity's core questions offers readers a valuable resource for spiritual growth and reflection.

Great book that tackles common questions asked about the Christian faith. Easy read that leaves you pondering questions you may have never struggled with. J.D. lays out intriguing answers to these common questions based off scripture throughout the Bible. A great book for everyone’s library.

it's an easy read! it felt like JD was just talking casually, no flowerly language, no esoteric theological terms thrown around. I feel like the last 60% FLEW by, but I was reading on my Kindle so it may have just been the Kindle experience that made it feel like it was moving quickly.

The questions are great questions. It would be a book I'd come back to, but I can't say that I'd read it again every year (like some other christian & non-fiction books). JD is very clear in his delivery and in answering the questions.

I'd recommend this to anyone who is new to the faith, or is engaging with someone who is seeking or new to the faith, or even to anyone wanting a quick, easy, Biblical read for some solid answers to common questions.

Note: I read this on my Kindle and the formatting was terrible. Truly. I've never had a Kindle experience like that. I'm hoping it's because it was an ARC and that I was not reading the final formatted version. Specifically the NetGalley version of the ARC was missing "Th"s everywhere, mainly at the beginning of sentences, but sometimes in the middle of the sentence as well. For example:

Loc 166: "Do keep the commandments. e Bible spells acceptance with God no D-O..."
There should be a "Th" before the e before "Bible" in that second sentence above.

Loc 261: "...ride home. e evidence of true saving faith is not the intensity of ..... endurance over time. e seeds in Jesus's parable that represent saved people..." <- Missing two "Th"s.

There are many many more examples of this, I just got tired of marking them. I also had issues with the Edelweiss version of the ARC, but the NetGalley version was better.

Publication Date: December 5, 2023
Writing: 4
Stars: 3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and K-LOVE Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

2 stars
12 Truths & a Lie: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions
J.D. Greear

I had such high hopes for this book. But sadly, it was a disappointment. I am not a fan of all the pop culture references. Why is it needed in a book about faith? Point me to Jesus not Lord of the Rings or any of the other random references used. I finally gave up about 40% in.
I was looking for real answers to the questions he said he was going to ask and answer; however, this one just missed the mark.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

So insightful. Loved it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

As a Christian, I've had more questions than answers and reading this was comforting in the sense that I could relate to the fact that I am not the only who has at one point asked, if God exists then why does He sit back and watch bad things happening to good people? And in how the author explores these questions, was totally opposite to what my Mom would tell me- she approached the Bible more like Literature and at one point, she even told me 'If God could watch mere mortals whip and nail his son to the cross, how can you compare that to a few fights or theft or crimes? Think about it, he's a parent and he let his son die to prove a point..' and she would go on and on. I am certain that anyone who is curious about these, or has at some point found themselves at a crossroads in their faith could learn a thing or two from this book.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.