Grand Central Question - by Abdu H Murray (Paperback)

About the Book

All religions and worldviews seek to answer the fundamental questions of human existence. But the main worldviews each tend to stress a different issue. Abdu Murray, a lawyer and former Muslim, digs deeply into secular humanism, pantheism and theism (specifically in the form of Islam), comparing each to the central message of Jesus.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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, author of Faith That Lasts

"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

"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?

"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 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

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

--Wayne Hagerman, Living Light News, July/August 2014

"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."

--John Jaeger, Library Journal, June 1, 2014

"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)."

--Todd Outcalt, YouthWorker Journal, November-December 2014

About the Author

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.