In a culture often skeptical of traditional religious claims, Dan Bruce’s Accepting the Challenge: Answers to 12 Honest Questions Asked by Skeptics Who Don’t Believe the Bible steps forward not as a combative polemic, but as a thoughtful, respectful, and evidence-based response to common objections raised by those who question the credibility of the Bible. With clarity, conviction, and careful scholarship, Bruce addresses twelve of the most persistent questions leveled at Christianity in today’s intellectual climate—from accusations of biblical contradictions and scientific incompatibility, to deeper existential questions about evil, miracles, and the nature of God.
The structure of the book is simple and reader-friendly. Each chapter poses one of the twelve questions skeptics most frequently ask, such as: “Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?” “Hasn’t the Bible been corrupted through the ages?” and “Why doesn’t God reveal Himself to us today?” Rather than offering flippant dismissals or preachy responses, Bruce patiently walks readers through historical, textual, and philosophical evidence, always aiming to clarify rather than coerce. His tone is consistently gracious, demonstrating that he understands and respects the genuine concerns of skeptics—especially those who are willing to think critically and consider alternatives.
What makes Accepting the Challenge especially compelling is its balance of intellectual depth and accessibility. Bruce draws upon decades of biblical research and study in both Jewish and Christian contexts, but he never writes over the reader’s head. Biblical references are plentiful but always contextualized, and complex theological topics—such as the doctrine of inspiration or the question of divine justice—are handled with pastoral sensitivity and academic integrity.
For example, in addressing the charge that the Bible is “just a book written by men,” Bruce demonstrates how the Bible’s internal claims of divine authorship, its extraordinary historical coherence over fifteen centuries, and its fulfilled prophecies offer compelling evidence for divine orchestration. He points to the accuracy of archaeological findings, such as the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the verification of historical figures and events once dismissed by scholars, to argue that the biblical text has not only been preserved with remarkable fidelity but also aligns with secular historical data.
One of the book’s strengths is its engagement with the accusation that faith in miracles is irrational in a scientific age. Bruce doesn’t shrink from this challenge. Instead, he explains that miracles, by definition, are not repeatable phenomena subject to laboratory testing, but divine interruptions in the natural order—understandable only if one allows for the possibility of a supernatural Creator. He cites examples such as the resurrection of Jesus, not as mythological flourish but as historical claim backed by eyewitness testimony. He argues cogently that belief in miracles is not intellectual surrender but a logical outcome if one accepts that the God of the Bible is real.
The author’s treatment of moral objections—such as the charge that the God of the Old Testament is cruel or that the Bible’s moral teachings are outdated—is equally nuanced. Bruce does not gloss over difficult passages. Instead, he shows how context, cultural understanding, and the overarching redemptive narrative of Scripture help reconcile God’s justice with His mercy. He asserts that God’s moral expectations are rooted not in human constructs but in the unchanging character of a holy and loving Creator.
Another significant contribution of the book is its defense of the compatibility between biblical faith and scientific inquiry. Bruce effectively dismantles the false dichotomy between science and Scripture, noting that many foundational scientists were themselves believers. He points out that science and faith ask different questions—science seeks mechanisms, while faith seeks meaning. He even addresses contemporary scientific developments, such as challenges posed by recent astronomical findings to established cosmological models, showing how science itself is not a static monolith but an evolving discipline.
Despite being deeply rooted in evangelical Christian belief, the book avoids divisive denominational language or jargon. Bruce’s self-description as a “Bible-believer who is non-denominational in faith and practice” reflects his aim to engage all truth-seekers, regardless of background. His approach is to meet the reader where they are intellectually and emotionally, without assuming belief or demanding assent.
Stylistically, the book is clean, articulate, and well-edited. Each chapter is tightly focused and ends with a strong summary of the argument, often pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of biblical promises and the clearest revelation of God’s nature. Scripture is quoted extensively and appropriately, using both the New King James Version and references to the Jewish Publication Society Tanakh, which makes the book especially suitable for Jewish readers or those interested in the Hebrew Bible.
In today’s polarized landscape—where faith discussions often devolve into shouting matches or are dismissed altogether—Accepting the Challenge is a breath of fresh air. It models what civil, respectful dialogue can look like, even between people who strongly disagree. It does not promise to “convert” the skeptic, nor does it rely on emotional manipulation. Instead, it offers reasoned, historically grounded, and theologically coherent answers to real questions. Whether you’re a skeptic, seeker, student, or believer wanting to better understand the objections of your friends and respond with wisdom, this book is an invaluable resource.
In sum, Accepting the Challenge lives up to its title. Dan Bruce has accepted the challenge posed by modern skepticism and responded not with defensiveness or fear, but with confidence, humility, and respect. The result is a book that deserves wide reading—and re-reading—by anyone engaged in the honest search for truth.
