12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith

Relational Apologetics for This Generation—and the Next

Mounting disenchantment with the Christian faith has resulted in a growing concern for the future of the church, particularly as it relates to the most recent generations. But as we seek to reach young unbelievers with the truth, transformation, and joy only Jesus can provide, we must first understand it for ourselves.

In The 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith, acclaimed apologists Josh and Sean McDowell clearly and winsomely distill the essentials of a living Christian faith. More than just intellectual ideas, these truths are reflections of a way of life exemplified by God, helping you

• deepen your own understanding of what you believe, why you believe it, and how you can align your actions with these beliefs
• live in right relationship with God, yourself, and others 
• establish a transformative foundation of faith in the lives of generations to come  

Packed with examples and stories, this handy reference is for Christians who want to cultivate an unshakable faith and learn how to live it out.

“As the storm clouds of secularism threaten today’s high school and college culture, there is a growing need for young believers to know what they believe and why they believe as they do. In 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith, Josh and Sean McDowell have addressed that need with clarity, completeness, and conviction. What is most impressive about this magnificent work is that it addresses crucial doctrinal and apologetic issues within a single volume. That alone is worth the price of the book.”  
—J.P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, author of The God Question 

“Truth has never been more aggressively denied and resisted than it is today, not only in the world but also in the church. And there has never been a father-son team more skillful at defending the truth in a spirit of grace than Josh and Sean McDowell. This book is a godsend that will help young and old. I’m already planning on buying multiple copies to give away.” 
—Randy Alcorn, author of more than 60 books, including Heaven, Truth, and The Grace and Truth Paradox 

“With all the chaos in today’s culture, it’s easy for Christians to lose sight of the essentials of the faith, but those foundational truths could not be more important. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to get back to the basics of what Christians believe and why. It’s accessible, practical, and full of valuable theological insights for believers young and old.” 
—Natasha Crain, speaker, podcaster, and author of four books, including Faithfully Different 

“More than ever, followers of Jesus Christ must lovingly and boldly engage an increasingly deteriorating culture with a biblical worldview. Dynamic father-son duo Josh and Sean McDowell have provided to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ a compelling, credible, and accessible answer to this urgent need. I fully recommend 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith.” 
—Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary 

“In 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith, my friends Josh and Sean McDowell explore the core foundational tenets of Christianity, delivering 12 easily digestible ‘theology 101’ teachings that reaffirm our faith and give us firm footing for knowing what we believe and why. This much-needed resource shares the framework of our faith that should be ingrained in every believer and lived out in relationship with others.” 
—Dr. Tony Evans, president of The Urban Alternative, and senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 

“Josh and Sean have created a great apologetics primer for our modern society. Their book 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith explains the eternal truths of Christianity from an apologetics perspective (i.e., giving reasons why we should believe each truth). However, it also goes beyond traditional theology/apologetic books by highlighting why these truths are important for today’s biggest questions. The existence of God, the reliability of Scripture, and the humanity of Jesus are not just important concepts for understanding Christianity. Each of these truths ground other cultural issues—such as our identities as humans, sexuality, marriage, and our understanding of love—all hotly contested issues in our modern world. Essentially, this book gets beneath the theological and evidential questions and emphasizes what these truths mean for our existential questions. The pages are filled with stories from Josh’s and Sean’s childhood and parenting journeys, showing caregivers and mentors how to make these truths relevant to the needs of today’s generation.” 
—Hillary Morgan Ferrer, president of Mama Bear Apologetics

“Josh and Sean McDowell have done an incredible job of creating a definitive work on developing a biblical worldview while at the same time making it personal. Just like other resources written by them, this will be a classic and the go-to book to help us understand how these 12 essential truths are keys to our faith. What I like so much about the McDowells is this doesn’t read like a stodgy theology book, but rather a book filled with life-changing information presented in a very practical and readable manner.” 
—Jim Burns, PhD, president of HomeWord, author of Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out

“Wow! Josh and Sean have written a book that has it all: theology and apologetics marinated in heartfelt devotions that will help you apply 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith to your life. Highly recommended in this age of skepticism and confusion!” 
—Dr. Frank Turek, author and president of CrossExamined.org 

 

“In many ways this book is Josh and Sean McDowell’s crowning work! I have long been a fan of both authors (Josh has been one of the greatest influences in my life!), but 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith is the embodiment of their lives’ effort. This book is apologetics made practical, but it is far more. It is apologetics made relational. I was challenged and encouraged on every page.” 
—Skip Heitzig, author of The Bible From 30,000 Feet, pastor of Calvary Church, Albuquerque  

 

“Josh and Sean McDowell are a big reason books on apologetics and worldview are said to represent the fastest-growing segments of Christian publishing. These authors are to be commended for serving the needs of a public more spiritually hungry than ever and who are seeking solid answers for their questions about God.  

Their newest book, 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith, is a must read for many reasons. This work amply covers topics that are core to what Christianity is, but which are rarely addressed by apologetics writers. From the nature of truth to explanations of the Trinity, and from inspiring insights about Christ’s coming to His ascension, 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith will benefit all who open its pages. For decades, apologetics books bearing the name ‘McDowell’ have truly represented the best in compelling scholarship and trustworthy content¾and this volume is no exception.” 
—Dr. Alex McFarland, director of Biblical Worldview and Apologetics, Charis Bible College, Woodland Park, Colorado 

 

“People are looking for meaning and purpose in life like never before in my lifetime. How does one find hope for the future in a world that believes there is no such thing as truth? Josh and Sean McDowell know that the only thing that gives us true purpose in life is found in the Christian faith. Josh and Sean uncover the beauty of the Christian faith by stating and clearly explaining 12 truths of Christianity. These truths will lead believers to develop an authentic biblical worldview and cause them to live their lives with purpose and hope. This book is a must read for every believer, both young and old.”  
—Dr. Glen Schultz, founder and director of Kingdom Education Ministries 

 

“The apologetics works of father/son writing duo Josh and Sean McDowell have a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf. They communicate biblical truth in a way that makes sense to non-theologians like me. Among their works, 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith will now have a special place. Josh and Sean let us into their lives through vulnerable stories of joy and pain, all while making the biblical and logical case for 12 central truths of the Christian faith. This book is a key to unlocking the secret of how to communicate truth in a relational way. I believe it will inspire believers and nonbelievers alike.” 
—Jeff Myers, PhD, president of Summit Ministries

 

“Josh McDowell’s ministry has changed my family and my life. Witnessing the legacy carried on by his son Sean shows that Josh has practiced what he’s preached. Many people say that the next generation is our future—but they won’t be our future unless we make them our present. My friends Josh and Sean McDowell understand this and teach us how to prioritize faith and the next generation in 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith. Go get your copy now!” 
—Nick Hall, evangelist, founder and president of Pulse

 

“If you want to know why you believe what you believe and how it matters for your life and relationships, you need to read 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith by Josh and Sean McDowell. This book will show you how to experience the essentials of a relevant faith based on the story of God’s creation, incarnation, and re-creation. You will discover how these 12 truths can transform your perspective, your purpose, and your passion for God and others.” 
—Reverend Samuel Rodriguez 

For over 60 years Josh McDowell has provided breakthrough moments for more than 45 million people in 139 countries about the evidence for Christianity and the difference the Christian faith makes in the world. Through his work with Cru and the global outreach of Josh McDowell Ministry, millions of people worldwide have encountered the love of Christ. He is the author or coauthor of more than 150 books, including such classics as More Than a Carpenter and Evidence That Demands a Verdict.

Sean McDowell (PhD) is the author, coauthor, or editor of numerous books, including A Rebel’s Manifesto. As an associate professor in Biola University’s Christian Apologetics program, an internationally recognized speaker, and the host of a popular Christian apologetics YouTube channel, Sean is committed to exploring the biggest questions about God, morality, and contemporary culture.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.