If Christianity Is So Good, Why Are Christians So Bad? (Coppenger)

This book models concise expression, shrewd logic, clear organization, subtle wit, brutal honesty, graphic illustration, cultural savvy, and charitable characterization of opponents. It answers the title’s question as much by showing how to think about the matter as by seeking out best answers.  -Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

… a highly accessible work that is a must–read for Christians in our sceptical times. -Peter G. Riddell, Senior Research Fellow, Australian College of Theology, Sydney, Australia

Over the last 25 years whilst running Christianity Explored courses at my local church – All Souls, Langham Place – I have had to say on every course that the poet Swinburne said, ‘I would love Christ, where it not for his leprous bride, the church.’  I then plead with people to not allow their experience of so–called Christians in the church to stop them looking at Jesus.  This book will be a very helpful tool for us at All Souls with some people who come to investigate but have had their hearts broken by the behaviour of Christians they’ve known.  I’m so grateful for it and have already made a mental list of those whom I need to send it to. -Rico Tice, Evangelist; Co–founder of Christianity Explored Ministries

This book doesn’t whitewash the bad behaviour of many Christians, but it also offers some helpful insights, theological context, and practical wisdom for how Christians can respond to this important challenge. -Sean McDowell , Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola University, La Mirada, California Best–selling author and popular speaker

Christians are supposed to be new people, not just forgiven people; but they still sin, sometimes in scandalous ways. So how should Christians answer this objection, often raised in evangelistic settings? Dr. Mark Coppenger offers a strategy for doing so that is biblical, accessible, honest, and seasoned with wit and wisdom. -Thor Madsen, Professor of New Testament, Ethics and Philosophy, Midwestern Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

… both answers honest questions about Christians and the Christian faith and serves  as an encouragement to any believer who wants to follow Christ more faithfully.  -Tom Ascol, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Florida

About the Author

Mark Coppenger (BA Ouachita; PhD Vanderbilt; MDiv SWBTS) has taught at Vanderbilt, Wheaton, Elmhurst, TIU, MBTS, and SBTS. Having taught three dozen different courses through the years, he retired from Southern in 2019 as a Professor of Christian Philosophy and Ethics. He’s been married to Sharon for 50 years, and they have three children and ten grandchildren.