If the proof that you understand something complicated is that you can communicate it with simplicity, former lawyer Martin Ayers has a very good understanding of some of the most profound and important truths. In this, his first book, a mixture of apologetics and evangelism, he presents the case for the Gospel to the sceptical and even largely disinterested unbeliever who “might still need persuading that this really matters.” As Jamie Oliver did with food, so Ayers seeks to do with the truth about God; “strip away any false ideas we’ve developed from our culture or background, and find the truth. This is the truth about God exposed. This is Naked God.”
The book is divided into three parts – the first, Naked God, arguing why the existence of God matters, highlighting the emptiness and illogicality of naturalism; the second, Naked Jesus, looking at the evdience for who Jesus was, based on his claims, works, death and resurrection; the third, Naked You, turns the spotlight on the reader, addressing the need to respond to the evidence presented and stating clearly how the unsaved man or woman stands in relation to God.
One of the problems faced by apologists and evangelists as much as anyone else is stating momentous truth in a simple way while avoiding being simplistic. Generally speaking Ayers achieves that. I felt that his final section on repentance could have gone a bit deeper, especially in the area of sorrow for sin, but perhaps his intention is that having given the book to a friend, you will then have an opportunity to follow up with a conversation which can elaborate where necessary.
One thing that did concern me was the statement which followed a specimen prayer of repentance and commitment, in which Ayers says, “If you have prayed that prayer, then you have become a Christian.” I believe that’s an unhelpful and even dangerous word of assurance to give in such circumstances.
The tone is very engaging, its completely free of jargon and, all in all, I would recommend the book. I am even thinking of a suitable person to give a copy to for Christmas.
For the purpose of review, I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publishers. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.
Matthias Media (26 Feb. 2010) Review written in 2011