(Nashville, Tenn.) – Recent polls illustrate what Christian parents have feared: kids are dropping out of church early and for good. Age 16 is the average age at which teens are dropping out, says one poll, and 70% of Protestants ages 18 to 30 quit church by age 23, says another. Authors JoshMcDowell and Bob Hostetler have written Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (Thomas Nelson, August 2011, ISBN: 1400317202, $12.99) to stem a troubling tide among Christian youth.

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door answers many of the faith-related questions Christian youth face. It challenges young readers to test gospel truths found in the Bible so they can learn to give an answer for their faith as they mature into thinking adults.

"We receive all kinds of messages, myths, and misconceptions in the course of our lives,” says co-author Bob Hostetler. “One of those messages is the idea that following Jesus requires us to check our brains at the door—that reason and faith are incompatible. And that mistaken idea leads to others. That’s why this book exists: to help a young man or woman weigh the evidence and lay a firm foundation for a strong faith in Christ." 

Written as a definitive but humorous resource, Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door examines questions that today’s youth face and explains how to give reasoned answers in a Christlike manner. Readers will find answers to common cultural myths and misconceptions about—

…God:

God is a faceless, impersonalforce.

God is a cosmic vending machine.

…Jesus:

Jesus was a just a man.

Jesus was just a good teacher.

…the Bible:

It’s just a great work of literature.

It’s full of factual holes.

…the Resurrection:

Jesus didn’t actually die.

Jesus’ body was stolen.

…and many more! Also in Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, the authors have added a great reading comprehension section after every chapter called “Brain Food.” Readers, parents, and teachers alike will find this tool helpful in processing and retaining the facts presented in every chapter.

With these tools in hand, thereaders will be equipped to have a positive influence on the world around them, rather than succumbing to its faithlessness. Every church and family library needs Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door.

About the authors:

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning and best-selling writer, editor, pastor, and speaker. His books include Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door and The Bone Box.

Josh McDowell wrote the international best-selling apologetics references Evidence That Demands a Verdict and over 120 other books. He travels and speaks with Campus Crusade for Christ.

 To request a review copy of Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, schedule an interview with the authors, or for more information, please contact Julie Solomon or Amy Lathrop (jsolomon@thomasnelson.com) (amy@litfusegroup.com).