Coffey, Joe. Smooth Stones: Bringing Down the Giant Questions of Apologetics. Cruciform Press, 2011. 
Paperback: 106 pages
Point: Scriptures and human reasoning, both gifts of God, testify to the validity of the historic Christian faith.
Path: Coffey offers short answers for six big questions: 1. Is there a God? 2. Does Science disprove God’s existence? 3. Is the Bible true? 4. What about evil and pain? 5. Can there be only one true religion? 6. How do we know that Jesus is who he says he is?
He then ends with two short notes, one to an unbeliever and one to a believer.
Sources: Based on a Lee Strobel method, Coffey’s answers interact with and quote from people like Patrick Glynn, Alvin Plantinga, C.S. Lewis, Stephen Jay Gould, and others.
Agreement: In a tough spot, information from this little book (maybe “booklet” would be appropriate) would come in handy. His succinct answers would answer the questions/objections of the majority of Westerners.
He recognizes that there is both a head and heart issue that need to be faced in presenting the Gospel. Even if you give facts, that won’t change a person.
I thought his five key words for religion were very helpful, and I plan on using those in the future. “How does your religion define “Sin”, “Justice”, “Love”, “Sacrifice”, and “Grace”?
Disagreement: There is a problem with the approach. Not all the answers can be wrapped up in a nice little package. For those who have actually thought about and struggled through these difficulties, many of these answers will seem trite and shallow. If someone tries to run someone over with these proofs (the author doesn’t recommend this), it will harden them even more. The book, in trying to be accessible, is crippled by its length.
With that in mind I would suggest reading “Reasons for God” by Keller and “Tactics” by Koukl as supplemental reading.
Personal App: Have I made the effort to discuss these big questions with anyone?
Favorite Quote: “Christianity in its exclusivity, is the most inclusive religion the world has ever seen” (82).
Stars: 3.5 out of 5
I would recommend it to someone who is looking for some more answers for questions from a friend.
If this review was helpful, let me know here.