This book takes a look at statements that Christians often make and which are assumed to be in the Bible when they are not.

Half-true, not untrue

One such example tackled here is ‘God helps those who help themselves’. If such statements are repeated often enough they become accepted as part of Christian truth and achieve a status which is unjustified and even misleading.

Many things may happen for a purpose, within God’s will, but can we extend this to absolutely everything?

The author believes these statements must be carefully examined and compared with biblical texts. He is not suggesting that they “are entirely untrue, merely that they are half true.” (p.10). In fact, in many cases it is less than half, but he admits there may be some truth in each of them.

As well as the example quoted above, others questionable statements include; ‘Everything happens for a reason’, ‘God won’t give you more than you can handle’, and ‘Love the sinner, hate the sin.’ Hamilton tackles these thoughtfully and in sufficient detail to make a good case. For instance, the conclusion in the first example is that the problem is in the word ‘everything’. Many things may happen for a purpose, within God’s will, but can we extend this to absolutely everything?

The other statement the author takes issue with is ‘God said it, I believe it, that settles it’, which is covered in more detail in an earlier book ('Making Sense of the Bible').

Potentially damaging

The book ends with an epilogue entitled ‘Beyond Platitudes, Clichés and Half Truths’, in which Hamilton states that he largely “began to question these half truths as the result of pastoral ministry with people I cared about.” (p.166). The author is a senior pastor at a United Methodist Church in America, and has clearly seen the harm done to people when they believe in half truths. It is not the half (or less) that is true which is the problem, but the obvious fact that the rest is untrue and hence potentially damaging.

... it is intriguing to find where such ideas come from and how they square up with biblical teaching.

Even if you don’t always agree with Hamilton’s conclusions, it is intriguing to find where such ideas come from and how they square up with biblical teaching. You can decide the rest for yourself, or even in group discussions. To that end there is also a short ‘Leader Guide’ which has to be purchased separately.

The book itself is a well-produced pocket-sized hardback which feels good in the hands. It is recommended if only because these seems little else like it out there at present.

Half Truths (174pp) is published by Abingdon Press, and is available from Amazon for £14.99.