Before You Leave: For College, Career, and Eternity

Product Description

Can we trust the Bible, or has it been distorted over the centuries? Are demons real—or just a Hollywood invention? Are heaven and hell real, eternal destinations? Does prayer work?
Drawing on both Protestant and Catholic theologians, as well as church history and cutting-edge conversations,
Before You Leave helps us engage with questions about Christianity, so that we can think through them for ourselves and be better prepared to discuss them with others.

Review

“The scope and breadth of this book is an amazing resource for you to address questions about the Bible, prayer, the supernatural realm, and what science reveals about the place of God in the universe.”
– 
Mike Strauss, Professor of Physics, University of Oklahoma, CERN Project Researcher, Geneva, Switzerland

“I have longed for a book to give to students, parents, teachers, and youth leaders. I want to see a generation of disciple-makers, but before we unleash these students as young disciple-makers, they must be trained in the essentials of the faith … I wholeheartedly recommend this much-needed resource.”
–
Tony Merida, Pastor and Author of Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down

“This book is so valuable because it challenges us to decide how to think and talk about biblical topics most people don’t talk about–death, hell, evil, the devil, how we got the Bible, and so much more. I am looking forward to the rich conversations that will result from my students and teenagers reading this book.”
–
Warren Smith, Professor of Historical Theology, Duke University

”
Before You Leave is a powerful appeal to students to stand strong in the Christian faith, embrace the full span of the Bible’s teaching, and to be witnesses for Christ in one of the most difficult arenas in American life–the university. Highly recommended.” 
–
Bruce Riley Ashford, Provost of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“This book provides a very direct engagement of what are some of the most challenging topics and ideas that many of us have never dealt with in a deep and meaningful way.  It is rich, practical, and powerful.”
–
Brigadier General Tim Gibson, President of the King’s College, New York City

“This book should be drawn on to help people develop the intellectual, spiritual, and moral resources needed not just to survive, but to flourish.” 
–
William J. Abraham, Southern Methodist University 

“Dr. von Helms has the gift of taking difficult topics and making them understandable in a way that transforms one’s thinking. This book will have a cross generational appeal and be an excellent resource for those in academia and the Church.” 
–
Dr. Adam Wright, President, Dallas Baptist University

“I commend this book to you because I believe it will help you to explore the essential questions that we are all asking, both inside the church, and outside the church.”
–
Blake Holmes, Campus Pastor, Watermark Church, Dallas, Texas 

“The chapter on the Bible is extremely well-written, concise (for a huge topic), expertly organized, and persuasive.  I will use it as a guide for myself.”

–
Grant Wacker, Professor Emeritus of Christian History, Duke University

“I wish someone would have given me a copy of Todd von Helms’ book as a high school graduation gift 35 years ago.” 
–
Frank Lockwood, Journalist, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“There is nothing more relevant or timely than what is in this book.”

– Dan Kramer, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City 

“This book should be essential reading for college students, parents of college students, and for all those involved in Christian higher education.”

– Rev. Matt Hoehn, Director of Christian Thought, NC Study Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

About the Author

Dr. Todd von Helms has more than two decades of insight gained through working with teenagers, college students, and clergy as an ordained minister, college professor, church consultant, research assistant, interviewer, c