In 2002 Evangelical Press published Why I am a Christian. Now in 2014 Earthen Vessel Publishing is presenting a new version of the book, with some re-writing plus addi- tional new essays. Part One is the original Why I am a Christian, with the exception of chapter two. The original chapter two, “A death blow to Christianity” is entirely out-dated, so it did not make the cut. In its place is one of my favorite essays and one that attracted a lot of attention, not all of it uplifting. Part Two consists of eighteen new essays written over the past eight years, and some are very recent. Each essay fits generally with the overall theme of the book, which is set forth in the lead essay, “Why I am a Chris- tian.” The purpose of this new publication is to speak to those who are not yet Christian but are thinking about it. Also, it is for those who have begun following Jesus and are curious about any number of issues, which I am hoping may be addressed in one or another of the essays. Kent Philpott August, 2014 Preface