Synopsis
The goal of apologetics is to persuasively answer honest objections that keep people from faith in Jesus Christ. But of several apologetic approaches, which is most effective?Five Views on Apologetics examines the "how-to" of apologetics, putting five prominent views under the microscope: Classical, Evidential, Presuppositional, Reformed Epistemology, and Cumulative Case. Offering a forum for presentation, critique, and defense, this book allows the contributors for the different viewpoints to interact.Like no other book, Five Views on Apologetics lets you compare and contrast different ways of "doing" apologetics. Your own informed conclusions can then guide you as you meet the questions of a needy world with the claims of the gospel.The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.
Review
Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals.
Steven B. Cowan (M.Div.; Ph.D.) is associate professor of Philosophy and Apologetics at Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, AL.
William Lane Craig (PhD, University of Birmingham, England) is research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and lives in Marietta, GA.
Gary Habermas (PhD, Michigan State University) is distinguished professor and chair of the department of philosophy and director of the MA program in apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Paul D. Feinberg, (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) was professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.Introduction Steven B. Cowan Fairly early in my life as a Christian --- somewhere in my late teens, I think --- I discovered apologetics. This discovery was very timely because I had also discovered that the faith I had in Christ was not shared by everyone. In fact, I discovered that some people outright rejected, even ridiculed, my faith. What's more, I found out that skeptics had raised arguments against my faith. And being the inquisitive fellow that I am (I hate unanswered questions!), I wondered myself, quite apart from all of these skeptical challenges, what reason or reasons there might be for believing the religious beliefs that I embraced. Thus, Paul Little's little book, Know Why You Believe, and Josh McDowell's Evidence That Demands a Verdict came at an appropriate time in my life, introducing me to apologetics. And from Little and McDowell, I jumped right into Sproul, Gerstner, and Lindsley's Classical Apologetics --- the book that sparked an insatiable thirst in me for apologetics, philosophy, and theology. No sooner had I discovered apologetics, however, than I also uncovered the fact that not every apologist did apologetics the same way. It was Sproul, Gerstner, and Lindsley's fault, if the truth be known. They distinguished between something they called 'classical apologetics' and this bogeyman called 'pre-suppositionalism.' And I soon discovered that there were other varieties of apologetic methods as well, and that the disagreements between them could sometimes be sharp. As a young college student, I had a hard time trying to figure out who was right and who was wrong in this debate. I distinctly remember (this was in the early 1980s) wishing that someone would publish one of those 'multiple views' books on apologetic methodology so that I could see all the different views side by side and have an easier time making up my own mind. I waited and waited for well over a decade, and no such book appeared. Then I decided to do it myself! And Zondervan has been gracious enough to assist me. The Nature of Apologetics This is a book about apologetic methodology, not a book of apologetics per se. That is, it is not a book that seeks to do apologetics as much as a book that discusses how one ought to do apologetics. But for the sake of some of our readers, it may help at this point to spell out what apologetics is. Apologetics is concerned with the defense of the Christian faith against charges of falsehood, inconsistency, or credulity. Indeed, the very word apologetics is derived from the Greek apologia, which means 'defense.' It was a term used in the courts of law in the ancient world. Socrates, for example, gave his famous 'apology,' or defense, before the court of Athens. And the apostle Paul defended himself (apologeomai) before the Roman officials (Acts 24:10; 25:8). As it concerns the Christian faith, then, apologetics has to do with defending, or making a case for, the truth of the Christian faith. It is an intellectual discipline that is usually said to serve at least two purposes: (1) to bolster the faith of Christian believers, and (2) to aid in the task of evangelism. Apologists seek to accomplish these goals in two distinct ways. One is by refuting objections to the Christian faith, such as the problem of evil or the charge that key Christian doctrines (e.g., the Trinity, incarnation, etc.) are incoherent. This apologetic task can be called negative or defensive apologetics. The second, perhaps complementary, way apologists fulfill their purposes is by offering positive reasons for Christian faith. The latter, called positive or offensive apologetics, often takes the form of arguments for God's existence or for the resurrection and deity of Christ but are by no means limited to these. Of course, some apologists, as we will see, contend that such arguments are unnecessary or perhaps even detrimental to Christian faith. These apologists focus primarily on the negative task and downplay the role of positive apologetics. Nevertheless, most, if not all, would agree that the apologetic task includes the giving of some positive reasons for faith. The Question of Taxonomy Although apologists agree on the basic definition and goals of apologetics, they can differ significantly on the proper methodology of apologetics. That is, they disagree about how the apologist goes about his task --- about the kinds of arguments that can and should be employed and about the way the apologist should engage the unbeliever in apologetic discourse. To use a military analogy, differences of opinion exist regarding the best strategy to use in defending the faith. These differences in apologetic strategy usually turn upon more basic disagreements with regard to important philosophical and theological issues. This leads me to the question of taxonomy. How do we delineate the different approaches to apologetics? Of all the other books on apologetic methodology, no two classify the various methods in exactly the same way. For example, Gordon Lewis classifies apologetic methods according to their respective religious epistemologies. He distinguishes them by what each one takes to be the correct approach to acquiring knowledge of religious truths. On this basis, he differentiates six apologetic methods. Religious epistemology can be the decisive factor in distinguishing one apologetic method from another. For example, two of the methods Lewis distinguishes are pure empiricism, defended by J. Oliver Buswell Jr., and rationalism, defended by Gordon H. Clark. Buswell's methodology requires us to make observations of the world and draw causal inferences from those observations, which, he believes, will lead the objective observer to belief in God and in the truth of the Christian faith. He uses the classical theistic arguments and appeals to historical evidences for the resurrection of Jesus. Clark, on the other hand, repudiates the use of such arguments and evidences, largely on epistemological grounds. Instead, he argues that the apologist must begin with Scripture as a first principle. That is, Scripture serves as a rational axiom by which all other truth claims are tested. Clark then argues that Christianity is the only coherent system, all other worldviews being logically inconsistent. Thus, the religious epistemologies of these two apologists lead them to very different apologetic approaches.
Five Views on Apologetics
Of the most common approaches to apologetics, which is most effective? The goal of apologetics is to persuasively defend Christianity against charges of falsehood, inconsistency, or credulity. It's an intellectual discipline that serves to bolster the faith of Christian believers and to aid the task of evangelism, but are some methods more effective than others? Five Views on Apologetics examines the "how-to" of apologetics, putting five prominent techniques under the microscope: Classical – represented by William Lane Craig Evidential – represented by Gary Habermas Cumulative Case – represented by Paul D. Feinberg Presuppositional – represented by John M. Frame Reformed Epistemology – represented by Kelly James Clark Offering a forum for presentation, critique, and defense, this book allows the contributors for the different viewpoints to respond to the others. Your own informed conclusions can then guide you as you meet the questions of a needy world with the claims of the gospel. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.
Five Views on Apologetics examines the "how-to" of apologetics, putting five prominent techniques under the microscope: Classical – represented by William Lane Craig Evidential – represented by Gary Habermas Cumulative Case – ..."
The Historical Development of Legal Apologetics
The Historical Development of Legal Apologetics This book will indicate that legal apologetics has a history that is co-extensive with Christianity itself. It is unified by faith and reason and requires a fact-based defense that seeks probable judgment rather than absolute certainty but nevertheless would be conclusive in a court of law. It will provide a comparative examination of the legal model as a form of evidentialism and alternative models or "schools". There are many clear contrasts among apologetic approaches, for example evidentialism is definitely J.W.Montgomery's approach and presuppositionalism is definitely the approach of Cornelius Van Til. However this book is not only about the differences between evidentialism and presuppositionalism since there are other models to consider, each of which adopts a model different from both the evidentialist approach and the presuppositional approach. This work concludes with an assessment of how closely a Montgomery-type legal apologetic accords with the specific needs of the historical era in which it has emerged and ascended from the 1960's to the present. Apologetics is the response to the central claims that the faith faces from inside and outside the Christian religion. The resurrection of Jesus' is assaulted from many quarters. Furthermore large scale secularism and pluralism has resulted with the development of large scale multi-culturism in our society. Legal apologetics focuses squarely on proving the factual reality of Jesus resurrection and is an apologetic which is particularly well suited to our times with its emphasis on factual evidence. BILL BROUGHTON received his B.A. from Concordia University in Montreal Canada, his M.Div. from McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and his D.Min from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. He is a retired pastor in the United Church of Canada and lives in Arnstein Ontario with his wife Bonnie.
The Historical Development of Legal Apologetics This book will indicate that legal apologetics has a history that is co-extensive with Christianity itself."
Meretas jalan teologi agama-agama di Indonesia
Theology, religion, and interfaith harmony in Indonesia; collection of articles.
Theology, religion, and interfaith harmony in Indonesia; collection of articles."
Biblical Apologetics
The book you are holding in your hands is perhaps the simplest, most straightforward summary and how-to guide for presuppositional apologetics now in print. It is both informative and practically helpful. I believe you will fi nd it an extremely useful tool whether you are an professor at the seminary level seeking supplemental reading material or just a simple lay person looking for practical answers. Pastor McManis writes with crisp clarity in a way that is certain to give you fresh insight into what Scripture teaches about the defense of the Christian faith. I wish this book had been available when I was studying apologetics in seminary." John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church; President of The Masters College and Seminary Cliff has rescued the discipline from the elite circle of the intelligentsia and returned it as a biblical theology of truth communication to the common people (i.e. to all believers). This volume will be of great help in the restoration of the practicality of biblical apologetics as it was exemplified in the early Church. Hopefully, todays readers will be able to understand and put into practice the true nature of Peters command in 1 Peter 3:15 as it is strategically situated in its defi ning context. George J. Zemek, Academic Dean, The Expositors Seminary, Jupiter, Florida.
This volume will be of great help in the restoration of the practicality of biblical apologetics as it was exemplified in the early Church."
Five Views on the Extent of the Atonement
For whom did Christ die? Who may be saved? are questions of perennial interest and importance for the Christian faith. In a familiar Counterpoints format, this book explores the question of the extent of Christ's atonement, going beyond simple Reformed vs. non-Reformed understandings. This volume elevates the conversation to a broader plane, including contributors who represent the breadth of Christian tradition: Eastern Orthodox: Andrew Louth Roman Catholic: Matthew Levering Traditional Reformed: Michael Horton Wesleyan: Fred Sanders Barthian Universalism: Tom Greggs This book serves not only as a single-volume resource for engaging the views on the extent of the atonement but also as a catalyst for understanding and advancing a balanced approach to this core Christian doctrine. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.
This volume elevates the conversation to a broader plane, including contributors who represent the breadth of Christian tradition: Eastern Orthodox: Andrew Louth Roman Catholic: Matthew Levering Traditional Reformed: Michael Horton Wesleyan ..."
Five Views on the Rapture: What You Need to Know
In this new addition to his popular Quick Reference Guides series (more than 325,000 copies sold), apologetics expert Ron Rhodes clearly defines the Rapture and presents the pros and cons of the five prominent views of this event--pretribulational, midtribulational, posttribulational, prewrath, and partial rapture. With respect for different perspectives, Rhodes answers important questions including: What is the tribulation period and why is that at the center of the debate? Which Bible verses do the different views emphasize? What are the main points of difference and similarity among the views? Why is understanding the Rapture important to the Christian faith? How can believers have faith-building conversations with those of different views? This informative, practical pamphlet sheds light on the most important aspect of the Rapture, that it is an exciting part of God's plan for the future and it will unite Christians with Christ. Series copy: Quick Reference Guides offer practical, biblical, insights on today's most important topics with concise facts and user-friendly writing. Attractive and affordable, these serve as ideal resources for personal and church reference.
In this new addition to his popular Quick Reference Guides series (more than 325,000 copies sold), apologetics expert Ron Rhodes clearly defines the Rapture and presents the pros and cons of the five prominent views of this event- ..."
Apologetics at the Cross
2019 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year: Apologetics • 2018 The Gospel Coalition Book Award: Evangelism & Apologetics Apologetics at the Cross describes a much-needed approach to defending Christianity that uses Jesus as a model and the letter of 1 Peter as a guiding text. This is a guidebook for how to defend Christianity with Christ-like gentleness and respect toward those who persecute the faith, making you a stronger witness to the good news of the gospel than many other apologetics books that focus on crafting unbreachable arguments. Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen first provide an introduction to the rich field of apologetics and Christian witness, acquainting students and lay learners with the rich history, biblical foundation, and ongoing relevance of apologetics. Unique in its approach, Apologetics at the Cross: Presents the biblical and historical foundations for apologetics. Explores various contemporary methods for approaching apologetics. Gives practical guidance in "how to" chapters that feature many real-life illustrations. But their approach pays special attention to the attitude and posture of the apologist, outlining instructions for the Christian community centered on reasoned answers, a humble spirit, and joy; rather than anger, arrogance, and aggression. Chatraw and Allen equip Christians to engage skeptics with the heart as well as the mind. Conversational in tone and balanced in approach, Apologetics at the Cross provides a readable introduction to the field of apologetics. You'll be informed and equipped for engaging a wide range of contemporary challenges with the best in Christian thought.
William Lane Craig, “Classical Apologetics,” in Five Views on Apologetics , ed. Steven B. Cowan (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), 53, emphasis added. 14. William Lane Craig “Objections So Bad I Couldn't Have Made Them Up (or, ..."
Currents in Twenty-First-Century Christian Apologetics
In this book, Johnson avoids the standard approach of many apologetic works that seek to "prove," in systematic fashion, that Christianity is true. Rather, he takes the position of orthodox Christianity and looks at various challenges that have been raised against it. For example, should the horrors of the Holocaust force Christian thinkers to alter their view of God's goodness? Is Christianity inherently anti-Jewish for claiming that Jews must embrace Jesus as Messiah? Are revived "hallucination theories" about Christ's resurrection tenable explanations of the birth of the Christian movement? Is the "presuppositional" approach of certain Reformed thinkers useful for doing Christian apologetics? These and similar questions are addressed in this book.
Clark, David K. “Narrative Theology and Apologetics.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 36 (1993) 499–515. Clark, Kelly James. “Reformed Epistemology Apologetics.” In Five Views on Apologetics , edited by Steven B. Cowan."
Mapping Apologetics
How and why do people believe? This comprehensive guide provides an overview of Christian apologetic approaches and thinkers in a way that even the nonspecialist can understand and practically apply. Even-handed and respectful of each apologist and their contribution, this book provides the reader with a formidable array of defenses for the faith.
Though Frame embraces this approach, Craig says that in his chapter in Five Views on Apologetics , Frame comes the closest to using a transcendental approach only when he says that we “should present the biblical God, not merely as the ..."
Reimagining Apologetics
How should one proclaim of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a secular age? Seeking to infuse apologetics with an appeal to the imagination, the aesthetic, and the affective, Justin Bailey engages with two examples of those who have done apologetics through the imagination: George MacDonald and Marilynne Robinson.
Stephen Cowan's introduction to “ five views of apologetics ” is emblematic, defining the discipline as “concerned with the defense of the Christian faith against the charges of falsehood, inconsistency, or credulity,” and with “making a ..."
Christian Apologetics as Cross-Cultural Dialogue
A call for a new understanding of apologetics, moving away from appeals to tran-cultural rationality, arguing for a new form of cross-cultural dialogue.
A Cumulative Case Apologist's response [to Classical Apologetics]. In: Steven B. Cowan ed., Five Views on Apologetics . Grand rapids: Zondervan, pp. 67–73. Feinberg, Paul D., 2000b. Cumulative Case Apologetics. In: Steven B. Cowan ed., ..."
Turning the Tables on Apologetics
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ’s conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ’s style of persuasion—as the controller of the question—subverts his hearers’ presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ’s method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is “something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account—aggressive, violent, radical questions—and striking straight to the hearts of men.” Christian conversation must integrate Christ’s method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
in Five Views on Apologetics , edited by Steven b. Cowan, 255–63. grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. Collins, Francis. The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. new York: Free, 2006. Copleston, Frederick, S. J. A History ..."
The History of Apologetics
ECPA Christian Book Award 2021 Finalist: Biography & Memoir Explore Apologetics through the Lives of History's Great Apologists The History of Apologetics follows the great apologists in the history of the church to understand how they approached the task of apologetics in their own cultural and theological context. Each chapter looks at the life of a well-known apologist from history, unpacks their methodology, and details how they approached the task of defending the faith. By better understanding how apologetics has been done, readers will be better able to grasp the contextualized nature of apologetics and apply those insights to today's context. The History of Apologetics covers forty-four apologists including: Part One: Patristic Apologists Part Two: Medieval Apologists Part Three: Early Modern Apologists Part Four: 19th C. Apologists Part Five: 20th C. American Apologists Part Six: 20th C. European Apologists Part Seven: Contemporary Apologists
retained the ability to reason.20 Clark's presuppositional apologetic method developed from this significant distinction. ... An excellent summary of these approaches can be found in Steven B. Cowan, ed., Five Views on Apologetics , ..."
The Prophetic Apologetic
In a world of growing skepticism, Charismatic Christianity offers a bold approach to defending the faith. In THE PROPHETIC APOLOGETIC, Jonathan Ammon demonstrates how supernatural encounters with Jesus are central to our relationship with God and the defense of the Christian faith. This concise guide introduces an extraordinary approach to apologetics. You will learn how a charismatic worldview can help you reason with skeptics. You will learn how charismatic theology offers unique answers to skepticism’s biggest arguments, and how a charismatic lifestyle better enables you to share your faith. More than a one-stop manual for defending the faith, this book re-centers Christian philosophy and apologetics on the supernatural. Discover what the Bible has to say about God’s ongoing revelation of Himself through Jesus and the miraculous power of God.
Knowing the Truth and The Witness of the Spirit s.v. 1 “Epistemology,” Merriam-Webster.com, (n.d.). https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/epistemology. 2 William Lane Craig, “Classical Apologetics,” in Five Views on Apologetics , ed."
Philosophy
Two experienced educators offer an up-to-date introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective that covers the four major areas of philosophical thought: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and ethics. Written from an analytic perspective, the book introduces key concepts and issues within the main areas of philosophical inquiry in a comprehensive yet accessible way, inviting readers on a quest for goodness, truth, and beauty that ultimately points to Jesus as the source of all.
But the real contribution of this book is the clarity and accessibility of its content. This is my first choice for anyone who wants a readable, solid introduction to Christian philosophy."
A Brief Guide to Ideas
A popular introduction to the history of Western religion and philosophy, this volume contains information on all familiar names in the fields as well as more obscure contributors to the broad scope of intellectual pursuit.
Counterpoints Five Views On Apologetics Steven B, Cowan, General Editor Everyone agrees on the end of apologetics— to persuasively answer honest objections that keep people from faith in Jesus Christ —but the means are still open to ..."
The Clarity of God's Existence
The Clarity of God's Existence examines the need for theistic proofs within historic Christicanity, and the challenges to these since the Enlightenment. Historically (and scripturally), Christianity has maintained that unbelief is inexcusable. If failing to know God is a sin, the immplication is that humans can and should know God. Humans should know God because his eternal power and divine nature are clearly revealed in the things that are made. And yet, Anderson argues, more time is spent on avoiding the need for clarity to establish inexcusability than on actually providing an argument or proof. Proofs that rely on Aristotle or Plato and that establish a Prime Mover or designer are thought to be sufficient. But the adequacy of these, not only to prove the God of theism, but also to prove anything at all, has been called into question by Enlightenment thinkers like David Hume. After considering the traditional proofs, and tracing the history of challenges to theistic proofs (from Hume to Kant and down to the twentieth century) Anderson argues that the standard methods of apologetics have failed to sufficiently respojnd. Classical Apologetics, Evidentialism, Presuppositionalism, Reformed Epistemology, and others fail to adequately answer the challenges of the Enlighenment. If this is the case, what is the outcome for Christianity? Anderson offers an explanation as to why traditional proofs have failed, and for what is necessary to offer a proof that not only responds to Hume and Kant but also establishes the clarity of God's existence. The traditional proofs failed precisely in not aiming at the clarity of God's existence, and They failed in this because of a faulty view of the goal of Christian life. If the blessed life is to be attained in a direct vision of God in heaven, then there is little to no reason to ask for more than the bare minimum required to get into heaven (justification). Furthermore, if the highest blessing is this direct vision, then the glory of God revealed in his work is considered as less important and even set aside. By way of contrast, if God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly revealed in his works, and the blessing comes in knowing God, then it is of the almost importance for Christianity to demonstrate the clarity of God's existence. "This is an exciting book that advances the status of philosophy of religion by analyzing and probing some fundamental issues in contemmporary philosophy and theology. The emphasis on clarity is, to me, new and fresh and provocative. I'm really surprised that the constellation of clarity, responsiblity, and inexcusability has not been examined in detail before."---Stephen Webb Wabash College
in Five Views on Apologetics , edited by Steven B. Cowan, 25. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000. Craig, William Lane and Walter Sinnott-Armstrong. God?: A Debate between a Christian and an Atheist."
The Harvest HandbookTM of Apologetics
"The Harvest Handbook of Apologetics is a rich and unparalleled resource. The writers here are among the best in this discipline and will add to your thinking in enriching ways." —Ravi Zacharias “This long-overdue volume is crucial to the next generation of missionaries and apologetic evangelists.” —Norman L. Geisler "Some of the most well-known scholars of our time. This is a must-read for anyone who seeks to share the gospel and defend the faith!” —Josh McDowell Do You Truly Understand Your Faith? Can You Defend It? Scripture calls every believer—including you—to be prepared to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15)? From the preacher to the churchgoer, the teacher to the student, The Harvest Handbook™of Apologetics is the comprehensive resource all believers need in a world full of uncertainty and relentless criticism. This collection of well-reasoned, Scripture-based essays comes from respected Christian apologists and Bible scholars, including... Norman L. Geisler Josh McDowell Gary R. Habermas Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Ron Rhodes Edwin M. Yamauchi John Warwick Montgomery William A. Dembski Randy Alcorn Stephen C. Meyer Randall Price Ed Hindson What is the evidence for Jesus's existence? How can you address the seeming contradictions in the Bible? How can you best explain the relationship between science and faith? You'll discover concise and convincing responses to these questions and many more. Defending your faith is a lifelong quest, and this handbook is the perfect guide to help you skillfully answer the topics people ask about. Prepare to "contend for the faith" you call your own (Jude 3)—and become equipped to evangelize with wisdom and passion.
For more discussion of these newer perspectives, see Steven B. Cowan, ed., Five Views on Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000), 15-20, and the review on Five Views on Apologetics at Apologetics Index, ..."
The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics
"A must-read for anyone who seeks to share the gospel and defend the faith!” —Josh McDowell “Crucial to the next generation of missionaries and apologetic evangelists.” —Norman L. Geisler In a postmodern, post-truth society, how can we be certain our faith is based on more than our feelings? And how do we answer the complex questions about Christianity posed by skeptics and searchers alike? The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics challenges you to understand and defend the tenets of your faith. This informative resource covers topics spanning from the evidence for the Bible’s reliability, to the relationship between science and faith, to the comparisons between Christianity and other worldviews. The many contributors to this volume include respected apologists and Bible scholars such as… Norman L. Geisler Josh McDowell Gary R. Habermas Walter C. Kaiser Jr. Ron Rhodes Edwin M. Yamauchi John Warwick Montgomery William A. Dembski Randy Alcorn Stephen C. Meyer Randall Price Ed Hindson Essential reading for every Christian, The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to testify for your faith with compassion, intention, and Christlike wisdom.
For more discussion of these newer perspectives, see Steven B. Cowan, ed., Five Views on Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000), 15-20, and the review on Five Views on Apologetics at Apologetics Index, ..."
The Beauty of the Faith
Nearly everyone finds beauty compelling, so Christian apologists should devise ways to present an "aesthetic Christian apologetic." Nearly all apologists admit that the beauty of a life well lived and the beauty of the Christian community (along with the use of media and the arts) are not only helpful for apologetics but essential in a postmodern culture. In fact, it is frustrating to see how many apologists mention the need for such an approach but go on devoting most of their energies to traditional approaches. This book is different. It clearly shows the pros and cons of traditional approaches and offers a fresh perspective as well, arguing that beauty is the most compelling apologetic, and suggesting ways to implement such an approach. It demonstrates how Western culture arrived in its current unfortunate situation and uses both Scripture and figures like Athenagoras and Jonathan Edwards to challenge current views on apologetics.
apologetic . Methods. A. Critique. iNTRoDuCTioN To The FiVe VieWS . Numerous. apologetic methods exist. at least five , however, are common in contemporary Christianity: classical, evidential, cumulative case, presuppositional, ..."
The Layman's Manual on Christian Apologetics
Modern Christians have been bombarded by objections launched against the Christian faith from popular secular authors, bloggers, and stars from the entertainment industry. The church is quickly beginning to acknowledge the need for apologetics due to the number of youth and adults alike leaving the faith. But how does one respond to these objections? For the laity of the church, this is especially difficult, as many are left without the proper training to know how to answer these objections. In The Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, the essentials of apologetics are taken from the ivory towers of academia and are made available to those who have not obtained seminary training or for those thinking about attending seminary. In this book, three major areas of apologetics are covered. The first unit engages the nature of truth and what can be known. The second unit deals with the existence of God and issues involving God’s existence. The last unit tackles historical objections to the resurrection of Jesus and early Christianity. The Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics delivers heavy apologetic issues with the laity in mind and blends in personal illustrations to make the material applicable.
Bridging the Essentials of Apologetics from the Ivory Tower to the Everyday Christian Brian G. Chilton ... In the book Five Views on Apologetics ,6 five different approaches to apologetics, as the name implies are described."
Building Belief
Take a journey from doubt to belief It can be hard to share your faith with others, especially when people can't agree on whether there is even any actual truth. With that in mind, Chad Meister has developed a simple, logical way for you to help others move past relativism to a place where Christian belief makes sense: the Apologetics Pyramid. In Building Belief, Meister leads you up each step of the pyramid, beginning where many find themselves today--doubting if anything is really true. From there, he powerfully builds a case for absolute truth, the existence of God, universal morals and values, the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible, the resurrection of Christ, and ultimately, the good news that Jesus is the Son of God who offers salvation to the world. "Join Chad Meister in this concise, clear, and compelling book as he builds a persuasive case for the truth of Christianity."--Lee Strobel, author, The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith "An excellent book to lead earnest enquirers from doubt to conviction about the basic truths of the Christian faith."--Norman L. Geisler, dean, Southern Evangelical Seminary and Bible College "Chad Meister is a force to be reckoned with, and this delightful little book is a timely resource to be studied by Christians and given to non-Christians."--J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology; author, Love Your God with All Your Mind "Building Belief is thoughtful, fresh, and full of personal and practical illustrations. Meister strikes just the right balance, providing a model for how apologetics ought to be done."--Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach AtlanticUniversity "Meister offers both the tools and the method for making discussions with skeptics more fruitful."--Jay W. Richards, research fellow, Acton Institute; coauthor, The Privileged Planet
"--Norman L. Geisler, dean, Southern Evangelical Seminary and Bible College "Chad Meister is a force to be reckoned with, and this delightful little book is a timely resource to be studied by Christians and given to non-Christians."
Christian Apologetics
The Christian faith offers people hope. But how can we know that Christianity is true? How can Christians confidently present their beliefs in the face of doubts and competing views? In this second edition of a landmark apologetics text, Douglas Groothuis makes a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism, addressing the most common questions and objections raised regarding Christianity.
“Classical Apologetics .” In Five Views of Apologetics , edited by Steve Cowan. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. DeWeese, Garrett. “Toward a Robust Natural Theology: Reply to Paul Moser.” Philosophia Christi 3, no. 1 (2001): 113-18."
Apologetic Opportunism
In Steven Cowan's introduction to Five Views on Apologetics , he throws up his hands at the untenable nature at Ramm's method and decides, wisely, to go where the debates are raging among the advocates among the methods.6 e five main ..."
Chesterton, the New Atheism, and an Apologetics of Common Sense
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) defended the Christian and Roman Catholic faith. His apologetic work was highly regarded in his own day and has continued to inspire other thinkers ever since. This study investigates whether his apologetics is still valuable today. It explores its value as the basis of an apologetic response to the new atheism, a popular contemporary movement that is highly critical of religion. The author appeals in particular to Chesterton's understanding of common sense. For Chesterton, common sense is a way of thinking that calls us to see things as they are. Satisfying common sense leads to a worldview that is more plausible than a worldview that is not in line with common sense. This study compares the rival worldviews of the new atheism and Christianity and argues that the Christian worldview is more in line with common sense and is, therefore, more plausible.
Classical Apologetics The most common approach of apologetics is classical apologetics.2 This approach is not only the ... I call this approach “classical apologetics,” based on STEVEN B. COWAN , ed., Five Views on Apologetics (Grand ..."
How to Defend the Christian Faith
The first book on Christian apologetics written by a leading atheist figure that teaches Christians the best and worst arguments for defending their faith against attack The Christian faith has been vigorously defended with a variety of philosophical, historical, and theological arguments, but many of the arguments that worked in an earlier age no longer resonate in today's educated West. Where has apologetics gone wrong? What is the best response to the growing challenge presented by scientific discovery and naturalistic thought? Unlike every work on Christian apologetics that has come before, How to Defend the Christian Faith is the first one written by an atheist for Christians. As a former Christian defender who is now a leading atheist thinker, John Loftus answers these questions and more. He shows readers why Christian apologists have failed to reach the intelligent nonbeliever and offers practical advice for Christians, whether they want to better defend their faith against atheist arguments, or actively convert more individuals to Christianity.
Gary Habermas, “Evidential Apologetics ,” in Five Views of Apologetics , ed. Steven B. Cowan (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000), p. 92. 16. Feinberg, Can You Believe It's True?, p. 34. He does think, however, that an apologist in today's ..."
Apologetics and Rhetoric:
Dr. Eves has given ministers and others who “preach the Word” an excellent book which can revitalize their preaching. His book gives practical pointers on how to give sermons that are biblically exegetical, presented with forceful logic, and given in effective style. This book will help both the preacher that has not had extensive education as well as the seminary grad who has been out for a few years and who may have quietly drifted into good patterns, but which with a little prodding could climb to the next level of effectiveness. Is your preaching in a rut, or do you sound the same Sunday after Sunday? Or perhaps you are already very effective for the Lord? In any case, this book may be just the tonic to give your preaching a new biblical fervor. I recommend this book as a “tune up” for all ministers who love the Lord and who seek to be as effective as they can be—touching the Bible and touching hearts through the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Col. Gary Cohen, ThD, LittD, DD
Stanley N. Gundry & Steven B. Cowan, Five Views on Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000), 8. John M. Frame. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1987), 124. R. C. Sproul et al."
Reformed theology today: Practical-theological, missiological and ethical perspectives
his book is unique and of great importance for theologians from diverse traditions but who all share the relevance of the academic Reformed discourse. The book focuses on, and forms part of celebrating 500 years since the start of the Reformation during the 16th century. Its purpose is to commemorate the quincentenary anniversary of the Reformation in Europe and to indicate the way in which the rich legacy of this important period in the history of the church and society still influences globally the theological landscape in the fields of Practical Theology, Missiology and Ethics. Specific attention is given to the manner in which the core principles of the Reformation can be utilised for these disciplines and applied in a contemporary context. The Reformation changed the ecclesiastical landscape of the day and still provides the benchmark for theological principles and praxis in many Protestant denominations. This book illustrates and underscores the practical-theological legacy and importance of the Reformation for church and society. The collected works by various theologians reflect on the impact of Reformed Theology on their respective fields of expertise. The original research is based on literature studies and has not been published previously in any form. Its aim is to stimulate discourse in Theology and related disciplines. Although the chapters represent different perspectives, the collective aim is to propose the vast impact of the Reformational views as they relate to the current context. The target audience is Reformed theologians. This book focuses on ways in which the legacy of the Reformation addresses practical and relevant issues for 21st-century believers, scholars and churches. It explores inter alia important homiletical and liturgical aspects of the Reformation and contemplates the importance of continual reformation in this regard. Furthermore, it discusses a Reformed approach to apologetics, evaluates the driving forces behind the Reformation of the 16th century and its relevance to missions today as well as examines the sola Scriptura principle of the Reformation and provides a critical perspective on Prosperity Theology. Several pastoral themes take centre stage before various aspects of xenophobia and civil prejudice are being investigated – both being very relevant topics throughout the world today. The book also focuses on hermeneutics and ethics in a quest for a biblical ethical approach as well as congregational hymns in the Reformed churches of South Africa today. The research outcomes are relevant not only for the South African context, but also globally.
Beilby, J.K., 2011, Thinking about Christian apologetics. ... An attempt to combine the Vantillian method of apologetics with reformational philosophy', MA dissertation, ... 2000, Five views on apologetics , Zondervan, Grand Rapids."
Renewal Apologetics
Why do you believe in God? Why do you believe in the Bible? Why do you believe in miracles? These are questions that Christians are often asked by sceptics. The field of apologetics attempts to provide rational answers to these and other questions. Unfortunately, apologetical answers to these questions are often abstract and philosophical. However, the Christian apologist/evangelist has a much more powerful argument in their arsenal: the argument from miracles. Miracles are the original Christian apologetic. It was through the witnessing of miracles that Christianity was originally spread. By applying modern tools of philosophical inquiry and scientific methodology, Wilson is able to establish a core set of miracles which defy naturalistic explanations and strongly point toward occurrences of Special Divine Action (SDA). However, once these occurrences are proven to be genuine miracles, several questions remain. Why does God sometimes perform miracles? Why does he often answer no? How do these random acts fit into his overall plans of redemption? By answering these and other questions, Wilson develops a comprehensive apologetic for both Christianity in general and the Renewal Movement in particular.
Proponents of this approach see the two-step approach as vital to the Christian apologetic: “As Sproul, Gerstner, and Lindsley argue, “Miracles cannot prove God. God, as a matter of fact, ... Cowan, Five Views on Apologetics , loc."
Apologetics after Lindbeck
Postmodern challenges to the reliability of Christian belief have left many pastors and theologians wondering whether Christian belief should be rationally defended at all. Gibbs investigates this possibility by a case study of postmodern theologian George Lindbeck. Lindbeck's modern classic, The Nature of Doctrine, is a prime example of theology that is both faithful to the church and highly critical of modern conceptions of faith and reason. Gibbs's careful analysis of Lindbeck shows a way forward that embraces Christian apologetics, while transforming it to answer postmodern criticisms of modern apologetics. The result is a sure confidence that the truth of Christian belief is reasonable, even if not able to be proven. Not only is Christian truth shown reliable, Gibbs argues that apologists can and should defend the reliability of the Christian narrative as the most beautiful and good account of the world as well. Apologetics after Lindbeck is a transformation of apologetics that calls the church to faithfully form Christians who can tell a beautiful, good, and true story of the grace of Jesus Christ.
“A classical Apologist's response.” in Five Views on Apologetics , edited by steven b. cowan, 232–35. grand rapids: Zondervan, 2000. davidson, donald. Inquiries Into Truth and Interpretation. 2nd ed. new York: oxford University press, ..."
The Unified Operations of the Human Soul
This book endeavors to examine and critically assess the theological anthropology of Jonathan Edwards with a view to considering how this anthropology coheres with his apologetic methodology. Specifically, the question has been raised whether Edwards' doctrine of man is consistent with the picture painted of Jonathan Edwards by John Gerstner that he was the epitome of the classical apologist. It is argued that Edwards practiced an eclectic apologetic sans apologetic self-awareness. In other words, Edwards was a child of his training and time.
Jonathan Edwards's Theological Anthropology and Apologetic Jeffrey C. Waddington ... the uniqueness of the experience of faith.120 steve Cowan in his Five Views on Apologetics of- fers a similar classification of apologetic strategies, ..."
Seeing Good, Doing Evil
According to the Apostle Paul, what can be known about God--and by extension, about ethics--is plain to people, so we are "without excuse." Romans 1:18-21 teaches that we will be "without excuse" when God confronts us for whatever beliefs and actions seemed good to us on the day, but weren't. In our time, this notion has come to seem at least unpalatable, and more likely unbelievable. Michael D. Russell's book is an extended meditation on the possibilities in this Pauline statement and a concerted effort to enable us to understand and accept it. Situated in Reformed Protestant discussion of this matter, he offers some clarifying proposals. Maintaining all the while that whoever we are we are indeed without excuse, Michael proposes how to understand that conclusion without accepting some of the usual routes to it.
In Five Views on Apologetics , edited by Steven B. Cowan, 26–55. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. ———. “The Kurtz/Craig Debate: Is Goodness without God Good Enough?” In Is Goodness without God Good Enough? A Debate on Faith, Secularism, ..."
Faith Has Its Reasons
A most accessible but thoroughly practical primer on apologetics.
In sum, Geisler's analysis of the types of apologetic systems is essentially identical to ours. FIVE VIEWS ON APOLOGETICS Finally, we consider the analysis offered by Steven B. Cowan in a book he edited entitled Five Views on ..."
Something Worth Suffering For
Life is suffering. This is true for everyone to some degree, and it impacts us in every phase of life from birth to death. No one escapes unscathed. Many try to cope with this fact by avoiding suffering and discomfort as much as possible. Their lives revolve around the prevention of pain. But some, instead of hiding from suffering, find something worth suffering for. This book is about those people and that something. Something Worth Suffering For: The Ideas That Drive Crosstree Music explores the process of discovering and embracing that which gives meaning to even the worst of life’s hardships. It shows how doing so will: * Generate the courage to pursue things that matter * Produce a genuine care for others that leads to fulfillment * Provide depth to the most important relationship one can have * Reveal one’s place in a universal community of committed companions * And manifest hope in even the most hopeless of circumstances.
Frame, John M. Presuppositional Apologetics. Edited by Stanley N. Gundry. Kindle ed. Five Views on Apologetics . Edited by Steven B. Cowan. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. Reprint, 2010. Gaballa, Arwa and Ahmed Tolba."
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