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Subject:: Introduction To Integrated Christian Apologetics
Subject:: Introduction To Integrated Christian Apologetics
Introduction
While apologies or defenses of the Christian faith go all the way back to the first century, the
formal science of apologetics is a more recent development. In this chapter we will survey the
history of apologetics in three stages. First, we will discuss in some detail apologetics in the New
Testament itself. Second, we will give detailed attention to the thought of the leading apologists prior
to the Reformation, notably Augustine, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas. Third, we will present a more
cursory overview of apologetics from the Reformation to the present. In later chapters we will
consider the apologetic thought of several modern Christian thinkers in more detail.1
1. What is Apologetics?
The word "apologetics" confuses many into thinking that it refers to some kind of
apologizing. Actually this word is not derived from the English world "apology", but
From the Greek word "apologia", which is a word referring to "making a defense".
Apologetics is a general term, signifying a formal defense of any kind. On the other
Hand, Christian Apologetics is that branch of Christian theology that answers the
Question "is Christianity believable". Integrated Apologetics stands for the special
Approach developed by us in our course material where we integrate the best from
All schools of thought in Christian Apologetics.
In the past four centuries, all kinds of religious and spiritual beliefs have come
Under intense attack at the hands of radical philosophers and critics. Of this assault,
The Christian faith has received the major portion because of a number of historical
Reasons some of which will be mentioned later.
These criticisms against the Christian faith have received so much media coverage
That even a good number of well informed non Christians are aware of some of the
Major charges labeled against the Christian faith. Interestingly, books published
Against the Christian faith and sold from secular shops become bestsellers even in
Countries where the buyers are not Christians. This is the result of all this adverse
Publicity against the Christian faith. Today all around us there is an atmosphere where
Criticism of the Bible and related subjects is widespread. Most of the Christian
Students have to face these attacks from other students in some form or other.
It is quite common to meet Christian college-students who are perplexed by questions
That is hurled against their faith.
The volley of questions come with such high frequency that they find themselves at
A loss in answering even a portion of them all. Moreover, since most of them never
faced these questions before this assault, they usually do not know what to think
and what to answer. Further, they often fall into the trap of thinking that if they do
Not know the answer, and then correct or satisfactory answers do not exist.
Once a person erroneously concludes that answers do not exist for the questions
Raised against the Bible, his own faith is the next victim. His faith in the inspiration,
Authority and the infallibility of the Scriptures suffer very much. He then finds
Himself in a split mentality: he knows that it is these Scriptures which have brought
The message of true salvation to him, but at the same time he does not know what
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http://bible.org/seriespage/brief-history-apologetics
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All things written in this Book are believable!
Apologetics is the solution to this problem. A person who has some background in
The Christian apologetics can help this person to see the answers to the problems
And questions which he is facing. Further, a Christian Apologist can pass on
Information to the doubting person, using which he can better face the people who
Raise questions against the Bible. The last four to five centuries have been a time in
History when anti Christian philosophies and thought patterns have flourished to the
Full extent in Christian societies. Humanism, a philosophy in which man has been
Elevated to the position of God, is the philosophy of the present times.
It is the foundation of almost all the present-day ways of thinking and education.
Therefore, students who have been brought up in any of the present day schools or
Colleges learn many things which are contrary to the Word of God. By the time a
Person passes out of his college, he accumulates hundreds of such ideas against the
Christian faith. The cumulative weight of these ideas gives so much doubt to young
Believers that all over the world they are struggling to overcome problems of distrust
And doubt.
No individual can possibly solve each and every doubt that these people have, but
With the help of apologetics they can definitely help the people in doubt. An
Apologist can give answers to a good number of their problems, and can then teach
Them the basics of the humanistic philosophy. This will help the inquirers not only to
Overcome their doubts, but will also help them to see the root causes of the
Problems. This will also give them a capability to deal effectively with at least a
Good number of questions as they come to them in future.
There is no person in this world that does not face problems. Everyone faces
Puzzles, questions, and fears of different kinds. Such difficult situations will not go
Away merely by ignoring them or by pretending that they do not exist. Facing a
Problem is a difficult affair, and people do resort to tactics which avoid them instead
Of facing them. This can be seen frequently in relation to the Bible. The attacks
Against the Scriptures come from such diverse fields and sometimes from people of
Such high learning that it becomes difficult to answer all of them. No one can ever
Hope to master all the disciplines of study from which these questions are raised. It
Is precisely this difficulty which induces many people to avoid facing the issues? But
There is actually no need for doing this. Acquiring the basic tools of Christian
Apologetics will be sufficient to face most of the attacks.
No person can ever hope to answer all the questions that are put to him, but every
Christian should definitely know something about what godly men are doing in the
Field of Christian apologetics. Today the Christian society has numerous highly
Qualified and dedicated men belonging to all disciplines of study who are trying to
Answer each and every question that has been hurled against the Bible. No
Individual can face all of it, and it is natural for individuals to become fearful of
These attacks, but once a person realizes that so many people are working on these
Problems, then he can rest assured that it will not be long before the answer is
Published. In fact, today there are several thousand scholars around the world who
Are publishing their conclusions in defense of the Christian faith through hundreds
Of professional journals and popular magazines. They are accessible to anyone who
Is willing to take interest.
The Bible shall always be attacked, and there will always be people whose faith will
Be shaken by such attacks. Only the proper use of Christian Apologetics will help
Such people.
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We have already seen that Christian Apologetics is that branch of Christian studies
That deals with the defense of the Christian faith. This is fully a Biblical activity
Because it has been advised and demonstrated in the Bible at various places. For
Example, the Scripture commands: "Always be prepared to make defense to any
One who calls you to account for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15, RSV). This
Means that making a defense of one's faith to those who question the Christian
Faith is a part of our spiritual duty. The word "Apologetics" comes from the Greek
Word APOLOGIA used here, and translated as "defense". So apologetics is a
Defending of the faith, not making of apologies as some might wrongly conclude
From the English word 'apologetics'.
A good definition of the character and function of Christian apologetics can be found
In Scripture when it says: "We live in the flesh, of course, but the muscles that we
Fight with are not flesh. Our war is not fought with weapons of flesh, yet are strong
Enough, in God's cause, to demolish sophistries, and the arrogance that tries to
Resist the knowledge of God; every thought is our prisoner, captured to be brought
Into obedience to Christ"2 (II Corinthians 10:3-6, Phillips)
Almost the entire book of Job is an apologetics to justify God's dealings with man. In
The face of opposition from his friends and family, Job tries to vindicate the reasons
For his loyalty and confidence in the Lord. He makes it very clear that the Lord of
Israel was not like the gods of pagans around them; rather, He is a faithful God
Who would never fail those who trust in Him?
Psalms 14 and 19 are also apologetic in character.3 Romans 1:20 confirms this when
It says that the marvels of the nature are enough to indicate the existence of an
Intelligent and all powerful God. The message which the Holy Spirit delivered
Through Paul in Acts 17 is another example where an apologetic approach is used to
Preach the gospel to skeptical unbelievers.
a. APOLOGETIC APPROACHES IN THE BIBLE: Though the Bible places great stress Upon
faith and belief, and though it condemns deliberate skepticism and unbelief, it
Does not speak against reason and investigation. The Bible encourages the use of
Reason and investigation when they are done sincerely and as an aid to honest
Inquiry. Both the Old as well as the New Testament furnish ample evidence of this.
What's more, God Himself gives evidence in numerous places to lead people into
Faith. When God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh, He gave two signs to Moses so that
He could establish that it is God who sent Him. Whether Pharaoh believed or not is
A different subject, but we should not ignore that God provided demonstration when
Pharaoh asked for it. We see the same thing in the case of Gideon who twice
Requested for signs, and was granted the request both the times. We see the same
In the case of Hezekiah who was given a choice of signs to confirm that the Lord
Has spoken4 (1 Kings 20:5-12).
When Daniel and his friends spoke to the man who was in-charge over them, he
Suggested that this steward should "prove" (investigate and conclude) them for ten
Days. Again this is the experimental approach, where a decision is taken on the
Basis of investigation.
Jesus and his biographers repeatedly stressed that the primary purpose of the
Miracles performed by Jesus were to demonstrate who He was, and not merely to
Bring health to the world. In many other places the Scripture stress that
The miracles in the New Testament church were meant to ATTEST that God was
Behind all these things. Though Jesus chided "doubting Thomas" for his skepticism,
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1 Peter 3:15, RSV.
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Romans 1:20
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1 Kings 20:5-12
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He did not refuse to give proof. Rather, He invited Thomas and even other disciples
To examine Him physically and conclude that He is risen.
Thus the Bible furnishes ample examples to indicate the necessity and the
Important role played by apologetics for the Christians as well as non Christian
Hearers of God's message. Though the Bible condemns unbelief, it encourages
Sincere inquiry. And that is where Apologetics plays an important role.
Many people have this misunderstanding that Christian Apologetics and Polemics
Are subjects of recent origin? Nothing could be farther from truth. Biblical
Apologetics and Polemics are as old as the Bible itself is. Both the Old as well as the
New Testament gives us ample evidence of this.
3.1 APOLOGETICS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: Attacks against the Word of God
Started as early as in the Old Testament period. Within the Old Testament record
We can see many people who questioned whether the God of the Israelites is the
True God and we notice that in many cases God provided them suitable answers
And demonstrations. Some of these proofs have been mentioned on the previous
Pages of this book, thus a repetition are not needed.
It must be added, however, that the listing from the Old Testament given above is
Only a sample. The actual number of apologetic passages and incidents in the Old
Testament is too numerous to be listed here in this book.
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3.2 APOLOGETICS AMONG JEWISH FATHERS: The Jewish Fathers and Leaders had
To face much opposition from the pagans because the Bible emphasizes many
Things which are resented by the Pagans. For example, right from Genesis, the
Bible teaches that man is a sinner, totally depraved, and unable to save himself.
Grace is the only means available for salvation. This irritated and irked the pagans
Who had a Universalist theology.
Universalism teaches the salvation of everyone in the world irrespective of his
Religion. No exclusiveness of doctrines and practices is accepted by them. Thus it
Was natural for the Universalist pagans in Old Testament times to attack the Bible.
Though writing materials were not in abundance at that time, many of these critics
Of the Bible produced large numbers of books to attack the Old Testament. History
Is our witness that people who attacked the Bible always got great reception from
People, and consequently these critics were able to spread their messages very
Wide. Many of the Jewish Rabbis and scholars wrote countless volumes to counter
The charges brought by these critics. One of the best known Jewish apologetic
works is Contra Apion, written by the first century Army officer and historian
Flavious Josephus. This book is easily available today in many Seminary libraries as
Part of the Complete Works of Josephus. Archaeologists have discovered numerous
Other Jewish apologetic works also.
3.3 APOLOGETICS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: With the establishment of the New
Testament Church came a new breed of heretics and critics. This was partially
Because of the extended influence of pagan philosophies coupled with easy
Availability of writing materials. The rise of professionals called "scribes" also made
It possible for writings to be copied rapidly and economically. Thus these heretics
Were able to make their voice heard widely.
Another reason for the rise of critics, heretics and heretical movements was the
New Testament itself. Till the book of Malachi, doctrinal subject were taught
Indirectly and often in a veiled manner. However, in New Testament doctrines
Related to man's sin, total depravity, salvation by grace alone and faith alone, etc.
Were proclaimed more clearly. All the unique Biblical doctrines received clearer
Explanation and exposition in the New Testament. This made a lot of people
Uncomfortable.
As long as the divine message was partially veiled, these critics did not worry much.
But clear proclamation to the Biblical message exposed their errors, biases, and
Prejudices clearly. No longer could they maintain their Universalism, Humanism,
Accommodations, etc. No longer could they maintain their brand of theology,
Seeing that now the fundamental tenets of biblical theology were spelled out
Clearly.
There were a large number of people who wanted to be called Christians, but who
Did not want to accept these biblical doctrines. Many of them were converts from
Various kinds of heathen faiths. They did not want to abandon their loyalty to the
Philosophies and theologies which they had believed before coming to the Church.
Further, many of them loved the freedom for sensuality that was offered by their
Previously believed pagan philosophies. Thus using all their literary and theological
Skill they tried to popularize their varieties of perverted teachings. The main aim
Was self-justification.
Thus there were Judizers who created problems in Galatia and other places. The
Epistle to Galatians is a refutation of their teachings. There were Gnostics who
Tried to synthesize Christian theology with occult philosophies. The Epistle To
Colossians is an apologetic against them. The Epistle to Hebrews is an apologetic
Against another heresy. Jude had to remind his readers to contend for the faith
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Against those who would like to distort the Christian message. Peter had to warn his
Readers against those who mocked at statements in portions of the New Testament,
And so on. Thus throughout the New Testament documents we notice the
Opposition of scornful people and heretics at distorting biblical truths. Instead of
Ignoring them, the New Testament writers wrote extensively to expose error, to
Condemn it, and also to establish truth.
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Church prevented them from expressing themselves. Thus when the Reformation
Gave them the freedom coveted by all thinkers, they came out in torrents against
The Church. Since most bitter people did not understand the difference between the Roman
Catholic Church, the true church of Christ, and the Christ of the Bible, they opposed
And rejected all of these things simultaneously. It was a case of throwing away the
Baby with the bath-water. This rejection of Christianity was coupled with the rise of
A host of anti-Christian thinkers, philosophies, and movements. By the time the
Nineteenth century arrived, the number of such anti-Christian people and
Movements became simply mind boggling. What united them all was their
Opposition to the Bible and Christianity.
However, since the idea of creation was widely accepted by the masses (including
Most of the educated people), it was difficult for them to overthrow the authority of
The Bible. They were convinced that only a rejection of the Bible would solve the
Problem. By the middle of the nineteenth century there was a preparation of hearts
And an expectation in the air that Christianity can now be challenged. But the
Crucial factor which could do this was nowhere in sight.
The Theory of Evolution was there already, but it was there only in philosophical
Form. The rise of modern science had convinced them that even the best
Philosophical speculation has no feet to stand upon till it is given a scientific basis.
It was just this time when Charles Darwin proposed his Theory of Evolution. For the
First time someone was able to propose this hypothesis in the form of a theory of
SCIENCE! That was the reason why all of these dissenting movements eagerly and
Immediately swallowed Darwin's theory and he became a hero overnight.
Things changed rapidly and this theory took theology also into its influence by the
Close of the nineteenth century. The same was the period when infidels with
Degrees in theology were coming into positions of power in German universities.
Some of these European and American evolutionists soon persuaded some
Theologians, especially in Germany, that evolution are a fact. A few of these
Theologians then began persuading other theologians and seminary teachers that
Now Christians must now accept evolution as a fact. The bolder theologians among
Them even started teaching that portions of the Bible that deal with this record of
Creation should be abandoned altogether. Germany provided an ideal ground for
Breeding these thinkers because German theological institutes are controlled and
Funded by government money. Government is interested only in academic degrees,
Not in whether a person is born again and committed to the Bible.
Uncommitted radical German theologians had plenty of degrees, but not Christ in
Their hearts. Thus they began to act as mercenaries, destroying belief in the Bible.
Having a clear agenda to destroy belief in the Bible, they aimed at destroying the
Foundations of Christianity first. Further, since Government funding was liberal, they
Had the financial muscle-power to print and spread their ideas worldwide. This is
How the German atheists (though they called themselves Christians) were able to
Influence the entire world through their theology.
However, not everyone was willing to write off the Bible completely. Many were
Interested more in keeping both the beliefs together. Acceptance of evolution would
Make them respectable in the eyes of theological infidels, but at the same time
Acceptance of creation would keep them in the confines of evangelical Christianity.
Thus began an era of compromises. This is the era when compromise
Interpretations of Genesis came into vogue. Many of these interpretations became
Widespread, partially through the influence of Scoffield, and partially through the
Influence of compromising seminaries.
Compromise is never good for truth, because it is truth that suffers most when it is
Mixed with falsehood. Thus this mingling of evolution with creation eventually
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Destroyed the Biblical foundations to such a level that radicals, humanists,
Evolutionists, rationalists, and atheists had a field day attacking Christians. Things
Came to such alarming state that in the first half of the twentieth century it was
Difficult to find qualified theologians in USA or Europe who would openly defend the
Biblical story of creation. Since the Indian evangelical theology was mostly a copy
Of the Western theology, the Indian theologians also avoided defending the Biblical
Doctrine of Creation.
A few American Seventh Day Adventists were the only people who were willing to
Defend the idea of creation during this period. However, there was a small remnant
In some conservative churches in USA who were willing to take a strong stand. In
The first decade of the twentieth century they produced 12 volumes of books known
As "The Fundamentals". While only a minority of scholars at that time identified
They with the stand taken in these books, their influence eventually helped to
Turn the tide in favor of the Bible.
American evangelical Christians have began to notice in the fifties that compromise
Is a slow poison that ultimately destroys respect for truth? Some of them came
Together and started writing aggressively on themes defending the historical and
Scientific reliability of the Bible. This gave birth to the modern interest in
Apologetics and Creationism. At the dawn of the twenty-first century the influence
Of this revival has spread all over the world, and today more than one hundred and
Fifty organizations function around the world, devoted solely to apologetics. Their
Influence has be so strong that a large number of Seminaries all around the world
Have begun assert the historical and scientific reliability of the Bible.
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1970. It functioned mainly through the publication of articles, and by the time of
The writing of this present book more than 1500 articles have been published in
More than 6 languages in almost a dozen countries around the world. This
Movement is now known as Calvin School of Apologetics And Theology, and it
Offers full-length courses in creationism and apologetics.
At the time that Calvin School's predecessor was founded in 1970, almost no
Standard Christian magazine in India was willing to publish articles defending
Inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. Nor were any Bible seminaries willing to teach
These subjects. However, three decades of crusading by Calvin School has given
Rise to a significant movement in India for the defense of faith.
Another person who played a significant role in Christian Apologetics is Dr. Johnson
George. Born in Kerala and brought up in MP, he became fluent in more than one
Language. Thus his writings on apologetical themes in several languages have had a
Wide impact. Others who played a role in Apologetics would include Dr.
Ezhamkulam Samkutty, J. C. Dev, E. S. Thomas, and Paul K. Ramakrishnan. Their
Apologetic writing ministries being in Malayalam, the spread of the articles remain
Limited to Kerala.
An apologetics organization that entered India recently is RZIM, founded originally
In the USA by Dr. Ravi Zacharias. This society conducts training programmers all
Over India. Their stand is highly biblical except on creation where they teach the
Compromise-doctrine of day-age theory or even the gap theory. Their work tends to
Be more polemical and rhetorical than analytic.
4. GAINS OF MODERN APOLOGETICS: The last half of the nineteenth century and
The first half of the twentieth century were times when most of the well-known
Christian seminaries, journals, and publishing houses compromised with
Evolutionism and rationalism. This created such skepticism in the minds of the
Average Christian that very few found the courage to take a public stand to defend
The Bible or their faith. Ultimately all this left Christian believers (specially the young ones) in a
very sorry state in the rationalism-dominated times. This was one reason why Christians did
Not have the courage to oppose the anti biblical, anti social, and anti morality
Movements of the forties and fifties, which culminated in the acceptance of the
Open immorality in the sixties in the USA. This immorality eventually invaded India
Also. However, with the birth of the modern creationism and apologetics, a revival set in
Motion among the evangelical Christians. This group became quite vocal and
Aggressive in the sixties and by seventies they started exerting significant
Influence among theologians, thinkers, and the Bible teachers all over the world.
Thousands of apologetic books, hundreds of magazines, and tens of thousands of
Articles have been produced defending the Bible since. In turn, this has started to
Diminish the influence of rationalists and radicals on Christens.
From the middle of the nineteenth to the middle of the twentieth century the
Rationalists had their heyday, snatching away millions of young people from their
Christian faith and commitment. The wounds of this loss can been seen in
Christendom even today, but at the same time this loss has been greatly minimized
Now because of the work of Christian apologists.
Today anyone desiring to know about the Bible, and its connection with science,
Evolution, history, archaeology, has read any number of books on this topic.
Literally thousands of titles are available, and he can choose anywhere from the
Most simple books to the most technically advanced ones.
Thus the modern apologetics movement has been able to arrest the way in which
Rationalists have been bleeding the Christian church. What is more, this movement?
Has been able to restore a lot of doubting people to strong faith. At the same time it
Has been able to strengthen the faith of many believers who wanted to know what
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The truth is in all this conflict.
Chapter 2
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Christian Apologetics is a constantly developing subject, with each day's arguments
Becoming more and more powerful than the previous days. In a fast expanding
Subject like this, people can often forget or overlook the role played by that subject.
This is especially apparent in Christian Apologetics.
Thus four different ways of thinking can be seen from time to time about Christian
Apologetics, not all of them valid or biblically sound. These are:
3.1 SKEPTICISM: Despite the widespread acceptance of apologetics, there is a small
Group of people who are totally skeptical of Christian apologetics. They do not see
Any value in apologetics, and even oppose the defense of Christian faith.
Most skeptics are people who avoid grappling with real-life problems. Further, they
Totally overlook the numerous passages in the Bible itself which encourage
Apologetic activity. This group is only a microscopic minority in Christendom, and
Have no serious thinkers or theologians advocating it.
3.2 CHRISTIAN RATIONALISM: According to this view, reason can completely
Demonstrate or prove the validity of the Christian position. Thus all what is needed
Is to place a comprehensive set of arguments in favor of the Bible in front of a
Person and he would be able to see the truth. However, everyone knows that
Things are not as optimistic as this viewpoint maintains.
Christian Rationalism places too much trust in the capacity of the human
Intelligence/intellect in perceiving and recognizing truth. They have such faith in the
Wisdom of the fallen man that they often exclude the need or role of the Holy Spirit
In illuminating the fallen and sinful human beings. Though very interesting, this
Viewpoint has never been widely accepted among Christian apologists.
3.3 LOGICAL CHRISTIANITY: According to this view, reason is the starting point of
Everything, and thus it goes a long way forward to the discovery of spiritual truth;
The last steps of this process are taken by faith. This viewpoint is more Biblical than
The first two, but it is still not fully correct.
Some proponents of the Logical Christianity view have gone to the extreme of
Claiming that since God can be known and understood through natural revelation
Alone, there is no need at all for the Bible. Christian Apologists have never/widely
Accepted this viewpoint.
3.4 REASON DEFINITELY AIDS FAITH: This is the most widely held view among
Evangelical and fundamentalist scholars. According to it, faith is the starting-point
Of everything in the Christian faith; once faith is established, it can be shown to be
Consistent with truth and reason. This is a viewpoint which is Biblically tenable and
Acceptable and it will form the backbone of this series of studies on apologetics.
Thus the evangelical Christian apologist uses apologetics, not to create faith but to
Aid the creation and maintenance of faith. Even for this task he depends upon the
Role played by God the Holy Spirit in helping communicate the message to people.
The recipients also need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand and accept the
Message.
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Which the Christian faith stands. However, Christian Apologetics is not an activity
Directed towards the Bible. In other words, the purpose of Christian Apologetics is
Not to defend the Bible with the attitude as though it is a helpless book. Rather, it is
A manward operation meant to help those who are perplexed or distressed due to
Doubts. The Bible is defended to them, so that they might overcome the doubts that
They have. The Scriptures are quite capable of self-defense. It has stood assaults successfully
For four thousand years while the critics and their contentions have been passing
Away. Hence the purpose of apologetics is not to lend a helping hand to the
Scriptures, but to help the sincere inquirer. Thus the defense of the Bible is
Presented not for preserving the Scriptures but to preserve the faith of the inquirer.
This is what's meant by "man ward operation".
Understanding this man ward operation is necessary both for helping those who
Need apologetics and also for those who don't need it. Our churches have a lot of
People who never had a problem with their faith. They never doubted anything in
The Bible, nor did they have to face any attacks against their faith in Christ. Many of
These people can therefore become alarmed when they hear of "apologetics". They
Start thinking that the apologist is trying to defend the Bible for the sake of the
Bible -- to ESTABLISH that the Bible is the word of God.
Since these people almost never faced any serious challenges to their faith, and
Since they know that the Scriptures do not need to be defended by man, they tend
To become skeptical or hostile towards apologetics. Unless the apologist explains to
Them the man ward role, there is a possibility of them rejecting apologetics due to
Their ignorance. Thus, to put the apprehensive people at ease, the apologist himself should first
Understand the motive and aim of apologetics. Only this clear understanding will
Help him to employ the methods of apologetics with the proper motive and in the
Right manner to the right audience. He would understand that not every Christian is
His target. Only a person with this understanding will be able to put tense and
Skeptical, but God-fearing, Christians at ease.
4.2 APOLOGETICS HAS LIMITS: Since apologetics is a man ward operation, it can
Never be used to prove that the Bible is the word of God. The best that it can do in
This matter is to point to the unusual character of the Bible in matters of unity,
Accuracy, consistency, historicity and life-changing power. The rest is left to the
Inquirer. Accepting the Bible as God's word comes only by an act of faith in which
Apologetics can play a very supportive role.
Thus the purpose of apologetics is neither to establish the Bible as God's word, nor
To create faith in skeptical minds. Rather, its purpose is to aid a person to see that
The attacks brought up against the Bible are NOT valid. Once it is demonstrated
Those statements of the Bible and the facts of science do not conflict with each other,
The way is cleared for the sincere inquirer for making the leap of faith.
4.3 BARRIER REMOVAL IS THE PRIME TARGET: The purpose of apologetics is not
Creation of faith as much as it is to remove the barriers that hinder faith. Such a
Removal of hindering factors often helps sincere inquirers to take a leap of faith and
Accept the Lord Jesus as personal Savior. For others, who are already saved, the
Removal of barriers helps them to make a deeper commitment to Christ.
4.4 RATIONALIST DEMANDS MIGHT BE A BOON: Our rationalist age places a lot of
Demands before a statement is accepted as true. Many people think that this
Rationalism is sure to destroy the Bible. On the contrary, this is a blessing in
Disguise. Many demands placed by rational thinkers give us excellent standards
With which to evaluate our statements objectively.
Enough information and evidence exists today to show, using the more sound
Principles of rational thinking, that the Bible is a unique book. But no amount of
Evidence can force a person, claiming to be a rationalist, against his will to believe.
Even though the rational content of Christianity is fully logical, accurate, and
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Reliable, Christian Apologetics is not meant for these people. Apologetics is meant
For those sincere seekers who want to know how reliable the rational content of the
Bible is.
4.4 PROCLAMATION IS NOT TO BE MINIMIZED: The saving message of the Bible
Will bring much fruit whenever it is proclaimed -- even if there is much unbelief in
The air. Therefore the purpose of apologetics is not to establish the divinity of the
Bible first so that the gospel can follow. Unbelief will not change even if the most
Amazing proofs are presented. The purpose of apologetics is, therefore, to help that
Person who wants to abandon his unbelief that has been there due to his lingering
But sincere and honest doubts.
4.5 APOLOGETICS DEMANDS WILLING RECEPTION: Apologetics is not treatment
For deliberate unbelief. Rather, it is meant to serve as a cure for sincere doubts. It
Can work wonders when presented at the right time in the right manner for helping
Sincere inquirers.
There is no cure for unbelief except divine intervention. The best thing to do in such
Cases are to use the sword of the Spirit repetitively. It will discern and pierce the
Thoughts and intents of the heart. Apologetics, if needed, should be used only after
Such a breakthrough.
4.6 APOLOGETICS HELPS SEEKERS MOST: Apologetics has a definite value when one
Presents the gospel to unbelievers. Sincere and true seekers, whether from a
Christian or non Christian background, definitely have many doubts that hinder
Them from taking the leap of faith necessary to trust in Christ. Apologetics helps by
Removing these barriers.
However, the purpose of apologetics is not to prove the divinity of the Bible first, so
That the gospel could be presented on that basis. This would be only putting the
Cart before the horse. The gospel message works by its own power, and there is not
Need to convince the unbeliever of this power. At the same time, if he expresses his
Doubts, apologetics can be used to point to the uniqueness of the Scriptures. By
Doing so, the messages (the gospel and the defense) are placed in the proper
Sequence.
4.7 APOLOGETICS IS NOT SCIENTISM: Scientism is the belief that ultimately
Everything has to be explained with the help of science. This is a false belief.
Modern science has been developed only for studying matter energy. Thus
Nothing beyond matter or energy can be studied with the help of modern physical
Science. Thus the apologist recognizes that his aim is not to explain everything with
The help of science. Rather, he uses science where it is a scientific subject, history
Where it is a historical subject, logic where it is a logical subject, and so on. He also
Recognizes that in some places none of these subjects apply, but that the subject
Can be understood only with faith. In such places he emphasizes faith.
Practical Value Of
Studying Apologetics
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Suddenly meets them one fine day, there is a high possibility of shock, surprise, and
Even withdrawal.
On the other hand, if a person has at least some idea about the challenges coming
From all kinds of errant movements, then he will be better able to face them when
Such an occasion comes. Spiritual life is warfare, and a person who has studied
The enemy's tactics and terrains is better prepared for war than one who is
Ignorant.
Withdrawal from physical strain makes our bodies weak, while exercise and hard
Work makes our bodies strong. The same way, successfully facing the attacks
Against the Bible helps one's own faith to become stronger in the longer run.
2. BETTER ABILITY TO COMBAT: The way in which the Christian faith has been
Attacked has changed from generation to generation. Some arguments come back
To force in every generation while some are affective only in a certain period of
History. At the same time, answers to these questions have been becoming more
Exact, refined, and powerful. No person can now know the major lines of attack or
The appropriate answers without studying apologetics.
A formal and systematic study of apologetics gives not only sufficient background,
But also makes the person discerning as to which line of reasoning and answering is
Likely to have the greatest impact on the listeners.
3. ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE REFINED ENEMY TACTICS: Every generation of critics
Is bound to rise up some new objections. A person who lacks preparation or
Background might suddenly find himself at a loss of words, but a trained person
Might be able to hold the ground even if the attack comes in an completely
Unexpected manner.
Actually, all accusations fall into certain broad categories. A person who has a
Systematic introduction to apologetics will be able to see the question and
Immediately understand the category to which it belongs. He will therefore be able
To hold his ground without a sudden loss of words.
4. AID IN WITNESSING: In turn all of the above activities aid one's ability to
Witness powerfully for Christ. The resistance to the gospel from the rationalists has
Become very strong. (These days rationalists are found not only outside the Church
but also within it). They exert considerable influence upon young minds.
Thus the young people come to the gospel with many doubts that block them from
Taking a leap of faith. However, a person having some background in apologetics
Can help this young person when he puts forward his sincere doubts.
Among Christians there are some who do not take any interest and who do not give
Any encouragement to Christians interested in Apologetics. They do so not due to
Any fault of apologetics, but mainly due to their own misconceptions, and
Misunderstandings. Such people can be divided into six categories:
1-People who never had any doubts in these subjects.
2-People who never had to face questions and attacks from scornful people.
3-People who have indeed faced personal doubts and external attacks, but who
Have been running away from facing the challenge.
4-People who believe that the Bible does contain errors.
5-People who have lost sensitivity towards the pains and problems of others.
6-Pseudo Apologists who love prestige, but who have never mastered the subject.
1. THOSE WHO NEVER HAD DOUBTS: Of these five, people who have never faced
Any problems are fortunate, but they should not assume that others will have a
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Similar experience. Nor should they assume that others are having doubts because
They lack spiritual commitment. A healthy person should never feel proud against a
Sick one. The right Christian response would be sensitivity and sympathy.
2. THOSE WHO NEVER HAD TO FACE ATTACKS: People who never faced any
Attacks against their faith from friends, coworkers or the popular literature have no
Justification to assume that others are equally safe or insulated. In fact the majority
Of people among our young educated people face some sort or other of attack from
Their peers or contemporaries. Thus people need to be sensitive to their doubts,
Rather than ignoring their need for apologetics.
3. PEOPLE WHO FLEE (Escapists): People who have faced doubts and external
Attacks, but who are running away from it all is doing great harm to themselves
And also to others. Doubts and fears never decrease by avoiding them. These have
To be faced objectively and courageously. Those who run away never develop a
Balanced or whole spiritual life. The fear they are trying to hide will gradually eat up
Their mental peace.
4. PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN ERROR-PRONE BIBLE: Some people believe that the
Bible contains errors. They prefer diluting the historical and scientific accuracy of
The Bible. They want the best of both the worlds (which in itself might be a
Legitimate desire), and feel that the Bible should be diluted to achieve this goal
(Which is a wrong assessment)? Consequently many of them become quite hostile
When they spot anyone defending the Bible.
People who believe that the Bible contains errors become panicky when someone
Defends the Bible. Unfortunately, and unknown to many of us, there are plenty of
These people within the Christian world. They get annoyed when someone starts
Talking of a literal creation, historicity of the Bible, or anything that seems to imply
That the scriptures are beyond error. They are spiritual compromisers, and they will
Surely attack anyone who takes a non compromising attitude.
5. PEOPLE INSENSITIVE TO OTHERS: Some people become spiritually so
Insensitive to other believers that even the slightest mention by others of their
Spiritual problem or doubts provokes great anger, hostility and contempt from
Them. Since apologetics starts with the assumption that people can have problems
And difficulties in believing the Bible, any mention of this subject acts as a great
Provocation to insensitive people.
People who have become insensitive towards the needs and pains of others are
Never able to appreciate the problems faced by others. Most of such people live in
An artificial world of their own selfish creation, where they never have to be
Sensitive to the needs of others. Thus they become more and more hardened
Towards others who face real-world problems and dilemmas.
6. PSEUDO APOLOGISTS: The Christian world has many pseudo-apologists. Usually
These people have some qualification in the sciences or humanities, but very little
Training in apologetics. When faced with troubling questions, they use their own
Human knowledge to build up a private system of apologetics. Not having a
Background in theology or apologetics, and not having come in contact with
Christian apologists, their private system of apologetics might be quite deficient or
Even outright faulty. Yet due to non-contact with real bible-based apologetics, they
Continue to live happily with their own brand of apologetics in their world of
Ignorance. Many of them recognize this deficiency as soon as they hear the presentation of a
Trained apologist. Thus they feel quite threatened when they listen to apologists.
Instead of broadening their grasp of the subject by mutual interaction, they take
Recourse to attacking other apologists.
Of the six categories of people mentioned above, none has a valid biblical objection
Against the discipline of Christian Apologetics. Their objections and oppositions stem
From their personal prejudices and ignorances. Consequently, the apologist should
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Never worry about the opposition they put up. Rather, he should always expect
Some antagonism from them and try to use these to examine and refine further his
Presentation of the subject. People who believe that the Bible contains errors, who are insensitive to
others, and who would not like anything except their own private system of apologetics find
Their world collapsing when they see Christian Apologists in action. This is not a
Problem of theological origin. Rather, it is a personal problem that has no easy
Solution. Further, these people are not truth-seekers or sincere inquirers. Their aim
Is to impose their erroneous views upon others, and therefore their conversation is
Not marked for humility or the spirit of free, objective inquiry. Rather, their aim is
To impose their erroneous views upon others. Thus it is a waste of time arguing or
Discussing with them. The first three categories of people above might readily listen to
A good apologist if he is willing to explain the whole situation to them –
That a lot of genuine seekers are indeed struggling due to these questions, and
Also that they should not run away from their own doubts.
However, the last two categories (the compromisers and the spiritually insensitive people)
May not listen all that easily. One should be quite discerning when talking with them
Lest one end up wasting time and losing patience.
The Lord Jesus Himself provides a good example that proof seekers are not to be
Shunned. When doubting Thomas demanded proof of resurrection, the Lord did not
Refuse his request. Rather, at the appropriate occasion he Himself personally, and
With all compassion, invited Thomas to attempt his empirical verification.
The Lord did say that "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believe", but
Surely this was not a rebuke for doubt but only a comparison of insights that
Different people had about Lord Jesus. This becomes very clear in the light of what
The Lord Jesus did to other disciples even without their asking.
Most Bible readers overlook the fact that the Lord Himself was the first to offer
Empirical evidence to ALL the disciples, even without the disciples asking for it. The
Gospel says, "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and
See; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39).
Doubt about spirituals is common even among dedicated Christians. If such people
Are sincere, one should surely help them by emulating what the Lord did with
Thomas and the rest of the disciples.
Opposition to Apologetics
There are some Christians who are opposed to the very idea of apologetics. They do
This because of a number of reasons, some of which are as follows:
1. DISTRUST OF REASON: Some people oppose apologetics because they are
Completely distrustful of human reason in spiritual realm. According to them, faith
And reason is to be placed in totally separate compartments, having no role to
Play in each other's realm. For them, reason is for the natural world while faith is
Something for the spiritual world. However, such a view that compartmentalizes
Truth lacks coherence. The Christian approach to truth is an integrated one where
One has to accept that faith and reason do mix with each other in many realms of
Spiritual truth.
2. FEAR: Some people oppose apologetics because they find them selves ill equipped
To face the attacks. So instead of facing the problems, and instead of making a
Defense for the faith that is in them, they prefer to run away from it all. Since
Apologetics is a very difficult subject to study and master, running away from the
Reality is easier for them than facing it. However, cowardice is NOT the way of
Christian thought or practice.
Faith is the starting-point of Christianity, and once faith is established Christianity
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Can be shown to be consistent with truth and reason. There is May who will be
Strengthened in their faith if this consistency is shown to them, and it is the task of
The apologist to help every genuine inquirer.
3. WILLFUL BLIND OPPOSITION: Many people oppose Christian Apologetics due to
Their ignorance. Such people can be engaged in mutual conversation and a
Reasonable explanation will convince them that their opposition is ill founded.
However, some people oppose Christian Apologetics and Biblical Creationism
Willfully and due to their stubbornness. It is usually futile to waste time upon
Them. All serious apologists should expect some hostility. They should not waste their time
Either in worrying about the attack or in trying to counter the hostile parties. They
Should realize that a person willfully opposing apologetics is not a sincere inquirer.
Further, there is no medicine to cure willful opposition.
In summary, every apologist should expect intense hostility from some people, but
They should steer clear of them for the sake of their own effectiveness.
The purpose of Christian Apologetics is not winning debates, but establishing the
Truth. Our generation is known for lack of time for listening to prolonged debates,
Abounding with superficial people, and high on loaded words. In such milieu
Debating is NOT a good strategy for discussing spiritual truth. Thus the apologist
Should avoid debating in public, except in front of a mature crowd made up of a
Small number of seekers dominated by a true spirit of inquiry. Further, the other
Side of the debate should be presented by one or more persons who are not given
To loaded words or to ridicule. People who are given to scorn can manipulate the
Audience in such ways that they can turn the public against the apologist even
Though they have nothing of substance against him.
Also, even when the apologist delivers straight lectures in a non debating fashion,
Some of these people (from the audience) will try their best to engage him in
Face-to faces (speaker-to-audience) debates. Usually this will be a trap meant to
Discredit the apologist by subtle mockery. Apologists should develop practical
Strategies to foil their deceptive plans.
An apologist should never forget that a willful debater can very easily disturb his
Public presentation by resorting to mockery, sarcasm and other disturbing or
Distracting tactics. They should never be allowed to take control. The apologist
Should keep presenting his subject without allowing anyone with the spirit of
Mockery to dominate. Anything and everything they say destroys the serious mood
Of the audience, and once that is done the impact of even the best apologetic
Presentation can reduce to nothing.
Dr. Bishop Danilo O. Bantilan, Th.D., DRE, The founding President and overseer of Church
of Christ Brings Revival, International, Inc., and also he is the founding President and professor of
Asian Revival College of Theology, Inc., located at 3f Elipe Building, Elipe Park Carmen Cagayan
de Oro City 9000 Philippines. He is a professor of ARCT, locally and globally in the year 2008 at the
present. He was graduated in Bachelor of Theology Degree (B.Th) at Mindanao Bible College
Cagayan de Oro City, Master of Divinity (M.Div) Major in Church Planting, at Asian Theological
Seminary Manila, and he earned his Doctor of Theology (Th.D) Major in Christian Theology, at
Newburgh Theological Seminary in USA. Doctor of Religious Education, Trinity Graduate Study of
Apologetics and Theology. India.
For more information please Contact:
Visit our website:www.arcteduc7.com/ www.ccbrii.com
Email address: [email protected]/[email protected]
Cell. No. 09262869991 Tel. No. 088-3090966
References
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religion and makes it more accessible.
40. Guinness, Os. Fit Bodies, Fat Minds. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994. A
short by powerful assessment of anti-intellectualism in American
evangelicalism and what can be done about it.
41. Guinness, Os. God in the Dark. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1994. Classic
treatment of the problem of doubt in the Christian life. Originally published by
InterVarsity Press as In Two Minds.
42. Guinness, Os. Long Journey Home. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook, 2001.
A rare apologetics book oriented toward the person who has some inkling that
there is something more to life, but is not yet drawn to Christianity.
43. Guinness, Os. A Time for Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Short,
but cogent critique of the postmodern loss of truthfulness and a call to
restoration.
44. Habermas, Gary. The Historical Jesus. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1996.
Excellent on historical and extra-biblical evidence for Jesus.
45. Halverson, Dean, ed. Compact Guide to World Religions. Minneapolis, MN:
Bethany House Publishers, 1996. Excellent introductory exposition and
apologetic engagement on major religions. Supplemental apologetic material
also.
46. Henry, Carl F. H. God, Revelation, and Authority. 6 volumes. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Books, 1999. This monumental, erudite, and wide-ranging work of
philosophical theology covers many pertinent apologetic topics. Written by a
pivotal evangelical intellectual who helped spark and sustain modern
evangelicalism.
47. Jenkins, Philip. Hidden Gospels: How the Search for Jesus Lost Its Way.
Oxford University Press, 2001. A critical look at the impetus behind the
reconstructions of Jesus by liberal scholars. See my review in The Christian
Research Journal, on line at www.equip.org.
48. Johnson, Phillip E. Darwin on Trial, revised ed. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 1993. A penetrating critique of naturalistic theories of
macro-evolution on the basis of the logical and evidential problems with the
theory itself.
49. Johnson, Phillip E. Reason in the Balance: The Case Against Naturalism in
Science, Law, and Education. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995.
Traces the wider implications of naturalism and its philosophical problems. (I)
50. Johnson, Phillip E. Defeating Darwinism by Opening Minds. Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997. Simplified version of Darwin on Trial with an
emphasis on spotting logical problems in Darwinism.
51. Johnson, Phillip E. Objections Sustained. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 1998. Collection of essays on evolution and culture.
52. Johnson, Phillip E. The Wedge of Truth. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2000. Explains the rationale of the Intelligent Design Movement's
attempt to overthrow the domination of naturalism in modern science.
53. Keener, Craig and Glenn Usry. Defending Black Faith: Answers to Tough
Questions About African-American Christianity. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 1997. A follow-up volume to Black Man's Religion (see
below).
54. Kierkegaard, Soren. The Sickness Unto Death. Kierkegaard is not usually
considered an apologist, at least of the traditional sort. He was in some ways
a fideist. However, this masterful book gives a kind of psychological apologetic
for the Christian view of sin-an account that was pivotal in my own
conversion. This book read me in 1976.
55. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. Many editions. Good on the moral argument and
the deity of Jesus; weak on some theological points, such as the atonement.
Marvelously written, of course.
56.Lewis, C.S. The Abolition of Man. MacMillan, 1947. Brilliant attack on
relativistic naturalism.
57.Lewis, C.S. Miracles: A Preliminary Study. New York: MacMillan Publishing
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Co., Inc, 1978. A classic study of the supernaturalism of Christianity in
relation to naturalism and pantheism.
58. Lewis, C.S. God in the Dock. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1970). Superior
collection of essays, many related to apologetics. (I) See especially the essay,
"Christian Apologetics."
59. Lewis, Gordon. Testing Christianity's Truth Claims. University Press of
America, 1990. An excellent analysis of various modern apologetic
methodologies, with special emphasis on E. J. Carnell.
60. McGrath, Alister E. Intellectuals Don't Need God and Other Modern Myths.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1993. A generally helpful approach to modern
apologetics and much better than A Passion for Truth, which I critique in my
book, Truth Decay.
61. Montgomery, John Warwick. Faith Founded on Fact. 1978. Montgomery is one
of the leading evidentialist apologists with a long and distinguished career of
debates and publications. An excellent collection of essays.
62. Moreland, J.P. Love Your God With All Your Mind. Colorado Springs: NavPress,
1997. Excellent introduction to developing a Christian mind, with many
practical suggestions (about the church and personal spiritual disciplines) as
well as philosophical arguments.
Moreland, J.P. Christianity and the Nature of Science. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 1989. High-level work on the relationship of philosophy of science and
the Christian worldview. Excellent material on how the biblical view of creation
is not unscientific.
64. Morris, Thomas V., ed. God and the Philosophers: The Reconciliation of Faith
and Reason. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. Collection of essays by
leading philosophers, such as Arthur Holmes and George Mavrodes, who are
also theists (mostly Christians), which addresses the rationality of theism and
Christianity.
65. Murray, Michael J., ed. Reason for the Hope Within. Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 1999. Collection of essays on apologetics written by younger
Christian philosophers. Many of the essays tend to be a bit timid
apologetically, but it is encouraging and instructive to find Christian
philosophers early in their careers joining the apologetic cause. See my review
of his book at
http://www.denverseminary.edu/dj/articles2001/0400/0401.php.
66. Netland, Harold. Dissonant Voices: Christians and Religious Pluralism. Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1991. Excellent discussion of the teachings of major
world religions and how Christians should assess other religious worldviews
theologically and apologetically. Descriptively accurate on the nature and
teachings of religions as well as philosophically acute.
67. Nicholi, Armand. The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate
God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life. New York: Free Press, 2002. Stellar
presentation, heavy on pertinent biographical material. Nicholi does not state
his conclusions, but Lewis's Christian worldview and life is seen as more
winsome than Freud's atheism. See my web page for a short review of this
book (originally published in The Denver Post):
http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress/groothuis/pubs-DG/review-nicholi.pdf.
68. Pascal, Blaise. The Mind on Fire, ed. James Houston. Minneapolis, MN:
Bethany Press. An edited collection of Pascal's works. Excellent introduction by
Os Guinness. For the complete Pensées, see the Penguin edition (1966),
edited by A. Krailsheimer.
69. Phillips, Timothy and Dennis Okholm, eds. Christian Apologetics in the
Postmodern World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995. Essays are
mixed in quality (the Kenneson piece is abysmally atrocious, as I point out in
Truth Decay), but all give an understanding of the postmodern challenge.
70. Plantinga, Alvin. Warranted Christian Belief. Oxford University Press, 2002.
Major work defending the "Reformed epistemology" perspective on
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apologetics. Excellent critiques of the anti-Christian theories of Freud, Marx,
postmodernism, etc. I am more skeptical of his positive proposal. Philosophia
Christi (available in our library), the journal of the Evangelical Philosophical
Society has a book symposium on Warranted Christian Belief (Series 2,
Volume 3, Number 2, 2002.) See also my review-article (originally published
in Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society) on my web page:
http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress/groothuis/pubs-DG/review-plantinga.pdf.
71. Ramachandra, Vinoth. Faiths in Conflict: Christian Integrity in a Multicultural
World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. Challenges the idea
that religious conflict is the major cause of all conflict between cultures.
72. Schaeffer, Francis A. The God Who is There, 30th anniversary ed. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1998. First published in 1968. A prophetic book
that roused many from their anti-apologetics slumbers. Still worth pondering.
A pivotal book in my journey into apologetics and Christian witness.
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