Reforming Apologetics

Reforming Apologetics

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  • Author: J. V. Fesko
  • Publisher: Baker Academic
  • ISBN: 1493411306
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 252

Challenging the dominant Van Tillian approach in Reformed apologetics, this book by a leading expert in contemporary Reformed theology sets forth the principles that undergird a classic Reformed approach. J. V. Fesko's detailed exegetical, theological, and historical argument takes as its starting point the classical Reformed understanding of the "two books" of God's revelation: nature and Scripture. Believers should always rest on the authority of Scripture but also can and should appeal to the book of nature in the apologetic task.


Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary

Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary

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  • Author: Michael Beck
  • Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
  • ISBN: 1666797162
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 286

The Reformed Two-Kingdom project has generated a great deal of literature. However, this literature is often characterized by inflamed rhetoric. Further, though it is standard fare to assume that Kline was the architect of the project, in reality, there has been very little scholarly examination of this point. In response, Kline's system is analyzed through the means of a dialectical discourse with three differing models within the Reformed tradition--the Theonomist, Perspectivalist, and Dooyeweerdian schools. Through this means, the study keeps away from surface-level polemics and instead directs readers to the critically important substructural level of current discussions. While clarifying some of the key differences between Kline and his interlocutors, often-overlooked points of nuance are also highlighted. These points are shown to be important in that they present the potential to lessen frustration and impasse in the ongoing dialogue.


Resurrection, Scripture, and Reformed Apologetics

Resurrection, Scripture, and Reformed Apologetics

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  • Author: Steven D. West
  • Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
  • ISBN: 1610978471
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 238

Apologetic methodology has been the subject of intense debate in Reformed circles. This book argues that we can test Reformed apologetic methods for consistency using two linchpin theological topics: the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of Scripture. Should apologetics move from establishing theism to the resurrection and then to Scripture? Or should theism, the resurrection, and the doctrine of Scripture be accepted on the testimony of the Holy Spirit as basic beliefs? Alternatively, do these doctrines need to be presupposed and incorporated into a transcendental defense of the faith? After analyzing classical apologetics, historical evidentialism, Reformed epistemology, and presuppositionalism for their apologetic cogency, Steven D. West contends that any method used by Reformed apologists should be able to argue successfully for a high view of Scripture, the source of the doctrine of the resurrection. The book will be useful to everyone interested in the relationship between theology, philosophy, and apologetics.


Turning the Tables on Apologetics

Turning the Tables on Apologetics

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  • Author: Jeffery L. Hamm
  • Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
  • ISBN: 1532645244
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 244

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.


Apologetics in Africa

Apologetics in Africa

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  • Author: Kevin Muriithi Ndereba
  • Publisher: Langham Publishing
  • ISBN: 1839739673
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 421

Divided into four major sections, this textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the biblical, philosophical, cultural, and practical concerns facing African Christians as they proclaim and defend the gospel in Africa. Written by a diverse group of pastors and scholars, it provides a much needed interdisciplinary and contextualized approach to apologetics. It also seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and ministry practice, touching on such topics as hermeneutics, biblical criticism, church history, the nature of evil, religious inclusivism, Muslim-Christian engagement, eldership rites, domestic violence, cults, and the digital age. Biblically robust, contextually relevant, ministry-oriented, and accessible, this is a remarkable resource for enriching the life and ministry of Christians in Africa and beyond.


Christian Apologetics

Christian Apologetics

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  • Author: Alister E. McGrath
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • ISBN: 1119906938
  • Category :
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 246

Provides an accessible overview of the theory and practice of Christian apologetics, written by one of the leading experts in the field Christian Apologetics is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this student-friendly textbook clearly explains the major theoretical and practical aspects of the tradition while exploring its core themes, historical development, and current debates. Using a non-denominational approach, world-renowned Christian scholar Alister E. McGrath engages the ideas of a wide range of representative apologists and explores the ways they have been applied throughout history, and can still be used today. Concise, easy-to-digest chapters gradually build students' knowledge and confidence, moving from basic definitions and concepts to more advanced theory and practical application. Throughout the text, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns about religious belief, illustrates the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and offers clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can adopt in their own writing and speaking. Introduces the art and science of explaining and commending the Christian faith Presents approaches to apologetics that emphasize the positive appeal of Christianity to the imagination and emotions Covers the major approaches to apologetics, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses their key representatives Helps readers in ministry and outreach defend Christianity against misunderstandings and misrepresentations Addresses the real-world application of apologetics, including role models, good practice, and established wisdom Features case studies of Christian apologists such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Tim Keller Includes study questions, activities, further reading lists, full references, and links to video and audio resources developed by the author Designed to meet the needs of teachers looking for a clear and reliable introduction to the field, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations.


The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word

The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word

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  • Author: Douglas Groothuis
  • Publisher: Zondervan Academic
  • ISBN: 0310113083
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 304

Amid the crisis of authority in our modern and postmodern era, Christians need to be able to point to God's revelation in the natural world in addition to defending God's unique revelation in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ. Classical apologetics takes a two-step approach to commending the Christian picture of reality. First, arguments for the existence of God, such as those of natural theology, are employed to create common ground with people outside the household of the Christian faith and to provide intellectual support for Christians. Second, classical apologetics defends key items of Christian revelation, including the reliability of the Bible, the identity of the historical Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Knowledge of God in the World and the Word, authors Douglas Groothuis and Andrew Shepardson provide a simple introduction to classical apologetics that also addresses the most common objections to natural theology. Readers will discover in the book an easy point of entry into understanding why Christian beliefs about Jesus are true and rational. Further, the authors apply the power of classical apologetics to Christian ministry.


Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God

Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God

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  • Author: Harold A. Netland
  • Publisher: Baker Academic
  • ISBN: 1493434896
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 421

For many Christians, personal experiences of God provide an important ground or justification for accepting the truth of the gospel. But we are sometimes mistaken about our experiences, and followers of other religions also provide impressive testimonies to support their religious beliefs. This book explores from a philosophical and theological perspective the viability of divine encounters as support for belief in God, arguing that some religious experiences can be accepted as genuine experiences of God and can provide evidence for Christian beliefs.


DEFENDING EVANGELICALISM

DEFENDING EVANGELICALISM

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  • Author: William C. Roach
  • Publisher: Christian Publishing House
  • ISBN: 1949586146
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 200

This book is an important part of the historical record of Dr. Norman L. Geisler. It displays Geisler’s intellectual gifts and devotion to the Lordship of Christ in his defense of Christianity and classic evangelicalism. This book, written by one of Geisler’s long-time and trusted assistants, will be of importance to those who want a first-hand interpretation of Geisler and the significance of Geisler’s method for present-day evangelicalism. It provides a clear assessment of the impact of Geisler’s embrace of classical realism, classical theism, the doctrine of inerrancy in the context of twentieth century evangelical theology, while providing a way forward to apply Geisler’s method in the twenty-first century.


In Defense of the Eschaton

In Defense of the Eschaton

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  • Author: William Dennison
  • Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
  • ISBN: 1498226345
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 253

In Defense of the Eschaton is an anthology of William D. Dennison's essays on the Reformed apologetics of Cornelius Van Til. Written over the course of Dennison's many years of study, the chapters in this volume investigate Van Til's theory of knowledge, revelation, common grace, antithesis, Christian education, and the history of ideas, as well as examine key Scriptures to identify the redemptive-historical structure of a biblical apologetic method. In the end, Dennison finds that Reformed apologetics must take eschatology seriously. According to the New Testament, the believer has been transferred by faith in Christ into the final stage of history. As a citizen of heaven, the Christian apologist must defend the eschaton of the age to come against the satanic attacks of this present world.