Classical Readings In Christian Apologetics A D 100 1800

This volume is a collection of selected readings that are of continuing significance for Christian apologetics. Dr. Bush has written a general introduction to the field of apologetics and an introduction to each apologist cited and the work or works from which selections have been drawn. A brief bibliography is also given for each writer. Christians have always been called on to defend their beliefs- certainly no less today than at any other time in history. In this book the outstanding apologists of previous centuries become models, both in the content of their writing and in their methodology, for Christians today. All those who love the Lord and His church and are concerned that many be made aware of the reasonableness of the Christian faith will find this book enlightening and exciting.

With wisdom borne of both formal and informal experience, the author offers practical insight into making a more persuasive case for Christ. He includes an annotated bibliography of resources for framing effective arguments.

Against many expectations, religion has not vanished from Western culture. People are troubled and fascinated in equal measure by this new visibility and are unsure whether it is right to (re)incorporate the vocabulary of faith into our common life. This unprecedented co-existence of religion and secularism is sometimes termed the “postsecular,” and in this book Elaine Graham considers some of its implications for the public witness of Christianity. She argues that everyone, from church leaders, theologians, local activists, and campaigners, needs to learn again how to “speak Christian” in these contexts. They need to articulate credible theological justifications for their involvement in public life and to justify the very relevance of their faith to a culture that no longer grants automatic privilege or credence. This entails a retrieval of the ancient practice of apologetics, in order to encourage and equip Christians to defend and commend their core principles and convictions in public. This “new apologetics” involves discerning the actions of God in the world, participating in the praxis of God’s mission and bearing witness in word and deed. Rather than being an adversarial or argumentative process, this is an invitation to dialogue and to the rejuvenation of our public life.

Ever since the apostle Paul addressed the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers in Athens, relating the Christian worldview to a non-Christian world has been a challenge. And despite Peter's charge to be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15), most Christian laypeople have left apologetics—the defense of the faith—to the ecclesiastical pros. Faith Has Its Reasons is a study of four different models of how apologetics should be done, an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses, and a proposal for integrating the best insights of each. Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman have assembled a wealth of information about what Christians believe and how to present that faith to an unbelieving world. Remarkable both in its depth of content and ease of accessibility, Faith Has Its Reasons gives Christian laypeople the tools to address such critical questions as: Why is belief in God rational despite the prevalence of evil in the world? What facts support the church's testimony that Jesus rose from the dead? Can we be certain Christianity is true? How can our faith in Christ be based on something more secure than our own understanding without descending into an irrational emotionalism?

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you - 1 Peter 3:15. What do you do when someone asks - How do I know that Jesus is the Son of God? Does it matter if Jesus was resurrected from the dead? What about all the other world religions - don't they offer a way to God? Does it matter what I believe as long as I'm sincere? What proof is there that the Bible is divinely inspired? If you find these questions hard to answer or if you have trouble sharing the reason for the hope that is in you here are the responses to some of the common questions skeptics ask about Christianity. In a reader-friendly style John Ankerberg & John Weldon document the extensive evidences for the reliability of the Bible the divinity of Jesus the certainty of the resurrection & the uniqueness of Christianity.

An unprecedented anthology of apologetics texts with selections from the first century AD through the Middle Ages. Includes introductory material, timelines, maps, footnotes, and discussion questions. The apostle Peter tells us always to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks us to account for our hope as Christians (1 Peter 3:15). While the gospel message remains the same, such arguments will look different from one age to another. In the midst of a recent revival in the field of apologetics, few things could be more useful than an acquaintance with some of these arguments for the Christian belief through the ages. This first of two proposed volumes features primary source documents from the time of the early church (100-400) and the Middle Ages (400-1500). Featured apologists include Aristides, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas. The authors provide a preface to each major historical section, with a timeline and a map, then an introduction to each apologist. Each primary source text is followed by questions for reflection or discussion purposes.

Dr Montgomery is one of our leading Christian apologists. His writings have influenced several generations of apologists from around the globe. His debates are legendary. This book purports to break new ground apologetically as it assesses Dr Montgomery's work. It focuses on his legal/historical apo- logetic and in the process reframes it for both for the 'tough minded' and the 'tender hearted'. It shows not only the rationality of Montgomery's work but also that his writings pave the way for an apologetic to New Age follo- wers and to those who place experience before reason. A special feature of this analysis concerns Montgomery's apologetic insights on the occult and paganism. This book also breaks new ground as the legal apologetic model has not been previously assessed; it illustrates that a juridical apologetic style has a rich history dating back to the Gospels themselves. The present work should thus be of particular interest to apologists, theologians, philosophers of religion, pastors, and all who are concerned to share the legal/ historical fact of the Resurrection of Jesus - together with its relevance - in a secular age.

Many are expressing concern about the future of Christian youth today. What can we do to help ensure they will keep their evangelical faith once they graduate from high school? Can Christian apologetics provide an educational solution? Developing A Christian Apologetics Educational Program explores issues certain to be encountered by secondary school educators who want to teach apologetics as a distinct subject of study either as a part of a Christian institutional or home school curriculum. This book helps the apologist and educator blend their skills to soundly integrate the two subjects. A solution is sought by providing a background and rational for implementing an age-level appropriate apologetics course at this critical level of Christian education. This book is designed as a text to supplement those used in Christian education or applied apologetics courses; each chapter successively builds upon the other to help develop an educational philosophy that supports the inclusion of apologetics in the curriculum. A model is explained and materials are given to support the development of a curriculum in Christian Apologetics Education at the secondary level. Practical ideas are explored and a sample unit of instruction is supplied to help the educator develop an evangelical approach to education that is in the classical apologetic tradition.