Writer and Teacher
Posts tagged Apologetics
Apologetics Books Published Since 2009
Nov 22nd
Prepared by H. Lynn Gardner, November 2011
Baker, Hunter. The End of Secularism. Wheaton: Crossway, 2009. $17.99.
Beilby, James. Thinking About Christian Apologetics: What It Is and Why We Do It.
Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011. $17.00.
Berlinski, David. The Devil’s Delusion: Atheism and its Scientific Pretentions, reprint edition. Basic Books, 2009. $16l.95.
Blomberg, Craig L. The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel: Issues & Commentary.
Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011. Paperback ed., $24.00.
Copan, Paul. Contending with Christianity’s Critics: Answering New Atheists and Other Objectors. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009. $19.99.
Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011. $14.99.
Copan, Paul. Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Religion. Routledge, 2012. $55.42.
Copan, Paul. True for You, But Not for Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith, rev. ed. Bethany House, 2009. $14.99.
Copan, Paul and William Lane Craig, eds. Come Let Us Reason: New Essays in Christian Apologetics. Nashville: B & H Academic, (April) 2012. $24.99.
Coppenger, Mark. Moral Apologetics for Contemporary Christians: Pushing Back Against Cultural and Religious Critics. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2011. $24.99
Cowan, Steve and James Spiegel. The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009.
Craig, William Lane. On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2010. $16.99.
Craig, William Lane and Chad Meister, eds. God Is Great, God Is Good: Why Believing in God Is Reasonable and Responsible. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2009. $19.00.
Craig, William Lane and J. P. Moreland, eds. A Companion to Natural Theology. Blackwell, 2011. $44.95.
Demski, William A. The End of Christianity: Finding a Good God in an Evil World. B & H. Academic, 2009. $22.99.
Demski, William and Thomas Schirrmacher, Paige Patterson, eds. Tough-Minded Christianity: Honoring the Legacy of John Warwick Montgomery. Nashville: B & H Publishing, 20009. $31.99.
DeWeese, Garrett J. Doing Philosophy as a Christian. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011. $22.00.
Downey, Patrick. Desperately Wicked: Philosophy, Christianity and the Human Heart.
Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2009. $18.00.
Edgar, William and K. Scott Oliphint, eds. Christian Apologetics: Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader (Volume 1, To 1500). Wheaton: Crossway, 2009. $39.00.
Edgar, William and K. Scott Oliphint, eds. Christian Apologetics: Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader (Volume 2 From 1500). Wheaton: Crossway, 2011. $55.00.
Gardner, H. Lynn. Commending and Defending Christian Faith: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. Joplin: College Press, 2010. $33.00.
Is it Arrogant to Believe Christianity Is the Only True Religion?
Jan 10th
When is tolerance a virtue and when is tolerance no virtue? What is tolerance? Traditionally tolerance has meant respecting other people’s right to hold different views than we hold and do things we don’t approve. Recently some have used tolerance to mean that all views are equally true and all practices are acceptable. Tolerance in the traditional sense is a virtue. Tolerance in the new meaning is no virtue.
One of the most frequent objections to Christianity is that Christians are arrogant to claim that Christianity is the only true religion. Blair, a twenty-something woman from New York City, expresses this objection, “How could there be just one true faith? It’s arrogant to say your religion is superior and try to convert everyone else to it. Surely all the religions are equally good and valid for meeting the needs of their particular followers.”[1]
David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons in Unchristian cite evidence that today’s Christians are widely viewed as hypocritical, insensitive, arrogant, and judgmental.[2] I do not defend Christians who do not practice what they profess, who are harsh, unkind, and unloving, who are self-centered and egotistical, and who self-righteously condemn any who do not agree will them. But does the mere fact that we believe Christianity is the only true religion make us insensitive, arrogant, and judgmental?
Pluralism believes that all major religions are equally valid and basically teach the same thing. However, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism all reject Jesus as God in the flesh and that he is the only Savior of the world. They can’t all be true. If they are all true, then they are all false because they contradict each other.
Is it arrogant to say one religion is true and the others are false. “It is no more narrow to claim that one religion is right than to claim that one way to think about all religions (namely that all are equal) is right.”[3] Is it narrow minded or arrogant to say 2 + 2 = 4 and not 3 or 5? Truth is narrow. Truth excludes falsehood.
The biblical view is that Jesus Christ is the only savior and faith in him is necessary to salvation. There is no other Savior or way to be saved.
John 3:16-18: One can be saved by believing in Jesus, those who do not are condemned.
John 14:6: Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to the Father but by Jesus.
Acts 4:12: No one will be saved except through the name of Jesus.
Rom 10:9-10: Only those who accept the lordship and resurrection of Jesus will be saved.
1 Tim 2:5: Jesus is the only mediator between the one God and men.
If Jesus is God in the flesh and died for our sins and rose from the dead than he is the only true Savior.
[1] Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York: Dutton, 2008), 3.
[2] David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity and Why it Matters (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2007), 81.
[3] Keller, 13.
Commending and Defending Christian Faith Now Available
Sep 18th
Commending and Defending Christian Faith:
An Introduction to Christian Apologetics
H. Lynn Gardner
Foreword by Gary R. Habermas
(Joplin, MO: College Press, 2010)
Endorsements:
“. . . an excellent introduction to apologetics.”
Norman L. Geisler, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics, Veritas Evangelical Seminary (www.VeritasSeminary.com)
“. . . specifically crafted for convenient use as a college textbook. . . . can be required along with a second text of Christian evidences to create a well-rounded approach to this subject.”
Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor, and Chair Department of Philosophy and Theology, Liberty University
“His handling of the introductory and background issues . . . is thorough, sound, and much needed.”
Jack Cottrell, Professor of Theology, Cincinnati Christian University
“. . . contemporary and timeless introduction to the field that is both scholarly and devotional.”
David Peters, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics, Florida Christian College
“. . . strong defense of the concept of objective truth from God.”
Johnny Pressley, Dean of the Graduate Seminary, Cincinnati Christian University
“. . . mandatory reading for preachers, youth ministers, campus ministers, youth workers of all sorts, and anyone else who seeks to direct others’ spiritual journeys.”
David Embree, Director, Christian Campus House, Instructor, Department of Religious Studies, Missouri State University
A “how-to-think-about-apologetics” book.
Introduces the basic terms and concepts, key thinkers, and fundamental apologetic issues and questions. States the what, why, and how of apologetics preparing persons for further study of reasons for faith and answers to objections. It does not present the case for Christianity or answer attacks but rather introduces one to the study of Christian apologetics.
Contents:
Part One, Challenges to Christian Faith, helps the reader understand doubt and unbelief which make apologetics necessary.
Part Two, Foundations for Apologetics, discusses concepts essential to the defense of the truth of the Christian faith, including reason, knowledge, truth, and faith.
Part Three, The Practice of Apologetics, discusses reasons for apologetics, defense of the faith in the New Testament and in church history, methods of defense, practical uses of apologetics and guidelines for apologetics.
Audience:
The audience would be Bible college, seminary, and university students as well as leaders and thinkers seeking to defend the faith. It seeks to instruct and motivate Christians to be prepared to present an intelligent and effective case for Christianity.
The book challenges Christians to be good thinkers in how they go about defending and commending Christian faith. It could serve as a first book for beginning a serious study of apologetics.
Objectives:
- Be prepared to deal with doubt and unbelief.
- Be acquainted with the role of thinking, knowing, truth, and faith in apologetics.
- Know why we should defend the faith and how the faith can be defended.
- Learn from defenders of the faith in the New Testament and in church history.
- Gain practical suggestions and guidelines for giving a defense of your faith.
H. Lynn Gardner taught apologetics for forty years in Bible colleges, serving eighteen years as academic dean. A graduate of Ozark Christian College, California State University, Wheaton College, with a doctorate from the University of Arkansas. Included in his seven books are Where Is God When We Suffer? What the Bible Says about Suffering and Christianity Stands True: A Commonsense Look at the Evidence. www.lynngardner.info.
ISBN 978-0-89900-947-6: hardback, 501 pages. Apologetics/Theology/General Bible
List price: $32.99. College Press—1-800-289-3300; email—books@collegepress.com
Internet price: $28.00, www.collegepress.com
The Gardners Accept Invitation to Serve in Jordan
Jun 28th
Barbara and I have accepted an invitation from the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) in Amman, Jordan, to teach for two weeks in August, 2010. I will teach a course entitled, “Worldviews,” which will focus on defending the Christian faith and worldview in response to other systems of thought. Barbara was asked to assist the seminary librarian.
Several years ago it was our goal for retirement to assist Bible colleges and seminaries in this way. But my pulmonary fibrosis and subsequent double lung transplant canceled those plans. I checked with my doctor at Barnes Hospital about this invitation. He asked, “Do you want to go?” I answered that I would like to. He said, “That’s why we do transplants.” They gave some safety tips for the plane trip, since I am immunosuppressed.
This evangelical seminary provides Bible-believing theological education for Arab Christians in the Middle East. I see this as an opportunity to give a strong background in apologetics to these students who will go back as leaders in their respective countries. Barbara will work with the librarian on principles of librarianship.
Jordan is a modern country, progressive in many ways and friendly with the United States. The country has freedom of religion with Christianity being a minority religion.
The seminary has weathered several financial crises but has been able to provide this valuable teaching program. They will take care of us after we get into the country, but we will need to pay for our plane tickets over and back. The Christian Church of Carl Junction has established a fund, Gardner Jordan Fund, for those who would like to make a tax-deductible gift to assist in the plane expense. Checks should be written out to Carl Junction Christian Church. The address is 103 Hodges St., Carl Junction, MO 64834.
Classics of the Christian Faith
Jun 11th
Five Classics
These five books are classics of Christian literature. They speak to the heart issues of Christianity in a forceful and dynamic way. They lead readers into a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Here is food and guidance to help you grow in spiritual maturity and discipleship. Why not read several of these books as a project this summer? Why not fast from TV, videos, movies, the Internet and feed your soul?
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001. Perhaps the most widely read apologetic for Christianity written in English in the twentieth century. Sold millions of copies. Logical reasoning in defense of the Christian faith by a former atheist.
Stott, John R. W. Basic Christianity, 50th anniversary edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008.
Clear and easy-to-read introduction to the Christian faith. Over 2.5 million sold.
Packer, J. I. Knowing God, 20th anniversary edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
Believing ignorance of God is the source of weakness in churches, Packer helps the reader gain a personal relationship with God through the knowledge of the living God from the Word of God.
Stott, John R. W. The Cross of Christ, 20th anniversary edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
Powerful book stating the doctrinal meaning of the cross, answering misunderstandings, and making personal application of the cross to our lives. Many consider this the best book on the cross.
Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, 25th anniversary edition. New York: Harper and Collins, Publishers, 1998.
Practical guidance for one seeking a closer devotional walk with God and growth in spiritual maturity.
Three Potential Classics
Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998.
A relentless search for the evidence answering the question “Who is Jesus.” Worthy of serious attention from every believer and skeptic.
Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. New York: Dutton, 2008.
A refreshing and intellectually stimulating case for the reality of God. Contemporary and relevant as the author draws illustrations from his encounters with skeptics and seekers in his New York ministry.
Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs: Nav Press, 2002.
Challenging instruction for growing in our spiritual walk, shedding sinful habits, and progressively taking on the character of Christ. Practical guidance for being transformed in heart and life into Christlikeness.
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