Writer and Teacher
Posts tagged Apologetics
C. S. Lewis, Apologist—a Bibliography
Dec 12th
C. S. Lewis may well be the most influential twentieth century English language apologist. The following resources provide information and perspective on his apologetics.
Baggett, David, Gary R. Habermas and Jerry L. Walls, eds. C. S. Lewis as Philosopher: Truth, Goodness and Beauty. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008.
Burson, Scott R. and Jerry L. Walls. C. S. Lewis & Francis Schaeffer: Lessons for a New Century from the Most Influential Apologists of Our Time. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1998.
Cunningham, Richard B. C. S. Lewis: Defender of the Faith. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2008 reprint of 1967 ed.
Dorsett, Lyle W. Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2004.
Downing, David C. The Most Reluctant Convert: C. S. Lewis’s Journey to Faith. Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 2002.
Duriez, Colin. “Lewis, C. S.” New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics, W. C. Campbell-Jack and Gavin McGrath, eds. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2006, 402-403.
Duriez, Colin. The C. S. Lewis Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to His Life, Thought, and Writings. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1990.
Farrer, Austin. “The Christian Apologist,” Light on C. S. Lewis, ed. Jocelyn Gibb. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1965, 23-43.
Geisler, Norman L. “Lewis, C. S.,” Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1999, 420-425.
Kilby, Clyde S. The Christian World of C. S. Lewis. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964.
Lindsley, Art. C. S. Lewis’s Case for Christ: Insights from Reason, Imagination and Faith. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
Lindskoog, Kathryn Ann. C. S. Lewis: Mere Christian. Glendale: G/L Publications, 1973.
Macdonald, Michael H. and Andrew A. Tadie, eds. G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis: The Riddle of Joy. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.
Purtill, Richard L. C. S. Lewis’s Case for the Christian Faith. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1981.
Walsh, Chad. C. S. Lewis: Apostle to the Skeptics. New York: Macmillan, 1949.
Walsh, Chad. The Visionary Christian. Touchstone Books, 1996.
Dinnertable Apologetics
Sep 9th
Jeff Vines in Dinner with Skeptics: Defending God in a World that Makes No Sense tells of a fascinating dinner conversation he had with unbelievers in New Zealand. The story revolves about a young lady named Laura who was living away from God but was helped to ask her deepest questions and find solid answers in Christian faith.
I first heard Jeff tell this story at the Preaching-Teaching Convention at Ozark Christian College in Joplin. I then read an abbreviated story in the Christian Standard. Now you can learn a practical approach to defending the faith in this book-length version.
Vine’s book reads like a fast-moving novel. It is interesting, entertaining, and informative. For more information see www.collegepress.com.
Common Skeptical Objections to Christianity
Sep 6th
Timothy Keller in his well-written The Reason for God (Dutton, 2008) lists the seven most common questions/objections he has encountered from skeptics in his successful ministry in New York City.
- There Can’t Be Just One True Religion
- How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
- Christianity Is a Straitjacket
- The Church Is Responsible for So Much Injustice
- How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
- Science Has Disproved Christianity
- You Can’t Take the Bible Literally
Keller gives helpful responses to these objections.
Recently I have been doing research on the history of apologetics. Most of these objections have been voiced by skeptics through the centuries and answered by Christian apologists. As times and conditions change new dress is given to these questions. We must make intelligent and fresh responses to the specific questions being asked.
As postmodernism has become more widespread the first objection, “There Can’t Be Just One True Religion,” has become more prominent. Also since 9/11 the fourth objection, “The Church Is Responsible for So Much Injustice,” has been voiced more frequently by skeptics. However Christians need to be prepared to respond to each of these seven.
Local churches, campus ministries, and youth ministries could develop a series of seven classes preparing believers to respond to these objections. A sermon series could be developed dealing with these issues.
Evidence for the Resurrection
May 15th
If Jesus rose from the dead, Christianity is true. If he did not, Christianity is nonsense. Jesus’ deity and role as Savior as well as the gospel message depend upon his resurrection. This important issue demands we give our best and most serious attention to the evidence. Convincing evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
Exhibit A: Witnesses
Four eyewitnesses of the risen Christ—Matthew, John, Peter, and Paul—record written testimony within 20 to 60 years after the event. Luke and Mark affirm the resurrection in their Gospels receiving information from eyewitnesses. Other eyewitnesses saw Jesus alive—the 11 apostles, five specific women, Cleopas and a friend, James and more than 500 brethren (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, 21, Acts 1, 1 Corinthians 15). More >
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