Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion [Paperback]

William Edgar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

"Apologetics has a deeply human side that is concerned with the whole person," say William Edgar. This book bears that out in both tone and content. While affirming the importance of reason in answering unbelief, Edgar invites us to make full use of the diverse forms of persuasion aimed at the unbelieving heart.

In part one he lays out the biblical foundations for apologetics and in part two explores actual objections and arguments. When we understand biblical apologetics and the reasons for disbelief, we will be better able to cut through the intellectual smoke screens of our day.

"Effective apologetics is an art: it addresses the whole person—mind, emotion, and will. With insight and practical wisdom, William Edgar outlines, clarifies, and illustrates the complex apologetic tasks. What intrigues me most is his explanation of how the Bible itself—from start to finish—engages in apologetics. Excellent for both beginning and veteran apologists." —James W. Sire

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Edgar is professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, as well as an ordained minister, a musicologist, and a jazz musician. His published works include The Face of Truth and articles on cultural apologetics, the music of Brahms, and African-American life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: P & R Publishing (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875525954
• ISBN-13: 978-0875525952
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars apologetics without being stuck in rationalism, January 7, 2000

By 

Lee Eddy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion (Hourglass Books) (Paperback)

A concise primer on apologetics that does not focus on rationalism or evidentialism. Instead, Edgar starts with Pascal's famous quote, "We know the truth not only through our reason but also through our heart... The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing." He begins with the reasons for apologetics and reaches back into the Old Testament even (usually overlooked, in my opinion) to build a case for apologetics as being part of the whole Christian life. He sees much hope in the postmodern condition where others see fear. He continues with opportunities for a whole life apologetic often missed by otherwise-attentive Christians: emotions like joy and fear, the sadness and misery of death, actions such as hospitality and integrity. These are all in his first part, titled 'Foundations' which he follows with 'Conversations.' Here, he doesn't neglect to deal with the barriers to conversation: the problem of evil, the scandal of particularity, etc. Throughout, Edgar writes faithfully from his Pascalian premise and quite well. His perspective is very Reformed, but not so much that someone from the other end of the pen (like myself) could not be amply rewarded by reading. Seems to me he is very strong at combining Pascal's attention to other-than-rationality with Francis Schaeffer's attention to consistency in a way that benefits thinking and living Christians in these post-modern (when will we have a better word than this?) times.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brief but well-rounded apology for apologetics, August 20, 2004

By 

M. P. Ryan (Bowen Is, BC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion (Paperback)

Let's face it; Christian apologetics suffers from an image problem. Standing to the right are numbers of people who still think of apologetics as somehow calling them to apologize for their faith. Standing over to the left are those who view apologetics as condoning belligerence and sanctioning conversion by rhetorical force. One side smells compromise and fears the loss of clarity and boldness. The other senses presumptuousness and worries that compassion and sensitivity will be lost in the fray. Only a careful presentation is likely to subvert such opinions and secure a more sympathetic hearing for apologetics. Apologists rejoice! Edgar's Reasons of the Heart is such a presentation.

In this brief but well-rounded apology for apologetics, Edgar describes both obstacles and opportunities related to the recovery of Christian apologetics today. Edgar also lays the biblical foundations for apologetics and leads us in the practice of apologetics by addressing a number of barriers to belief. Further, by centering his discussion on Pascal's dictum that "we know the truth not only through our reason but also through our heart" Edgar manages to promote an apologetic that is clear and compelling yet at the same time inviting and flexible. Accessible, astute and best of all reinvigorating, this is a valuable contribution that should help many rethink the practice and nature of apologetics. From Sunday school to the seminary class room; this is a versatile primer for any level.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best intro-level apologetic I've seen yet, September 1, 2003

By 

Brian Douglas (Brighton, England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion (Paperback)

I picked up Reasons of the Heart out of curiosity to see what is Edgar's approach to apologetics. I was happily surprised at the quality of this short book! He manages to cover a lot of ground in very little space -- the text of the book is just a little over 100 pages, plus appendices, indexes, etc. Yet it digs deeper than its size would indicate, asking the right intro-level questions and interacting fairly with many other theologies and philosophies. Edgar's writing is very concise and readable, making this book very useful for anyone from high school to graduate students, laymen and pastors alike. I heartily recommend it as a first look at apologetics and believe it will challenge the thinking and whet the apologetic appetite of any Christian.