Most introductions to apologetics begin with the "how to" of defending the faith, diving right into the major apologetic arguments and the body of evidence. For those who want a more foundational look at this contested theological discipline, this book examines Christian apologetics in its nature, history, approaches, objections and practice. What is apologetics? How has apologetics developed? What are the basic apologetic approaches? Why should we practice apologetics? Countless Christians today are seeking a responsibe way to defend and commend their faith. If you are one them, is the place to start.
Thinking About Christian Apologetics
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"This is a wonderful book. It provides historical, conceptual and philosophical understandings of apologetics without ignoring the interpersonal aspects of sharing one's faith and the pastoral obligation to equip the church. Although he concerns himself with some sophisticated arguments and issues, Professor Beilby is remarkably clear and readable." (Francis J. Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies, Baylor University)
"Jim Beilby's volume is distinctive--it's not your normal apologetics textbook. As such, it is an excellent addition to the growing study in this field. It makes numerous seldom-made distinctions, is handy, and contains dozens of gems. From a brief overview of the history of apologetics, to the major varieties and methods, to answering various objections, and even closing with a 'how to' chapter containing a wealth of practical insights, this handbook brings together under one cover a potpourri of items that will not be found in any other text. I recommend it highly." (Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty University & Theological Seminary)
"This is a terrific little book--and much needed. This isn't a book that does apologetics; this is a book about apologetics. It answers all the important questions that those who want to defend the faith need addressed. What is apologetics? What is the biblical case? How did the field develop? What are the various methods? And most importantly, how can we effectively use apologetics to bring people to faith and glorify God? Dr. Beilby nails it in this splendid introduction. This is a must-read for anyone entering the study of apologetics." (Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D., director of the MA program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University)
"Finally--a balanced, readable, yet sufficiently nuanced introduction to Christian apologetics! Beilby covers much terrain as he ably summarizes the central themes and assesses the relevant literature. A terrific textbook!" (Paul Copan, professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University)
"Jim Beilby's volume is distinctive--it's not your normal apologetics textbook. As such, it is an excellent addition to the growing study in this field. It makes numerous seldom-made distinctions, is handy, and contains dozens of gems. From a brief overview of the history of apologetics, to the major varieties and methods, to answering various objections, and even closing with a 'how to' chapter containing a wealth of practical insights, this handbook brings together under one cover a potpourri of items that will not be found in any other text. I recommend it highly." (Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty University & Theological Seminary)
"This is a terrific little book--and much needed. This isn't a book that does apologetics; this is a book about apologetics. It answers all the important questions that those who want to defend the faith need addressed. What is apologetics? What is the biblical case? How did the field develop? What are the various methods? And most importantly, how can we effectively use apologetics to bring people to faith and glorify God? Dr. Beilby nails it in this splendid introduction. This is a must-read for anyone entering the study of apologetics." (Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D., director of the MA program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University)
"Finally--a balanced, readable, yet sufficiently nuanced introduction to Christian apologetics! Beilby covers much terrain as he ably summarizes the central themes and assesses the relevant literature. A terrific textbook!" (Paul Copan, professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University)
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By cclarkesmith
Format:Paperback
Thinking About Christian Apologetics is a bit of a deviation from most books out today concerning Christian apologetics. Instead of providing any sort of actual apologetic argument, James Beilby's book aims to discuss the essence, history, and purposes behind apologetics as well as the author's advice on future actions the church should take regarding the defense of the faith. It is meant to be text for college level introductory classes to apologetics and is somewhat reminiscent of what you would find in an intro to philosophy of religion book. Although Bielby states that the book is meant to be an introduction, it is quite clear within the first couple of chapters that the reader requires, at minimum, a current basic understanding of theological and philisophical themes and concepts (i.e. basic tenets of reformed theology or postmodernism).
I think the most helpful review would be to list reasons I believe you would want to read this book, and then maybe a couple of reasons why it may not be what you're looking for.
Read this book if:
1. You are relatively new to the study of apologetics
2. You wonder why some of the books on apologetics you have read seem to contradict one another
3. You question whether or not you (or Christians in general) should be engaging in apologetics
4. You want to know how the faith has been defended throughout church history
5. You have heard of Karl Barth, Soren Kierkegaard, or Blaise Pascal, but don't know what they did
6. You want a great resource to help you decide where to look next in your study of apologetics
Maybe check out something else if:
1. You are wanting to proactively argue for the legitimacy of Christianity
2.... Read more ›
I think the most helpful review would be to list reasons I believe you would want to read this book, and then maybe a couple of reasons why it may not be what you're looking for.
Read this book if:
1. You are relatively new to the study of apologetics
2. You wonder why some of the books on apologetics you have read seem to contradict one another
3. You question whether or not you (or Christians in general) should be engaging in apologetics
4. You want to know how the faith has been defended throughout church history
5. You have heard of Karl Barth, Soren Kierkegaard, or Blaise Pascal, but don't know what they did
6. You want a great resource to help you decide where to look next in your study of apologetics
Maybe check out something else if:
1. You are wanting to proactively argue for the legitimacy of Christianity
2.... Read more ›
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Eddy
Format:Paperback
Beilby provides what few other volumes on Christian apologetics offer: a book-length exposition and defense of the apologetics enterprise itself. He begins with a chapter devoted to defining apologetics and its tasks. He then moves to an historical survey of apologetics over the centuries (chapters 2 & 3). In chapter 4, the various apologetic methods/systems are canvassed (Beilby settles on three basic categories: evidentialist, presuppositionalist, and experientialist), and emphasizes the importance of recognizing eclectic models as well. Chapters 5 & 6 are given to responding to philosophical and biblical/theological objections to apologetics, respectively. Finally, chapter 7 considers objections to Christian apologetics as sometimes practiced. The book ends with a helpful bibliography of works on various sub-disciplines within Christsian apologetics. Beilby is a careful thinker and a clear writer (qualities fostered, no doubt, by his own interaction with Alvin Plantinga and his work over the years). This is a wonderful textbook for a college or seminary course on Christian apologetics, as well as a necessary addition to every apologist's own library.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In "Thinking About Christian Apologetics" James Beilby (author "The historical Jesus: Five Views") offers a needed book on apologetics. The author discusses the reason for apologetics, the duty of apologetics (1Peter 3:15), the history of Christian apologetics and the proper aims for this essential ministry. It's a good book to use in an apologetic class to supplement an applied apologetic book. He uses some academic terminology but writes in a very simple to read style.
He states: "Being faithful to Jesus Christ requires a broader picture of the task of giving sound reasons for the faith. Traditionally, the task of offering sound reasons to believe has been accomplished primarily by giving arguments for Christianity and against non-Christian perspectives. While arguments are important, they are only one of the ways apologetics encourage the development of Christian belief. Sometimes these impediments are actually intellectual objections--such as the notion that science has disproved God's existence or that the existence of other religions makes it impossible to assert the truthfulness of Christianity. ... Even more important than the task of clearing away impediments to belief, however, is the task of being authentically Christian as you offer arguments, answer objections and clarify issues."
This is a good book to buy if you are an avid reader. If you lack a lot of time to put into reading, try something else.
If you desire a more useful volume--one that instructs the reader on applications and How to defend the faith see:
or
On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision Read more ›
He states: "Being faithful to Jesus Christ requires a broader picture of the task of giving sound reasons for the faith. Traditionally, the task of offering sound reasons to believe has been accomplished primarily by giving arguments for Christianity and against non-Christian perspectives. While arguments are important, they are only one of the ways apologetics encourage the development of Christian belief. Sometimes these impediments are actually intellectual objections--such as the notion that science has disproved God's existence or that the existence of other religions makes it impossible to assert the truthfulness of Christianity. ... Even more important than the task of clearing away impediments to belief, however, is the task of being authentically Christian as you offer arguments, answer objections and clarify issues."
This is a good book to buy if you are an avid reader. If you lack a lot of time to put into reading, try something else.
If you desire a more useful volume--one that instructs the reader on applications and How to defend the faith see:
or
On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision Read more ›
Format:Paperback
Thinking About Christian Apologetics by James Beilby is a good short introduction to the field of Christian apologetics. Beilby describes Christian apologetics as being involved in "an action (defending), a focus of the action (the Christian faith itself), a goal (upholding Christianity as true) and a context (the circumstances in which apologetics occurs)." (p. 13) Beilby does several things with his book.
1. Chapters 2 and 3 provide a brief overview of the history of apologetics from the 1st century to the present. Major developers of apologetics methods are discussed and compared.
2. Chapter 4 overviews the various apologetical methods as Beilby sees them: evidentialist, presuppositionalist and experientialist. In addition to an overview of the methods Beilby also examines the pros and cons as he sees them to each view. This is probably the second best chapter in the book.
3. In chapters 5 and 6 Beilby examines and responds to the philosophical, biblical and theological objections that some have given to Christian apologetics. The chapter on the philosophical objections is probably the best chapter in the book.
4. In chapter 7 Beilby discusses the traits that should characterize a Christian apologist.
For those Christians who are looking to begin studying the field of Christian apologetics this is a good place to start. In chapter 8 Beilby provides a great list of books for further reading on various apologetical issues.
1. Chapters 2 and 3 provide a brief overview of the history of apologetics from the 1st century to the present. Major developers of apologetics methods are discussed and compared.
2. Chapter 4 overviews the various apologetical methods as Beilby sees them: evidentialist, presuppositionalist and experientialist. In addition to an overview of the methods Beilby also examines the pros and cons as he sees them to each view. This is probably the second best chapter in the book.
3. In chapters 5 and 6 Beilby examines and responds to the philosophical, biblical and theological objections that some have given to Christian apologetics. The chapter on the philosophical objections is probably the best chapter in the book.
4. In chapter 7 Beilby discusses the traits that should characterize a Christian apologist.
For those Christians who are looking to begin studying the field of Christian apologetics this is a good place to start. In chapter 8 Beilby provides a great list of books for further reading on various apologetical issues.
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