Classical Apologetics (Paperback)

~ (Author), John H. Gerstner (Author), Arthur W. Lindsley (Author) "WESTERN CULTURE IS not pagan; nor is it Christian..." (more)
Key Phrases: things the biblical way, noetic influence, presupposition alism, Van Til, Spirit of God, New Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This work on apologetics examines the classical arguments for the existence of God (ontological and Thomistic arguments), discusses the philosophical issues that confront contemporary apologetics, and provides an incisive critique of presuppositional apologetics.

From the Back Cover

Must a person accept Christianity on faith alone, or is there a reasoned defense for being a Christian? The authors of this book hold that Christianity is eminently reasonable. The primacy of the mind in the Christian faith can be affirmed without denying the importance of the heart. This book embraces reason without rationalism, personal love without personalism, faith without fideism is our capacity to love Him. The book is divided into three parts. Section I is a prolegomenon dealing with the problems and methods of apologetics. Section II develops the theistic proofs and authority of Scripture. Section III is given over to a critique of presuppositionalism in apologetics, particularly with reference to the thought of Cornelius Van Til. Classical Apologetics will help the thoughtful Christian understand his or her faith better, and it will provide more solid grounds for sharing this faith with others.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; 1st edition (July 6, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310449510
• ISBN-13: 978-0310449515
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #252,843 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Critique of Presuppositional Apologetics, but..., March 11, 1999

By	Cameron B. Clark (Bristow, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

Sproul rightly critiques Van Til's contradictions about whether non-Christians have "true" knowledge of God. Sproul argues that they do in accordance with Romans Chapter One and shows that Van Til inconsistently admits that they do also even though in other places he says or implies that they don't. One does not need to "presuppose" God because, according to Romans One (and Sproul), all have at least some knowledge of God through God's natural/general revelation. This allows for a common ground between Christians and non-Christians. But Sproul, being a Classical Apologist, still thinks that one must posit proofs for God's existence even though everybody apparently already knows God exists. This is confusing. Sproul, on pages 262 and 263, basically says that the primary task of the apologist is to not let the non-Christians who argue against the truth they already know "escape" by "reminding" them of "arguments which they cannot deny." This, to me, is a ridiculous and weak justification for doing Classical/Traditional apologetics. If God's existence is taken for granted in the Bible (including Romans 1), and nowhere proven because everybody apparently already knows that God exists, then theistic apologetics (distinct from Christian evidences) is a waste of time. (side note: I agree with Mortimer J. Adler who said that "true knowledge" is redundant and "false knowledge" is a contradiction in terms) - Brad Clark

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars legends., June 2, 2001

By	h s bultmann (Norway) - See all my reviews

This work which has been so explosive, especially in the Reformed family, should be bought by every child of the Canons of Dort. Many, many, critiques notwithstanding, this work in my mind has not been refuted to date. Bob Sproul and his mentor, John Gerstner follow in the line of the Old Princetonians. They prove themselves in the succesion of Warfield. Sproul, Gerstner & Lindsey devestate the school of Van Till. This work belongs on the shelf of both friend and foe. H.S Bultmann.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, just a little wordy at times, July 20, 2001

By	Carl A. Redman (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a rather intense read about classical apologetics. I would highly recommend it to those that have an interest or prior knowledge and understanding of apologetics. The book is divided into three sections:

--Classical Natural Theology, an overview of problem and method --Classical apologetics, the theistic proofs, the deity of Christ, and the infallibility of scripture --Classical critique of presuppositional apologetics

The first section seemed very wordy to me, and I had a hard time getting through it. The second was very interesting, and providing a great summary of different arguments, including the ontological, cosmological and teleological arguments for God. This chapter also has chapters dealing with the Spirit and Word of God.

The third section is probably the best section (although it still lacked brevity). Chapter 11 is the best chapter in the book; it has great summaries of Luther, Calvin, and Augustine's views on reason as it relates to faith. All should check out this chapter.