Christian Apologetics - by Alister E McGrath (Paperback)

About the Book

"Apologetics is a branch of Theology that aims to build the intellectual defence of the truth of the Christian religion. This aspect of Christian thought has become increasingly popular in the last two decades, and much contemporary work in theology, biblical studies, and Christian philosophy now devotes to themes of apologetic nature. As a result, more colleges and seminaries are offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in Christian apologetics, and there is also a large and enthusiastic lay audience, both general and specialised, interested in apologetic works. The proposed title aims to fill a crucial gap in the market, currently hold by established but dated works of apologetics that lack the breadth of a textbook (see Competing Texts' below). Written by an expert in apologetics (as well as a seasoned textbook author, praised for his student-friendly approach and clear writing), Christians Apologetics: An Introduction is expected to become the essential reading for any apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries. The book will benefit from McGrath's own experience as international lecturer on the topic and revolves around one key assumption: apologetics is about engaging cultural concerns about religious belief, and offering explanations and defences of faith. This work does not advocate a specifically denominational approach (Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical), but is intended to find wide acceptance across denominations, paralleling the success of Christian Theology: An Introduction. After an introductory section on the definition and history of apologetics (chapters 1-2), the book will then cover five major approaches to apologetics, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and discussing their key representatives (chapters 3-7). The last two chapters engage several representative difficulties for Christian faith, and will examine the real-life connection of apologetic studies with the life of the Church, showing how the material in the book can be connected to ministries in churches. Compact yet comprehensive, Christians Apologetics: An Introduction offers a thorough introduction to key themes and leading representatives of this tradition while also engaging the major debates in the field."--

Book Synopsis

Provides an accessible overview of the theory and practice of Christian apologetics, written by one of the leading experts in the field

Christian Apologetics is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this student-friendly textbook clearly explains the major theoretical and practical aspects of the tradition while exploring its core themes, historical development, and current debates.

Using a non-denominational approach, world-renowned Christian scholar Alister E. McGrath engages the ideas of a wide range of representative apologists and explores the ways they have been applied throughout history, and can still be used today.

Concise, easy-to-digest chapters gradually build students' knowledge and confidence, moving from basic definitions and concepts to more advanced theory and practical application. Throughout the text, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns about religious belief, illustrates the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and offers clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can adopt in their own writing and speaking.

• Introduces the art and science of explaining and commending the Christian faith
• Presents approaches to apologetics that emphasize the positive appeal of Christianity to the imagination and emotions
• Covers the major approaches to apologetics, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses their key representatives
• Helps readers in ministry and outreach defend Christianity against misunderstandings and misrepresentations
• Addresses the real-world application of apologetics, including role models, good practice, and established wisdom
• Features case studies of Christian apologists such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Tim Keller
• Includes study questions, activities, further reading lists, full references, and links to video and audio resources developed by the author

Designed to meet the needs of teachers looking for a clear and reliable introduction to the field, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations.

"McGrath judiciously mines the best apologetics from both the past and present while helpfully analyzing the task of apologetics and giving sage advice on how Christians may more effectively engage in the apologetic task. I heartily recommend this book."
--Robert B. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theology Seminary

"Alister McGrath, one of Christianity's leading scholars, has written an apologetics textbook in the legacy of C. S. Lewis, which integrates multiple disciplines and new developments. The result is a masterful introduction that is destined to serve the church for many years to come."
--Joshua Chatraw, The Billy Graham Chair for Evangelism and Cultural Engagement, Beeson Divinity School

"From the first time I heard Alister McGrath lecture as an undergraduate student I was gripped. His unique ability to grapple with the most challenging and complex issues and communicate with clarity and wisdom is unsurpassed in our day. In Christian Apologetics: An Introduction he provides a comprehensive picture of Apologetic approaches with his classic combination of winsomeness and brilliance. I believe it will prove to be another classic from McGrath."
--Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, Honorary Lecturer, School of Divinity, University of Aberdeen

"There has long been a desperate need for a thorough and wide-ranging introduction to Christian Apologetics, not least as this branch of Christian thought and theology has become increasingly active and important in recent years. Alister McGrath's Christian Apologetics: An Introduction fills this gap brilliantly. All in all, this is a much needed and incredibly important book, one that McGrath--given his wide experience of writing and teaching in apologetics--is almost uniquely qualified to write."
--Dr. Andy Bannister, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

From the Back Cover

An accessible and reliable introduction to the science and art of Christian apologetics

How can Christians explain their faith in a way that makes sense to people outside the church? How can you help resolve misrepresentations and misunderstandings of the faith? What are the best approaches for communicating the truth and joy of the Christian gospel to your audience? How can you successfully engage audiences of different identities and concerns?

In Christian Apologetics: An Introduction, world-renowned author and scholar Alister E. McGrath provides a student-friendly overview of the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of Christian faith. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this compact yet comprehensive textbook explains its major theoretical and practical aspects while exploring its core themes, historical development, current debates, and key representatives.

Throughout the book, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns and difficult questions about religious belief, examines major approaches to apologetics, discusses the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and more. Easy-to-read chapters include review questions and activities, discussion topics, further reading lists, case studies of key Christian apologists, and links to video and audio resources developed by the author.

Offering clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can use in their own writing and speaking, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations.

About the Author

ALISTER E. McGRATH is Senior Research Fellow and Emeritus Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. One of the world's leading Christian apologists, McGrath has held numerous academic positions, including Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University and Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is the author of Mere Apologetics, Narrative Apologetics, Theology: The Basics, and Historical Theology, amongst many others. He is also the co-editor of the authoritative work History of Apologetics: A Biographical and Methodological Introduction.