Humble Apologetics Defending the Faith Today

by Stackhouse, John G.

• ISBN13: 9780195307177
• ISBN10: 0195307178
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-20
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Is it still possible, in an age of religious and cultural pluralism, to engage in Christian apologetics? How can one urge one's faith on others when such a gesture is typically regarded with suspicion, if not outright resentment? In Humble Apologetics John G. Stackhouse brings his wide experience as a historian, philosopher, journalist, and theologian to these important questions and offers surprising--and reassuring--answers. Stackhouse begins by acknowledging the real impediments to Christian testimony in NorthAmerica today and to other faiths in modern societies around the world. He shows how pluralism, postmodernism, skepticism, and a host of other factors create a cultural milieu resistant to the Christian message. And he shows how the arrogance or dogmatism of apologists themselves can alienate ratherthan attract potential converts. Indeed, Stackhouse argues that the crucial experience of conversion cannot be compelled; all the apologist can do is lead another to the point where an actual encounter with Jesus can take place. Finally, he shows how displaying an attitude of humility, instead ofmerely trying to win religious arguments, will help believers offer their neighbors the gift of Christ's love. Drawing on the author's personal experience and written with an engaging directness and an unassuming nature, Humble Apologetics provides sound guidance on how to share Christian faith in a postmodern world.

Author Biography

John G. Stackhouse, Jr. is Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology and Culture at Regent College, Vancouver, Canada. His previous book, Can God Be Trusted?: Faith and the Challenge of Evil (OUP, 1998) was named one of Christianity Today's books of the year.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
PART ONE: CHALLENGES
Pluralism	3	(19)
Postmodernity and Postmodernism(s)	22	(16)
The Problem of Plausibility	38	(16)
Consumerism	54	(13)
PART TWO: CONVERSION
Defining Conversion	67	(19)
Deciding about Religion	86	(28)
Defining, Directing, and Defending Apologetics	114	(17)
PART THREE: COMMUNICATION
Principles of Christian Communication	131	(14)
Audience-Specific Apologetics	145	(16)
Guidelines for Apologetic Conversation	161	(45)
Other Modes of Apologetics	206	(21)
Conclusion: Humble Apologetics	227	(6)
Notes	233	(26)
Index	259