Mere Apologetics

by McGrath, Alister E.

• ISBN13: 9780801014161
• ISBN10: 0801014166
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-01
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group

Summary

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith, from Augustine and Aquinas to Jonathan Edwards, G. K. Chesterton, Francis Schaeffer, and C. S. Lewis. But with new challenges comes the need for a fresh apologetic that specifically addresses the arguments levied against faith in our time of scientific atheism and skepticism. In the spirit of C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, Alister McGrath's Mere Apologetics seeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments, Mere Apologetics teaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.

Author Biography

Alister E. McGrath is professor of theology, ministry, and education and head of the Centre for Theology, Religion, and Culture at King's College, London, and president of the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including the award-winning The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind. A former atheist, he is respectful yet critical of the New Atheist movement and regularly engages in debate and dialogue with its leaders.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 11
Getting Started: "What Is Apologetics?	p. 13
Defining Apologetics
The Basic Themes of Christian Apologetics
Apologetics and Evangelism
The Limitations of Apologetics
Moving On
For Further Reading
Apologetics and Contemporary Culture: From Modernity to Postmodernity	p. 27
Apologetics and Modernity
The Rise of Postmodernity
Apologetics and Postmodernity
The Approach Adopted in This Book
Moving On
For Further Reading
The Theological Basis of Apologetics	p. 41
Setting Things in Context
Apologetics and a Theological Vision of Reality
A Worked Example: Theological Analysis of the Cross
Moving On
For Further Reading
The Importance of the Audience: Possibilities and Issues	p. 57
Apologetics to the Jews: Peter's Pentecost Speech (Acts 2)
Apologetics to the Greeks: Paul's Athens Sermon (Acts 17)
Apologetics to the Romans: Paul's Legal Speeches (Acts 24-26)
Apologetics and Audiences: General Principles
Apologetics and Audiences: Specific Issues
Moving On
For Further Reading
The Reasonableness of the Christian Faith	p. 71
Understanding the Nature of Faith
Why Does the Reasonableness of Christianity Matter?
The Philosophy of Science as a Resource for Apologetics
Making Sense of Things: A Case Study
Moving On
For Further Reading
Pointers to Faith: Approaches to Apologetic Engagement	p. 93
Creation The Origins of the Universe
Fine-Tuning A Universe Designed for Life?
Order The Structure of the Physical World
Morality A Longing for Justice
Desire A Homing Instinct for God
Beauty The Splendor of the Natural World
Relationality God as a Person
Eternity The Intuition of Hope
Weaving Clues Together: In Search of a Pattern
Moving On
For Further Reading
Gateways for Apologetics: Opening the Door to Faith	p. 127
Gateways and Apologetics: Some Reflections
Explanation
Argument
Stories
Images
Moving On
For Further Reading
Questions about Faith: Developing Approaches	p. 157
Questions and Concerns*Some Basic Points
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
God as a Crutch
Working the Angles: Applying the Case Studies
For Further Reading
Conclusion: Developing Your Own Apologetic Approach	p. 181
Know Yourself
Learn from Others
Practice
And Finally
Notes	p. 187
Index	p. 195
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