Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til (Reformed, Exegetical and Doctrinal Studies | REDS)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Part of Reformed Exegetical Doctrinal Studies series.
A Truly Reformed Apologetics?
Cornelius Van Til claimed that all traditional apologetic methodologies are flawed and that those Reformed Christians who use such methods are compromising their theology. His goal was to develop an apologetic method that is truly consistent with Reformed theology. Did he achieve that goal?
For almost a century, Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter–charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics.
In Part One, Cornelius Van Til’s own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption, and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines.
Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til’s apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical, philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til’s system of thought. What this book reveals is that Van Til’s apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.
- Seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction.
- Clears away as much misunderstanding as possible.
- Adds to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics.
- Series Preface
- Preface
- Introduction
- PART ONE: CONSIDERING THE THOUGHT OF CORNELIUS VAN TIL
- 1. The Triune God
- 2. Creation and Revelation
- 3. Man’s Fall and God’s Grace
- 4. Redemption and the Antithesis
- 5. The Apologetic Implications of the Antithesis
- PART TWO: RECONSIDERING THE THOUGHT OF CORNELIUS VAN TIL
- 6. Biblical Concerns
- 7. Philosophical Concerns
- 8. Theological Concerns
- 9. Historical Concerns
- 10. Practical Concerns
- Conclusion
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Scripture Index
Keith Mathison … refreshingly shines exegetical and theological light upon this debated topic …
—J. V. Fesko, Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi; author, Reforming Apologetics: Retrieving the Classic Reformed Approach to Defending the Faith
My only mark against Mathison is that he did not write this book fifteen years ago.
—Samuel G. Parkison, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, Gulf Theological Seminary, United Arab Emirates; author, To Gaze Upon God: The Beatific Vision in Doctrine, Tradition, and Practice
Mathison should be commended for his humility and diligence to move the discussion forward in the best of ways.
—Harrison Perkins, Pastor, Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC), Farmington Hills, Michigan; author, Righteous by Design: Covenantal Merit and Adam’s Original Integrity
- Title: Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til (Reformed, Exegetical and Doctrinal Studies | REDS)
- Author: Dr. Keith A. Mathison
- Series: Reformed, Exegetical and Doctrinal Studies
- Publisher: Christian Focus
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Pages: 296
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- ISBNs: 9781527112292, 1527112292
- Resource ID: LLS:RFRMDPLGTCSVNTL
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-01T18:30:01Z