Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed.

by Cornelius Van Til

Publisher:

P&R

, 2003

Overview

All students of apologetics should read at least one book by arguably the most important apologist of the twentieth century: Cornelius Van Til. The single best point of entry into Van Til’s writings is Christian Apologetics.

Here Van Til presents the underpinnings of his uniquely biblical approach. He shows how Christian apologetics is rooted in a unified system of scriptural truth, a worldview that encompasses all spheres of knowledge. Noting the ultimate conflict between Christian and non-Christian systems, Van Til sets forth a method of argument that centers on an all-important, biblically defined point of contact with the unbeliever.

In this the first typeset edition, William Edgar sheds light on Van Til’s approach by adding a new introduction and explanatory notes.

Key Features

• Introduces Cornelius Van Til’s uniquely biblical approach to Christian apologetics
• Explains how Christian apologetics is rooted in a unified system of scriptural truth
• Presents Van Til’s method of argument, focusing on a biblically defined point of contact with unbelievers

Contents

• Introduction by William Edgar
• 1. The System of Christian Truth
• 2. The Christian Philosophy of Life
• 3. The Point of Contact
• 4. The Problem of Method
• 5. Authority and Reason
• Index

Praise for Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed.

One of Van Til’s two or three most important books, this is certainly a must-read for anyone who is trying to understand Van Til today. He challenges Christians to think in a distinctively biblical way. That biblical way opposes and challenges all religions and secular philosophies, all ideologies that place the ultimate source of truth and value in human beings rather than in God. Thoroughly re-edited, with an excellent introduction by William Edgar

—John M. Frame

The copious explanatory notes by Dr. Edgar are invariably helpful and will serve to enhance the singular value of this great work for the present and coming generations.

—Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Product Details

• Title: Christian Apologetics
• Author: Cornelius Van Til
• Edition: SECOND EDITION
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2003
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 206
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Apologetics
• ISBNs: 0875525113, 9780875525112
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRSTNPLGT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-07-28T22:01:20Z

About Cornelius Van Til

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) was one of the most respected apologetic theologians of his time. Van Til earned degrees from Calvin College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Princeton University on his way to becoming an Orthodox Presbyterian Minister.

He served throughout the ministry and scholarly fields, including serving as a professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary and being heavily involved with the foundation of the Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy.

His most noted writings include The New Modernism, The Defense of the Faith, and Christianity and Barthianism which can all be found in The Works of Cornelius Van Til (40 vols.).  Much of his work with apologetics focuses on presuppositions, the difference between believers and non-believers, and the opposition between Christian and non-Christian worldviews.