Mere Apologetics

by Alister McGrath

Publisher:

Baker

, 2012

Overview

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith. But with the new challenges of scientific atheism we see in our day, there is a need for a fresh and flexible approach to apologetics. 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.

After discussing the biblical basis for and historical uses of apologetics, Alister E. McGrath offers various approaches to sharing your faith with others. He outlines pointers to faith, such as our innate sense of longing for justice, our appreciation for beauty, the order we see in the physical world, and much more. He also shows how there are many right ways to share your faith—through explanations, arguments, stories, and images—and helps you decide which works best for your personality and your audience.

“Apologetics is not to be seen as a defensive and hostile reaction against the world,” says McGrath, “but as a welcome opportunity to exhibit, celebrate, and display the treasure chest of the Christian faith.” If you long to commend your faith to those outside the church, Mere Apologetics will show you how to do so gracefully and effectively.

In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Includes recommendations for sharing your faith with nonbelievers
• Addresses contemporary philosophical issues
• Defends the Christian faith, Jesus’ resurrection, and Scripture’s inerrancy

Contents

• Getting Started: What Is Apologetics?
• Apologetics and Contemporary Culture: From Modernity to Postmodernity
• The Theological Basis of Apologetics
• The Importance of the Audience: Possibilities and Issues
• The Reasonableness of the Christian Faith
• Pointers to Faith: Approaches to Apologetic Engagement
• Gateways for Apologetics: Opening the Door to Faith
• Questions about Faith: Developing Approaches
• Conclusion: Developing Your Own Apologetic Approach

Top Highlights

“Apologetics is conversational, where evangelism is invitational.” (Page 22)

“First, translation into cultural terms can easily lead to Christian ideas being reduced to their cultural equivalents” (Page 24)

“For Peter, apologetics is about defending the truth with gentleness and respect. The object of apologetics is not to antagonize or humiliate those outside the church, but to help open their eyes to the reality, reliability, and relevance of the Christian faith. There must be no mismatch or contradiction between the message that is proclaimed and the tone of the messenger’s proclamation.” (Page 16)

“Where apologetics can be considered to clear the ground for faith in Christ, evangelism invites people to respond to the gospel. Where apologetics aims to secure consent, evangelism aims to secure commitment.” (Page 22)

“The term ‘postmodernism’ first made its appearance around 1971. It was initially used to refer to a new architectural style, but was soon applied to the world of ideas. Postmodernism came to refer to the growing cultural belief that modernity had failed and needed to be corrected.” (Page 29)

Praise for the Print Edition

This is a fresh, clear, and practical introduction to apologetics from someone who doesn’t just talk about the subject but actually does it brilliantly. It is especially helpful because it avoids the fruitless wrangling between apologetic schools that stops many people from getting on with the task.

—Os Guinness, author and social critic

Mere Apologetics helps readers work out their own way to effectively communicate and defend the Gospel. An excellent text for courses in apologetics. A great read for both beginning and experienced apologists.

—Jim Sire, former editor, InterVarsity Press

Over the years I have found Alister McGrath to be an insightful, wise guide on many topics. So I am pleased to recommend his book on apologetics. It is foundational, practical, and creative as well as faithful to Scripture. A fine resource indeed!

—Paul Copan, professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Product Details

• Title: Mere Apologetics: How to Help Seekers and Skeptics Find Faith
• Author: Alister E. McGrath
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 208

About Alister McGrath

Alister McGrath

(DPhil, DD, Oxford University) is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. He previously held the chair of theology, ministry and education and was head of the Centre for Theology, Religion Culture at King's College, London. He is in constant demand as a speaker at conferences throughout the world and is the author of many books including The Dawkins Delusion? and Christianity's Dangerous Idea.

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