Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment

by James E. Taylor

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2006

Overview

In this stalwart defense of the Christian faith, James E. Taylor offers a balanced and comprehensive treatment of the core apologetic issues facing believers in the twenty-first century. Introducing Apologetics will appeal to college and seminary students as well as anyone who thinks deeply about the rationality and tenability of a Christian worldview.

What distinguishes this work is its tone, which is neither strident nor polemical. Instead, Taylor's arguments are sensitive, winsome, humble, and fair-minded, especially with respect to his treatment of philosophical and religious systems that challenge Christianity. Unique to Taylor's approach is his vision of apologetics as a discipline that should ideally lead to Christian commitment, discipleship, and spiritual transformation.

Key Features

• Chapter overviews and sidebars that enhance the text
• Each chapter contains an outline, summary as well as reflection and discussion questions.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In contrast, an apology in ancient Greece (Greek: apologia) was a legal defense against an official charge.” (Page 18)

“The bottom line is that premise 2 can be true in the sense needed for the argument to succeed only if premise 2 is objectively true. But it cannot be objectively true that there is no such thing as objective truth and reality.” (Page 337)

“Apologetic tasks 1 through 4 can be classified in terms of the two apologetic strategies mentioned at the end of the introduction: watering and weeding.” (Page 21)

“The second lesson we can learn from 1 Peter 3:14–15 is that the aim of Christian apologetics is to cultivate Christian commitment among both believers and unbelievers by means of a relevant reservoir of reasons (‘always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you a reason for the hope that is in you’).” (Page 21)

“(1) What is the world like? (2) Why does the world exist? and (3) How do human beings fit into the world?^{4” (Page 90)}

Praise for the Print Edition

This book is a thoughtful introduction to Christian apologetics that is focused on the needs and interests of students but embodies a deep understanding of the underlying philosophical issues. It is a wise and helpful book.

—C. Stephen Evans, professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University

Apologetics books are notorious for their struggle to find ways to be comprehensive, cutting edge, accessible, and relevant. Those that succeed at some tasks typically fail at others. Introducing Apologetics offers a refreshingly rare balance of these coveted traits. Readers can expect to be treated to the full range of traditional apologetic topics as well as to many that have only recently emerged as important. In addition, Taylor offers the reader sober, practical advice on the extent and limits of apologetics in the life of the Christian and in the Christian's attempt to reason together with non-Christians.

—Michael J. Murray, Professor and chair of Philosophy, Franklin and Marshall College

This is a very significant new text in apologetics. Taylor is so very insightful on so many issues. . . . One will learn much even in those sections where one feels compelled to disagree.

—L. Russ Bush III, Faith & Mission

Product Details

• Title: Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment
• Author: James E. Taylor
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 368

About James E. Taylor

James E. Taylor was educated at Westmont College, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Arizona. He currently teaches philosophy at Westmont College.