Author: Jeffrey L. Hamm
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532645228
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ’s conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ’s style of persuasion—as the controller of the question—subverts his hearers’ presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ’s method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is “something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account—aggressive, violent, radical questions—and striking straight to the hearts of men.” Christian conversation must integrate Christ’s method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
Turning the Tables on Apologetics
Author: Jeffrey L. Hamm
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532645228
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ’s conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ’s style of persuasion—as the controller of the question—subverts his hearers’ presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ’s method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is “something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account—aggressive, violent, radical questions—and striking straight to the hearts of men.” Christian conversation must integrate Christ’s method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532645228
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ’s conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ’s style of persuasion—as the controller of the question—subverts his hearers’ presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ’s method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is “something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account—aggressive, violent, radical questions—and striking straight to the hearts of men.” Christian conversation must integrate Christ’s method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
Turning the Tables on Apologetics
Author: Jeffery L. Hamm
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532645244
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ's conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ's style of persuasion--as the controller of the question--subverts his hearers' presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ's method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is "something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account--aggressive, violent, radical questions--and striking straight to the hearts of men." Christian conversation must integrate Christ's method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532645244
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
Does apologetic method matter? Helmut Thielicke argues that the method should conform to its own message. He thus rejects traditional apologetic methodologies beholden to supposedly neutral scientific and philosophical paradigms. Seeking to reform Christian conversation, Thielicke discovers a lost way of persuasion, that is, the table-turning approach found in Christ's conversations. Whenever Jesus is questioned, he seldom answers directly. For he refuses to allow the conversation to be framed by an autonomous mindset, and instead responds with a counterquestion. Christ's style of persuasion--as the controller of the question--subverts his hearers' presuppositions and challenges their unbelief. This approach is the reverse of the defensive, answer-giving mode of traditional apologetics. In view of renewing Christ's method, Thielicke insists that the task of apologetics is "something which is always on the offensive and, far from giving ready-made answers to the doubtful questions of men, turns the tables by putting questions on its own account--aggressive, violent, radical questions--and striking straight to the hearts of men." Christian conversation must integrate Christ's method with his message in order to advocate the message itself. For it is not the world that questions Christ, but rather Christ questions the world.
Turning the Tables on Apologetics
Author: Jeffery L. Hamm
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Apologetics
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This thesis investigates the reformation of Christian apologetics in the theology of the twentieth century German theologian, Helmut Thielicke. In his view, traditional apologetics--the historical methods of philosophical proof and evidentialism--is practised in a sub-theological way. His theological lifework is to take over the task of apologetics in order to conduct Christian conversation in a "new way" and at a "theologically genuine level," as he states it. Thielicke's work sets itself to address what he considers to be the three problematic characteristics of traditional apologetics. First, it speaks to unbelievers from an unrealistic and Christianly inappropriate position of rational certainty instead of the authenticate position of faith-crisis (Anfechtung). Second, it removes the scandal and folly of the cross, and attempts to demonstrate the faith on the supposedly common ground of autonomous empiricism and rationalism. Third, it operates in a defensive answer-giving role rather than an offensive counterquestion mode which challenges the interpretive paradigms of unbelief as such. Thielicke looks to circumvent these faulty features where he discovers a new way of Christian persuasion, that is, a table-turning strategy modeled after Christ's conversations. This method coheres with a theological account of the faith-crisis element in the "theology of the cross." The counterquestion approach integrates the counterdemonstrationism of the cross-centered theology which repudiates the allegedly neutral systems of autonomous science and philosophy. Simply put, he seeks a method that conforms to its own message. Finally, this presentation of Thielicke's apologetic reformation puts him in conversation with Cornelius Van Til, the pioneer of presuppositionalism, in order to consider Thielicke's contribution to developing contemporary Reformed apologetics.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Apologetics
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This thesis investigates the reformation of Christian apologetics in the theology of the twentieth century German theologian, Helmut Thielicke. In his view, traditional apologetics--the historical methods of philosophical proof and evidentialism--is practised in a sub-theological way. His theological lifework is to take over the task of apologetics in order to conduct Christian conversation in a "new way" and at a "theologically genuine level," as he states it. Thielicke's work sets itself to address what he considers to be the three problematic characteristics of traditional apologetics. First, it speaks to unbelievers from an unrealistic and Christianly inappropriate position of rational certainty instead of the authenticate position of faith-crisis (Anfechtung). Second, it removes the scandal and folly of the cross, and attempts to demonstrate the faith on the supposedly common ground of autonomous empiricism and rationalism. Third, it operates in a defensive answer-giving role rather than an offensive counterquestion mode which challenges the interpretive paradigms of unbelief as such. Thielicke looks to circumvent these faulty features where he discovers a new way of Christian persuasion, that is, a table-turning strategy modeled after Christ's conversations. This method coheres with a theological account of the faith-crisis element in the "theology of the cross." The counterquestion approach integrates the counterdemonstrationism of the cross-centered theology which repudiates the allegedly neutral systems of autonomous science and philosophy. Simply put, he seeks a method that conforms to its own message. Finally, this presentation of Thielicke's apologetic reformation puts him in conversation with Cornelius Van Til, the pioneer of presuppositionalism, in order to consider Thielicke's contribution to developing contemporary Reformed apologetics.
Christian Apologetics
Author: Douglas Groothuis
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 1514002760
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 723
Book Description
People are hungry for hope. They want to understand our human condition—its origin, nature, purpose, and destiny. The Christian faith offers hope for individuals and the entire universe, grounded in absolute truth. But how can we know that Christianity is true? And how can Christians confidently present their beliefs in the face of doubts and competing views? In this comprehensive text, Douglas Groothuis makes a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism. Demonstrating how apologetics must be both rational and winsome, he addresses the most common questions and objections people raise regarding Christianity. After laying a foundation with the biblical basis for apologetics, apologetic method, and a defense of objective truth, he presents key arguments for the reality of God, a case for the credibility of Jesus, and evidence for the resurrection. Groothuis also evaluates alternative views and responds to challenges such as religious pluralism and the problem of evil. The second edition of this landmark work has been updated throughout to address current issues and sources. It includes new chapters on topics such as doubt and the hiddenness of God, the atonement, the church, and lament as a Christian apologetic. To know God in Christ, Groothuis argues, means that we desire to make Christian truth available to others in the most compelling form possible. Students, ordinary Christians, and seasoned philosophers will all find a wise guide for this endeavor in Christian Apologetics.
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 1514002760
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 723
Book Description
People are hungry for hope. They want to understand our human condition—its origin, nature, purpose, and destiny. The Christian faith offers hope for individuals and the entire universe, grounded in absolute truth. But how can we know that Christianity is true? And how can Christians confidently present their beliefs in the face of doubts and competing views? In this comprehensive text, Douglas Groothuis makes a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism. Demonstrating how apologetics must be both rational and winsome, he addresses the most common questions and objections people raise regarding Christianity. After laying a foundation with the biblical basis for apologetics, apologetic method, and a defense of objective truth, he presents key arguments for the reality of God, a case for the credibility of Jesus, and evidence for the resurrection. Groothuis also evaluates alternative views and responds to challenges such as religious pluralism and the problem of evil. The second edition of this landmark work has been updated throughout to address current issues and sources. It includes new chapters on topics such as doubt and the hiddenness of God, the atonement, the church, and lament as a Christian apologetic. To know God in Christ, Groothuis argues, means that we desire to make Christian truth available to others in the most compelling form possible. Students, ordinary Christians, and seasoned philosophers will all find a wise guide for this endeavor in Christian Apologetics.
Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Author: Josh McDowell
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 1401676715
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 879
Book Description
Everything you need to effectively defend the truths of the Bible and the beliefs of the Christian faith. Winner of the 2018 ECPA Christian Book award for Bible Reference Works. The truth of the Bible doesn't change, but its critics do. Now with his son, Sean McDowell, speaker and author Josh McDowell has updated and expanded the modern apologetics classic for a new generation. Evidence That Demands a Verdict provides an expansive defense of Christianity's core truths, rebuttals to some recent and popular forms of skepticism, and insightful responses to the Bible's most difficult and misused passages. It invites readers to bring their doubts and doesn't shy away from the tough questions. Topics and questions are covered in four main parts: Evidence for the Bible Evidence for Jesus Evidence for the Old Testament Evidence for Truth Also included, you'll find: An introduction about the biblical mandate to defend one's faith and why our faith is built on facts. A prologue describing why we live in a theistic universe. A closing response to the specific challenges of atheist New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman. Two reflections: "How to Know God Personally" and "He Changed My Life." Serving as a go-to reference for even the toughest questions, Evidence that Demands a Verdict continues to encourage and strengthen millions by providing Christians the answers they need to defend their faith against the harshest critics and skeptics. "Here's a treasure trove of apologetic gems! This is an indispensable book that all Christians should keep within reach." —Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 1401676715
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 879
Book Description
Everything you need to effectively defend the truths of the Bible and the beliefs of the Christian faith. Winner of the 2018 ECPA Christian Book award for Bible Reference Works. The truth of the Bible doesn't change, but its critics do. Now with his son, Sean McDowell, speaker and author Josh McDowell has updated and expanded the modern apologetics classic for a new generation. Evidence That Demands a Verdict provides an expansive defense of Christianity's core truths, rebuttals to some recent and popular forms of skepticism, and insightful responses to the Bible's most difficult and misused passages. It invites readers to bring their doubts and doesn't shy away from the tough questions. Topics and questions are covered in four main parts: Evidence for the Bible Evidence for Jesus Evidence for the Old Testament Evidence for Truth Also included, you'll find: An introduction about the biblical mandate to defend one's faith and why our faith is built on facts. A prologue describing why we live in a theistic universe. A closing response to the specific challenges of atheist New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman. Two reflections: "How to Know God Personally" and "He Changed My Life." Serving as a go-to reference for even the toughest questions, Evidence that Demands a Verdict continues to encourage and strengthen millions by providing Christians the answers they need to defend their faith against the harshest critics and skeptics. "Here's a treasure trove of apologetic gems! This is an indispensable book that all Christians should keep within reach." —Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS
Author: Robert Mackintosh
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 149
Book Description
Mackintosh offers the reader fundamental arguments for the Christian faith in the introduction to Christian Apologetics designed for beginners and intermediate apologists. This short work includes three preliminary chapters on the nature of apologetics, faith, and reason. The remaining chapters address topics such as the sinlessness of Jesus, the resurrection, difficulties in the Old Testament, and miracles. And the book closes out with four appendices chapters on how to explain and handle Bible difficulties.
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 149
Book Description
Mackintosh offers the reader fundamental arguments for the Christian faith in the introduction to Christian Apologetics designed for beginners and intermediate apologists. This short work includes three preliminary chapters on the nature of apologetics, faith, and reason. The remaining chapters address topics such as the sinlessness of Jesus, the resurrection, difficulties in the Old Testament, and miracles. And the book closes out with four appendices chapters on how to explain and handle Bible difficulties.
Tactics
Author: Gregory Koukl
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310282926
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations? Want to increase your confidence and skill in discussions with family, friends, and coworkers? Gregory Koukl offers practical strategies to help you stay in the driver's seat as you maneuver comfortably and graciously in any conversation about your Christian convictions.
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310282926
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations? Want to increase your confidence and skill in discussions with family, friends, and coworkers? Gregory Koukl offers practical strategies to help you stay in the driver's seat as you maneuver comfortably and graciously in any conversation about your Christian convictions.
Covenantal Apologetics
Author: K. Scott Oliphint
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433576392
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
Practical, Effective Guidance for Sharing the Christian Faith with Unbelievers, Based on Biblical Principles Defending the faith can be daunting, and a well-reasoned and biblically grounded apologetic is essential for the challenge. Following in the footsteps of groundbreaking apologist Cornelius Van Til, Scott Oliphint presents us with an introduction to Reformed apologetics as he sets forth the principles behind a distinctly "covenantal" approach. This book clearly explains the theological foundations of covenantal apologetics and illustrates its application in real-world conversations with unbelievers—helping Christians to boldly, knowledgeably, and winsomely proclaim the gospel. Equips Christians to Share Their Faith: Includes practical examples of apologetic conversations with unbelievers Written by a Respected Apologist: K. Scott Oliphint coedited Christian Apologetics Past and Present, a two-volume overview of apologetics throughout church history Theologically Rich: Defends presuppositionalism and covenantal apologetics while offering the most practical application
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433576392
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
Practical, Effective Guidance for Sharing the Christian Faith with Unbelievers, Based on Biblical Principles Defending the faith can be daunting, and a well-reasoned and biblically grounded apologetic is essential for the challenge. Following in the footsteps of groundbreaking apologist Cornelius Van Til, Scott Oliphint presents us with an introduction to Reformed apologetics as he sets forth the principles behind a distinctly "covenantal" approach. This book clearly explains the theological foundations of covenantal apologetics and illustrates its application in real-world conversations with unbelievers—helping Christians to boldly, knowledgeably, and winsomely proclaim the gospel. Equips Christians to Share Their Faith: Includes practical examples of apologetic conversations with unbelievers Written by a Respected Apologist: K. Scott Oliphint coedited Christian Apologetics Past and Present, a two-volume overview of apologetics throughout church history Theologically Rich: Defends presuppositionalism and covenantal apologetics while offering the most practical application
The Prophetic Apologetic
Author: Jonathan Ammon
Publisher: Lowerlight Books
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
In a world of growing skepticism, Charismatic Christianity offers a bold approach to defending the faith. In THE PROPHETIC APOLOGETIC, Jonathan Ammon demonstrates how supernatural encounters with Jesus are central to our relationship with God and the defense of the Christian faith. This concise guide introduces an extraordinary approach to apologetics. You will learn how a charismatic worldview can help you reason with skeptics. You will learn how charismatic theology offers unique answers to skepticism’s biggest arguments, and how a charismatic lifestyle better enables you to share your faith. More than a one-stop manual for defending the faith, this book re-centers Christian philosophy and apologetics on the supernatural. Discover what the Bible has to say about God’s ongoing revelation of Himself through Jesus and the miraculous power of God.
Publisher: Lowerlight Books
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
In a world of growing skepticism, Charismatic Christianity offers a bold approach to defending the faith. In THE PROPHETIC APOLOGETIC, Jonathan Ammon demonstrates how supernatural encounters with Jesus are central to our relationship with God and the defense of the Christian faith. This concise guide introduces an extraordinary approach to apologetics. You will learn how a charismatic worldview can help you reason with skeptics. You will learn how charismatic theology offers unique answers to skepticism’s biggest arguments, and how a charismatic lifestyle better enables you to share your faith. More than a one-stop manual for defending the faith, this book re-centers Christian philosophy and apologetics on the supernatural. Discover what the Bible has to say about God’s ongoing revelation of Himself through Jesus and the miraculous power of God.
Humble Apologetics
Author: John G. Stackhouse Jr.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198031564
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
Is it still possible, in an age of religious and cultural pluralism, to engage in Christian apologetics? How can one urge one's faith on others when such a gesture is typically regarded with suspicion, if not outright resentment? In Humble Apologetics John G. Stackhouse brings his wide experience as a historian, philosopher, journalist, and theologian to these important questions and offers surprising--and reassuring--answers. Stackhouse begins by acknowledging the real impediments to Christian testimony in North America today and to other faiths in modern societies around the world. He shows how pluralism, postmodernism, skepticism, and a host of other factors create a cultural milieu resistant to the Christian message. And he shows how the arrogance or dogmatism of apologists themselves can alienate rather than attract potential converts. Indeed, Stackhouse argues that the crucial experience of conversion cannot be compelled; all the apologist can do is lead another to the point where an actual encounter with Jesus can take place. Finally, he shows how displaying an attitude of humility, instead of merely trying to win religious arguments, will help believers offer their neighbors the gift of Christ's love. Drawing on the author's personal experience and written with an engaging directness and an unassuming nature, Humble Apologetics provides sound guidance on how to share Christian faith in a postmodern world.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198031564
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
Is it still possible, in an age of religious and cultural pluralism, to engage in Christian apologetics? How can one urge one's faith on others when such a gesture is typically regarded with suspicion, if not outright resentment? In Humble Apologetics John G. Stackhouse brings his wide experience as a historian, philosopher, journalist, and theologian to these important questions and offers surprising--and reassuring--answers. Stackhouse begins by acknowledging the real impediments to Christian testimony in North America today and to other faiths in modern societies around the world. He shows how pluralism, postmodernism, skepticism, and a host of other factors create a cultural milieu resistant to the Christian message. And he shows how the arrogance or dogmatism of apologists themselves can alienate rather than attract potential converts. Indeed, Stackhouse argues that the crucial experience of conversion cannot be compelled; all the apologist can do is lead another to the point where an actual encounter with Jesus can take place. Finally, he shows how displaying an attitude of humility, instead of merely trying to win religious arguments, will help believers offer their neighbors the gift of Christ's love. Drawing on the author's personal experience and written with an engaging directness and an unassuming nature, Humble Apologetics provides sound guidance on how to share Christian faith in a postmodern world.