Christian Apologetics Past and Present (Volume 2, From 1500): A Primary Source Reader

by William Edgar (Editor), K. Scott Oliphint

Amid a revival of apologetics, “few things could be more useful than an acquaintance with how Christian faith was defended down through the ages,” say the editors in their introduction to this two-part anthology. “Access to both historical and contemporary texts gives us fresh insight into how our fathers in the faith responded to the questions facing them.”  Volume 2 in this one-of-a-kind resource takes a sweeping look at apologetics from the Reformation to the present. Readings from twenty-six apologists, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, Blaise Pascal, Jonathan Edwards, Søren Kierkegaard, Francis Schaeffer, Alvin Plantinga, and William Lane Craig are included. With editorial commentary and questions for reflection, Christian Apologetics Past and Present will prove a valuable text for students as well as a unique resource for those interested in defending the faith.   

Genres: Christianity, Theology, History, Christian, Nonfiction

752 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

William Edgar (DTheol, University of Geneva) is professor of apologetics and coordinator of the apologetics department at Westminster Theological Seminary. His books include Reasons of the Heart, The Face of Truth, and Truth in All Its Glory.

Reviews

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great arguments from the greatest Christian apologists of the last five centuries.

[Brian Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second volume of Edgar and Oliphint's anthology of Christian apologetics. Many of the texts in this volume are not necessarily apologetics, at least as typically construed. We often think of apologetics as proofs of God's existence, presented to atheists or skeptics. Only a few of the texts in this volume fit that mold. The editors seem to prefer "theological apologetics," which is often indistinguishable from theology.

This volume is longer than the first, though it covers less time (1500-2006). More authors are presented, including Luther, Calvin, Pascal, Butler, Edwards, Paley, Kierkegaard, Chesterton, Lewis, Schaeffer, Plantinga, W. L. Craig, and others. A few of the texts fit the proofs mold: the moral argument presented by Lewis, the cosmological argument partially presented by Craig, the teleological argument presented by Paley and (sort of) by Francis Collins. Other arguments, like Chesterton's are harder to classify. Some texts seem to be theology or cultural analysis.

I think I would make some different choices if I were the editors. As with the first volume, the diagnostic questions often don't fit the texts. Sometimes they ask questions that the texts don't answer. But the introductions are helpful.

[Finished reading 1/1/19.]

[George P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Apologetics: Past and Present is a two-volume compendium of primary sources that document the variety of reasons Christians have given in defense of their faith over the two millennia of its existence. This second volume covers the period from 1500 to the present. The authors divide it into four parts: (1) "The Reformation, Post-Reformation (Protestant), and Catholic Reformation"; (2) "Modernity and the Challenge of Reason," from roughly the late 17th through the mid-19th centuries; (3) "The Global Era: Christian Faith and a Changing World," which covers the mid-19th through early 20th centuries; and (4) "Issues Today and Tomorrow," which covers the mid-20th century to the present. Each section includes selections by authors from across the ecumenical spectrum--Protestant and Catholic--with Reformed evangelical authors receiving special focus in parts 3 and 4. Each part begins with an "Introduction" that frames the historical context the excerpted apologists worked within and concludes with a "Follow-Up" that briefly describes apologetic authors and works not excerpted for the book. I recommend both volumes for Christian apologists, pastors, seminary professors or readers, or laypeople interested in the historical development of Christian apologetics.

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[G0thamite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will not read the entire book through, as is my usual habit. It is a selection of apologetic works from 1500 - present. Some really good titles missing, but copyrights prohibited their inclusion. All in all, as good a collection that I'm aware of out there. Vol 1 especially recommended.

[Rob Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well rounded variety of primary sources

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume two from a two volume set: more modern thinkers.

[Jacob O'connor]

Excellent for reference

Notes:
Logos
excellent list of Bible verses about apologetics (22)