Eclectic Apologetics: An Argument from Everything -- Especially Literature

by James W. Sire

"Look carefully. Listen closely. Do you see? Do you hear? There are a million signposts pointing toward the specific truth of God in Christ. I've seen many of them. But God is speaking to you too. Look and see. Listen and hear." In this accessible and engaging work, veteran apologist Jim Sire gives us eyes to see the myriad "signals of transcendence" all around us that point to the specific truth of God in Christ. Focusing on the power of good literature―even from those who deny the existence of God―enables us to perceive and testify to God's reality in ways that rational argument alone cannot. "While reason can be very helpful in pointing us to God and helping us in our apologetics, what compels and convinces people is more multidimensional," says Sire. "What is needed is a more holistic apologetic that not only includes truth but also goodness and beauty." All inspiration is rooted in God the Creator, and some of God?s truth lies buried until an artist exposes it. Good literature, written from a Christian standpoint or not, displays multiple examples of our human understandings of God, the universe and ourselves. It testifies to the existence of a transcendent realm and often, in fact, to the truth of the Christian faith.

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2014

About the author

James W. Sire was a Christian author, speaker, and former editor for InterVarsity Press.

Sire was an officer in the Army, a college professor of English literature, philosophy and theology, the chief editor of InterVarsity Press, a lecturer at over two hundred universities around the world and the author of twenty books on literature, philosophy and the Christian faith. His book The Universe Next Door, published in 1976 has sold over 350,000 copies. He held a B.A. in chemistry and English from the University of Nebraska, an M.A. in English from Washington State and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Missouri.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evidence of God is everywhere. Rather than looking at evidence from nature or the cosmos or creation - there are many other fine books that look there for arguments for evidence and existence of God, Sire look at literature and poetry, especially secular literature. Some parts of the books were very helpful, others not so much so. Generally, I have liked his books but this was some tough going at times.

"Christian faith, even in its apparently paradoxical notions, is not irrational. One does not have to give up reason - only the autonomy of human reason."

[Danmcgohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proof of the existence of God. Mr. Sire shows the existence of God in all literature and art. Fairly easy to follow logic of his thesis. Finding what really is "real"; ultimate TRUTH.