Mapping Apologetics: Comparing Contemporary Approaches

by Brian K. Morley

Everyone believes something. But how and why do people believe? What counts as evidence? How much can be assumed or believed by faith alone? When it comes to religious faith, the questions become at once more difficult and more important. Over the centuries, Christians have offered different approaches to explaining or defending the Christian faith, a discipline known as apologetics. But it has not always been clear how different apologetic methods work, or what each approach has to offer. In this comprehensive survey, Brian Morley provides an overview of Christian apologetic approaches and how they differ. He explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of key figures and major schools of thought, from the presuppositionalism of Cornelius Van Til to the evidentialism of Gary Habermas. Moving beyond theory, Morley also covers apologetic application, demonstrating how each view works out in practical terms. This guide covers the complexities of apologetics in a way that is accessible to the nonspecialist. Even-handed and respectful of each apologist and their contribution, this book provides the reader with a formidable array of defenses for the faith.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2015

Reviews

[Christopher Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. This was a really good book! Morley exams several different apologetics approaches and he does a great job. This book introduced me to some new stuff and educated me on some things that I knew very little about like Richard Swinburne’s apologetic method (I definitely want to go read some of Richard Swinburne’s stuff now). My favorite part of the book was the chapter on Frame, but that is because he is my favorite. I also enjoyed the chapter on Habermas. My honorable mention is the chapter on William Lane Craig as I was impressed by Craig’s simple but compelling syllogisms for the existence of God. This is a fantastic book for apologetics nerds!

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been the most helpful book on apologetics I've read to date. The author presents each view with such clarity and evenhandedness that it is impossible to know which he holds himself. Even more helpful, he presents the different shades within each view, avoiding sweeping generalizations about any particular camp.

On a more subjective note, I was surprised to read the chapter on Alvin Plantinga's "Reformed Epistemology." Up until then I thought of myself as floating between presuppositionalism and classical apologetics, unsure of where to plant my feet because I at least partially accepted many of the premises of both. Reading about Plantinga was like how C. S. Lewis describes the beginning of a friendship: "You too? I thought I was the only one!"

[Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super wordy and easy to get lost in the weeds. There was an underlying tone that conveyed Morley’s apologetic position, which of course everyone should have, but as an author covering a wide variety of positions, it is preferred to be more neutral in presenting all sides.

[Shane Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 reads: 28/52

4 stars.

Read for my Christian apologetics class with Dr. Timothy Paul Jones at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Strengths: fair, thorough, and robust survey of various apologetic methods. Neither overly critical or simplistic of each method. A great resource to return to.

Weaknesses: overly repetitive and 50-100 pages too long IMO.

[Mason Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accomplished what it set out to do perfectly. A fair and relatively detailed survey of the approaches to Christian Apologetics employed today. Van Til to Habermas. I particularly liked the chapter on Plantinga, but that's mostly just cause I like Plantinga.

[Craig Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though there are a few dissenters, it is a commonly held belief, across a wide spectrum of Christian denominations and theological persuasions, that Christians are to engage in apologetics. In short, Christians are commanded to defend the faith once delivered to the saints against the attacks of unbelief, in response to questions by those genuinely seeking to understand it, and for believers to be built up in their faith. While the command to do apologetics is clear, it is not so clear as to how to do apologetics. This is where the unity around doing apologetics as an aspect of discipleship turns into vast diversity on the method of apologetics.

Just like there are many theological systems through which to view systematic or biblical theology, so there are many different apologetic methods championed by a diversity of Christian apologists. There are many books supporting each method and even within the same method there can be several branches with diverging views on various aspects. Make no mistake, there are many believers and unbelievers who have been genuinely helped through all of the apologetics methods. There are genuine Christians who support each view and who, at times, strongly disagree with some views to the point that they believe they are detrimental to the Christian faith. Everyone believes their method is the best. Some of these approaches complement each other and some of them are at great odds with one another. With so many views and books to read, where does one begin to weight the pros and cons of each method?

This is why I am excited about Mapping Apologetics: Comparing Contemporary Approaches by Brian K. Morley (IVP, 2015). Morley is a professor of philosophy and apologetics at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA and is the founder of the apologetics ministry faithandreasonforum.com. “The focus of the book,” says Morley, “is on understanding the theories and how they see each other.” (11) Of the ten major views which Morley believes are most prominent he judiciously lays out the details of five of them (presuppositionalism, reformed epistemology, combinationalism, classical apologetics, and evidentialism), giving fair critique from his own evaluation, and, perhaps most beneficially, gives critique of each view from those who support the other views he presents.

There are a number of different ways in which one could chart and compare each apologetic method. Morley has chosen to chart the views according to how each view appeals to independent evidence to support their conclusion(s) (25). So, what evidence does said view have for the certainty with which it holds to belief in God? While fedism and rationalism are the exact opposites on the chart, neither is addressed in the book at length. Therefore, the opposites of the book are presuppositionalism (which appeals to the transcendental argument for its certainty but not independent evidence) and evidentialism as its opposite (which appeals to multiple lines of independent facts as support for its certainty).

There are a number of reasons why I think this book is beneficial to those interested in apologetics. First, avid readers of apologetics will immediately notice that Morley has gone out of his way to accurately present the positions of each person he interacts with. The footnotes are evidence of this along with his mentioning of the numerous emails and in-person discussions he has had with most of the apologists mentioned in the book. I believe each apologist mentioned would be pleased with Morley’s presentation of their positions.

Second, as mentioned earlier, I think one of the most beneficial aspects of the book is the critique Morley gives to each view and that he presents from other apologists. One would be hard pressed to determine Morley’s own view (he does not give it) from the book because of how fairly he critiques each. Morley’s ability to judiciously critique each position shows that he gets what each view is saying. He does not offer straw-man critiques but rather, fair and substantive interaction with what he believes are weaknesses with each view.

Third, repetition, repetition, and more of it. While usually repetition in a book can become distracting, Morley is intent on using it as a means of effectively communicating his points. He wants to be clear enough for those without an apologetics background to be able to grasp the core beliefs of each method. He uses repetition to be clear and keep the reader from needlessly bouncing back and forth throughout the book in order to review what has been previously discussed.

Finally, this book, in many ways, gets to the heart of the dividing line between the various apologetic methods in a way that is not achieved in many comparative views books (though those are beneficial). Morley ably points to enough of the theological underpinnings of each view to show how they shape the structure and direction of the method. This gets at a point which comes to the forefront of discussions on methodology: ones theology (especially on the nature of man and the Bible) shapes ones apologetic method.

Mapping Apologetics is a must have for every student of apologetics. It will serve as a great textbook for apologetics classes and serves as a good basis from which to launch further into each view. Though at times I don’t think he has quite reach his goal, Morley has for the most part been clear and understandable enough for someone just getting into the subject to walk away with a satisfactory understanding of each view. This will be a book I will return to time and time again to further my understanding of the various apologetic views.

Further, any good book like this leaves the reader itching for more. Morley does not have, nor would he says he has had, the last word on what he has addressed. Maybe others in a similar position will be inspired to write in a similar vein. More can be said and I hope he returns pen to paper to explore more issues within the various methods. Morley is a person I would want to learn more from even where I might disagree with him.

I received this book for free from IVP for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Yuri Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good introduction to the ideas. The benefit this author had was being to send his chapters to the various apologists he represented so he is coming from a unique perspective of getting his summary of their thoughts confirmed by the actual thinkers. When he explained Plantinga’s idea of brute facts, he sent the chapter to him and Plantinga emailed him back confirming x, or whatever needed modifying, etc.

One area that I wish was present was the engagement with the writings of the scholars represented. When explaining Van Til, Morley does not include rigorous engagement with the words of Van Til from Defense of the Faith or his ST, etc.
I trust Morley has done good research, knows his material well, but this lack may cause some readers to ask whether Morley is properly interpreting the respective scholars represented in this volume.

I brought this concern to him personally. He’s an awesome, gentle and crazy smart dude. Totally a Tablot guy. You see him bleed Biola blood

[John Horning · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s very helpful to have access to books that introduce you to a field and especially good authors to read in that field. I understand contemporary Christian Apologetics much better, but I also have specific authors that I want to read further because of Morley’s discussion of them.

Specifically, I’m interested now in reading more of

Presuppositionalist John Frame
Classical Apologists William Lane Craig and Norman Geisler
And Evidentialists John Warwick Montgomery and Gary Habermas

While I was aware of and had consumed some resources by John Frame and William Lane Craig before reading this book, the introductions to Montgomery and Habermas are new and exciting to me.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful introduction to the various schools of Apologetics. We hear a lot about defending the faith, but what exactly is the best method for doing so? What is the difference between a presuppositionalist, an evidentialist, a Reformed epistemoligist, classical, etc? Morley's book gives a beneficial overview of not only the leading proponents of these and other schools, but he even shows the nuances found among each of the camps.
If you want a good start in the study of Apologetics in terms of methodology, I would highly recommend Morely's book.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good presentation of different apologetics methods (presuppositionnalism : Cornelius Van Til, John Frame, classical apologetics : William Lane Craig, Richard Swinburne, Norman Geisler, evidential apologetics : James Montgomery, Gary Habermas, cumulative apologetics = Francis Schaeffer, Edward John Carnell, reformed epistemology = Alvin Plantinga) Very fair with all views and authors.

Well explained and quite complete (long parts for Van Til and Montgomery).

[Rex Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give 4.5 stars! This doesn't make it into my 5 star range, but wow--what an enjoyable book! My wife and I read this book together recently, and we were very challenged by it, but were able to grasp some concepts that had been very confusing for us until this book.
He explains (very fairly it seems) several main apologetic methodologies by examining the perspectives of their leading figures. Give this book a close read, and you really gain your bearings in the world of apologetics. Great job, Morley!

[Tyler Speck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully crafted, clearly well researched book that takes a look at Christian apologetics throughout history. I walked away having a grasp on key figures through apologetics history and their methodology.

The reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is it leaves something to be desired in terms of the practicality of it.

[Josh Cosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent in its detailing of the approaches to apologetics. Morley highlights important influencers and champions in the arena of apologetics, and provides an overview of the methodological frameworks. Although this book could be well understood by the non-seminarian and non-theologian, it certainly would be more appreciated by the seminarian and theologian.

[JR Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good. A more accessible version of the zondervan counterpoints series, and with a more even, nuanced look at the distinguishing parts of each persons system (Gary Habermas and Minimal Facts, rather than looking at it under the categorization of evidentialism.

[Todd Luallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough overview of the various approaches to apologetics. Probably not the best book to start with, as the amount of information is quite extensive. But once the reader is familiar with the terminology and concepts a bit, this book would be a helpful next step in the learning process.

[Corey Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, that clearly describes some of the most well known names in Apologetics as well as their methods and stances on certain issues. Not only that, but it also explains their opposition and error in their thinking.

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not written for the lay person. Some helpful summaries of apologetic positions

[David Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the various Christian apologetic systems.

[Michael Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use the word apologetics and quite likely a great number of things will come to mind ranging from two people dressed in suits on a stage arguing to a variety of complicated approaches to engaging scripture that seem far removed from something the average laymen could ever understand. Given Scripture commands “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15), it is thus important for all believers to understand what doing apologetics is all about and why it is an essential element of our walk with God and how we interact with the world around us.

Brian Morley in his very helpful book Mapping Apologetics: Comparing Contemporary Approaches, outlines the various methodologies related to the doing of apologetics. This is a survey book and in it, Morley focuses on providing the reader with an overview of the key figures over the years in the field of apologetics, their respective systems of apologetics, how they are similar and how they differ, and most importantly, Morley shares how each system can be used to do what apologetics should be focused on to begin with, that of sharing the message of Scripture and the truth contained therein.

There is much to enjoy about this book. The topic of apologetics can get quite heady very quickly, especially when matters of a philosophical nature are included as well as the seemingly never ending list of theological terminology that can make many a readers mind shudder. While Morley does not shy away from engaging the technical and philosophical aspects of apologetical methods and their proponents, he does so in a way that helps the reader understand what each apologetics method is focused on doing, why it approaches things in the manner it does, and the pros and cons if you will of each of those constructs.

The one element I most appreciated about this book was the “Thinking it Over” section found at the end of each chapter. In these respective sections, Morley provides a lengthy list of questions for the reader to ponder that both reflect back on the information provided in that chapter and challenge the reader to engage the information discussed on an even deeper level of thought and action. For instance, in his chapter on John Frame, Morley asks the salient question of “Can the believer and nonbeliever know the same thing?” Now Morley covered Frame’s position on that question so the reader can certainly reflect on what Frame thought; however, the intent of asking such a question is to help the reader examine that particular apologists’ train of thought and apologetical methodology and whether that approach can answer some important theological questions.

Other added bonuses provided in this book are definitions of key apologetical terminology and an excellent collection of recommended resources by the specific apologists Morley explores in this book as well as texts written on those apologists and their respective apologetical methods. I would venture to say that even those well versed in the field of apologetics and familiar with the various apologists discussed in this book will find that after reading Morley’s excellent book, they will have added to their body of knowledge and understanding of apologetics in general and the methods by which apologetics is conducted.

This would make an excellent Bible College or Seminary text on apologetics, it would be a valuable book for a church small group to use, and it also is a wonderful tool for all believers to have as it contains a wealth of information on apologetics. As we noted earlier, doing apologetics is not just the responsibility of academics and those who like to debate. All believers are called to defend the faith and to share why it is they believe God’s Word to be truth. Morley’s book will go a long way to helping believers understand the various ways of doing apologetics. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book for free from IVP Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Cory McArtor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of apologetics methods, but I found it a little dense.

[Yuri Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Morley summarizes well the various meta-apologetic theories out there. Although he has contacted the representatives of these ideas, there is one thing he lacks.

I really appreciate Morley as a professor. He did a great Job in the apologetics class I took.

The only serious critique I have toward this work is that there is not quoted material from the representatives of each theory. There is not quotes from Van Til, Bahnsen, Swineburn, Frame, etc.
This makes the book formally non-academic. I trust the views are correct and appropriately articulated, but lack of quotes from the author’s primary works is a bit disappointing. Other than this I would very much recommend the book and use it freely in apologetics and even theology classes.

Morley is a great professor, very listening and engaging and ultimately is church focused. I love the man.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Morley, of The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA, has done a great service with his book Mapping Apologetics. Beginning with a chart that delineates the spectrum of (Christian) apologetic approaches, he then spends the book unpacking this variety. A short Part One discusses apologetics in Scripture and in history. Then comes the heart of the book in Part Two. Moving from the left to the right side of the chart, he first considers Presuppositionalism (Cornelius Van Til, John Frame); Reformed Epistemology (Alvin Plantinga); Combinationalism (E. J. Carnell, Gordon Lewis, Francis Schaeffer); Classical Apologetics (an introduction, then Richard Swinburne, William Lane Craig, and Norman Geisler); and finally Evidentialism (John Warwick Montgomery and Gary Habermas). Study questions round out each chapter.

The strength of Mapping Apologetics is that it continually interacts with the various approaches to show where they are similar and where they differ. In particular, four main themes that present themselves throughout the book are summarized in a concluding chapter: first, the relationship between faith and evidence; second, the use and value of induction as opposed to deduction as a way to arrive at truth; third, the relationship between fact and theory (or worldview, on the larger level), and whether facts can only be interpreted from a prior worldview, or whether facts are self-interpreting and can lead someone to a particular worldview; and finally, whether the fallen human mind is capable of processing truth correctly. Big issues, each one!

Several of the individuals that Morley treats give commendations at the end to the effect that he properly delineated their apologetic methods or properly nuanced his statements. This adds to the confidence that the reader can have that what we have here is a careful and representative (if not comprehensive) treatment of apologetic methodologies.

The reader will find it helpful to either have at least some background in philosophy of religion or else to be able to process arguments that are at a fairly high academic level. The main drawback, such as it is, is that these kinds of discussions invite asking questions and raising objections, counter-arguments, etc. Probably the largest benefit would come in a classroom setting where this book is the main text but plenty of time is allowed for discussion and clarification. Absent that, this book is a unique and helpful tool that anyone interested in apologetics would do well to have a look at.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the concept of this book. I have my favorite apologetics method but this book made me appreciate all of them. I have found a similar book about creation but if anyone knows one like this mapping out the end times balanced and fair please list it in the comments on this review. Highly recommended

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best book an the methodology of apologetics (the defense of the faith) that I have read. He does a very fair job of listing the pros and cons of the major apologetic systems. His analysis is insightful and helpful. The primary improvement would be if he argued for what he considers the best approach.

[Kevin Sheth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good survey of the various apologetic methods and their relation to one another. I wasn't put off by the repetition of some readers and think it was helpful to revisit certain approaches towards the end.