Francis Schaeffer was a well-known, extremely influential apologist and thinker who made his mark defending orthodox truth in the face of strong opposition. He was foremost in the vocation of apologetic ministry, and he was a brilliant man whom God used mightily during the decades of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. In Truth with Love , Bryan Follis explores the theology and thinking that fueled the ministry of Francis Schaeffer, from his Reformed position to his understanding of fundamentalism. Follis examines Schaeffer's apologetic argument and the role of reason in his discussions and writings. The position Francis Schaeffer took against modernism and its applicability in this day of postmodernism are studied as well. This book is a beneficial resource for any Francis Schaeffer fan and any minister, teacher, or student who appreciates truth and its defense in the face of different kinds of opposition.
While it’s wordy, at times repetitive, and requires one to have a basic understanding of both Schaeffer and other apologetic frameworks, what stands out from this work is how Schaeffer was focused on the importance of the individual and shaping his apologetic approach for each one, not so that it would be lighter or less offensive, but so that it would meet them where their presuppositions truly are at. For that reason (as well as the myriad of stories about him) it’s worth the read.
This book was excellent all the way through until the last chapter when the author railed against postmodernity and as such doesn't seem to really understand it but all the rest of the chapters were awesome.
This book is a good introduction to Schaeffer's apologetic method. However, Follis spends quite a bit of time responding to Schaeffer's critics. More space could be spent on explaining Schaeffer's approach and how it played out practically in his life.