Always Be Ready: A Primer on Defending the Christian Faith

by John Warwick Montgomery

Much to the dismay of its critics, defending the Christian faith does not rest on a complicated, philosophical quest nor illogical assumptions. The task of defending the Christian faith – or Christian apologetics – is for every Believer. In this easy-to-read, beginners guide to Christian apologetics, scholar and apologist Dr. John Warwick Montgomery lays the groundwork for why the case for Christianity is factually and historically compelling as well as how we should defend the faith.

The book's three sections will lead you through the importance of Christian apologetics, issues the nonbeliever may raise, and how to bring the centrality of the faith – Christ on the cross – before atheists, skeptics and people from other worldviews.

For those who want a lighthearted yet thorough introduction to the how, why and what of Christian apologetics, this primer is a go-to guide for those who hope to “be ready always to give an answer for the faith that is within” (1 Peter 3:15).

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2018

About the author

John Warwick Montgomery was an American-born lawyer, academic, Lutheran theologian, and author. He was born in Warsaw, New York, United States. Montgomery maintained multiple citizenship in the United States, United Kingdom, and France. From 2014 to 2017, he was Distinguished Research Professor of Philosophy at Concordia University, Wisconsin. He was Professor-At-Large, 1517: The Legacy Project. He was named Avocat honoraire, Barreau de Paris (2023), after 20 years in French legal practice. He continued to work as a barrister specializing in religious freedom cases in international Human Rights law until his death.
Montgomery was chiefly noted for his major contributions as a writer, lecturer, and public debater in the field of Christian apologetics.
From 1995 to 2007 he was a Professor in Law and Humanities at the University of Bedfordshire, England; and from 2007 to 2014, the Distinguished Research Professor of Philosophy and Christian Thought at Patrick Henry College in Virginia, United States. He later became Emeritus Professor at the University of Bedfordshire. He was also the director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, and was the editor of the theological online journal Global Journal of Classical Theology.

Reviews

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always found religion to be fascinating in many ways. Whether it be the written word, how others perceive it and the ultimate question "If there is a God, why...." and fill in the blank. The author approaches many of the questions as a lesson. Which I think is helpful in the sense that religion should be seen as a learning tool. I can appreciate how he address' free will as well. If God didn't create man to have free will then he would not be a man of choices. To me, that made a ton of sense. It isn't what God necessarily wants from his children to walk away from their path, but it's a lesson that he teaches.

The author also goes into depth with explanations about faith as well as other religion based faith. Where as I agree that faith is something hard earned and following the good word, I don't believe that other religions are any less than Christianity. For me, I learned a little more and found the answers that made sense to share with others. How to answer the challenging questions, how to reach out and want to learn more and over all, just a better understanding of Christianity. I felt like it could have more of a personal touch to it, or even help it to read as a guide rather than a textbook. Other than that, I found it to be intriguing and helpful.

[James Ruppel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This book was very thought provoking. I enjoyed reading it. It would be worth reading again. I look forward to reading more of his books