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Apologetics for a New Generation: A Biblical and Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking About God
Many teenagers leave home for college but don't take their faith with them. Popular writer and speaker Sean McDowell offers a solution for this problem: a new way of approaching faith that addresses the questions the emerging generation is asking and that incorporates a radically humble and relational approach. An impressive list of contributors including Dan Kimball ( They Like Jesus but Not the Church ), Brian Godawa ( Hollywood Worldviews ), and Josh McDowell show that today's apologetics must employ... This resource is imperative for leaders who are ready to engage a new generation with the claims of Christ.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
38 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Sean McDowell
140 books175 followersDr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean is an Assistant Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University.
Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike.
Read more about Sean on his website.
Connect with Sean on Facebook.
Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike.
Read more about Sean on his website.
Connect with Sean on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 17, 2018
Offered a few good thoughts, mixed with copious quantities of heresy and topped with compromising ecumenicalism. May contain nuts.
May 30, 2018
This book conveys an important message for the Church. Unfortunately, it's a message that will make many Christians uncomfortable, since it puts some of the blame on their shoulders for the way young people are currently fleeing the Church in droves. Though never suggesting that we water down anything the Bible teaches, the authors of the essays in this book encourage us to become more empathetic and circumspect in presenting the gospel message so as not to turn away non-believers unnecessarily.
APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION isn't so much about what we ought to say to people as it is about when and how we should say it. Too many Christians believe that the best way to evangelize is simply to run up to people and start reciting Bible verses. They don't see the need for a tactical approach to presenting the gospel, since they rely on God to do all the heavy lifting. And if the listener isn't persuaded, then it must be because that person's heart is too deeply hardened to receive the Truth. I mean, what other explanation could there be, right?
When it comes to sharing the gospel, Christians tend to emphasize quantity over quality. That's something this book tries to fight against. And while I would never criticize someone for relying on God for help in softening people's hearts, that doesn't erase our responsibility to be GOOD witnesses, not simply determined or persistent ones. Whenever I am randomly approached by a Christian who starts trying to convert me without even taking the time to learn we're already on the same team, I find the experience annoying to say the least. I can only imagine how non-Christians must feel. Reaching one or two people at the expense of turning away hundreds is a big part of why the church is so ineffective in the world today.
APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION is hardly revolutionary for suggesting that we can more effectively witness to people after we get to know them a little first, and that waiting for the right opportunity is not the same as shirking our Christian duty. I hardly consider it controversial to recommend that we stop raising our children in a manner that leaves them totally vulnerable to social peer pressure and secular college professors. Nor am I taken aback by the notion of trying not to offend people unnecessarily.
To me, this all seems like common sense. But apparently, there are those who disagree. One Goodreads reviewer flippantly describes the book as being "mixed with copious quantities of heresy and topped with compromising ecumenicalism." No specific examples given.
Speaking as someone who loves God but is often put off by churches and the whole Christian subculture in general, I consider APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION a big step in the right direction. The book's editor, Sean McDowell, did a terrific job putting all this together. Sixteen different essays, and not a lemon in the bunch. The essays on homosexuality, femininity, and race felt especially timely and important, especially since most Christian teachers avoid such hot-button issues altogether. And I was impressed by how in-touch Josh McDowell is with everything that's going on with today's youth. Most of all, I enjoyed the essay by Brian Godawa, who emphasizes the importance of storytelling and engaging with mainstream culture to better promote our worldviews. He's the only noted Christian apologist I've ever heard proclaim the need for more Christian-based horror films. For that statement alone, he's my hero.
My only criticism would be in regard to the interviews. Not only are they too short to be of any real value, they were obviously conducted by email and therefore lack the spontaneity that would've made them interesting.
APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION isn't so much about what we ought to say to people as it is about when and how we should say it. Too many Christians believe that the best way to evangelize is simply to run up to people and start reciting Bible verses. They don't see the need for a tactical approach to presenting the gospel, since they rely on God to do all the heavy lifting. And if the listener isn't persuaded, then it must be because that person's heart is too deeply hardened to receive the Truth. I mean, what other explanation could there be, right?
When it comes to sharing the gospel, Christians tend to emphasize quantity over quality. That's something this book tries to fight against. And while I would never criticize someone for relying on God for help in softening people's hearts, that doesn't erase our responsibility to be GOOD witnesses, not simply determined or persistent ones. Whenever I am randomly approached by a Christian who starts trying to convert me without even taking the time to learn we're already on the same team, I find the experience annoying to say the least. I can only imagine how non-Christians must feel. Reaching one or two people at the expense of turning away hundreds is a big part of why the church is so ineffective in the world today.
APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION is hardly revolutionary for suggesting that we can more effectively witness to people after we get to know them a little first, and that waiting for the right opportunity is not the same as shirking our Christian duty. I hardly consider it controversial to recommend that we stop raising our children in a manner that leaves them totally vulnerable to social peer pressure and secular college professors. Nor am I taken aback by the notion of trying not to offend people unnecessarily.
To me, this all seems like common sense. But apparently, there are those who disagree. One Goodreads reviewer flippantly describes the book as being "mixed with copious quantities of heresy and topped with compromising ecumenicalism." No specific examples given.
Speaking as someone who loves God but is often put off by churches and the whole Christian subculture in general, I consider APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION a big step in the right direction. The book's editor, Sean McDowell, did a terrific job putting all this together. Sixteen different essays, and not a lemon in the bunch. The essays on homosexuality, femininity, and race felt especially timely and important, especially since most Christian teachers avoid such hot-button issues altogether. And I was impressed by how in-touch Josh McDowell is with everything that's going on with today's youth. Most of all, I enjoyed the essay by Brian Godawa, who emphasizes the importance of storytelling and engaging with mainstream culture to better promote our worldviews. He's the only noted Christian apologist I've ever heard proclaim the need for more Christian-based horror films. For that statement alone, he's my hero.
My only criticism would be in regard to the interviews. Not only are they too short to be of any real value, they were obviously conducted by email and therefore lack the spontaneity that would've made them interesting.
December 17, 2021
Another book read for the benefit of our Christian school. Helped with Christian worldview implementation, but lacked in our need of longterm vision for biblical integration.
September 23, 2011
This is NOT a book that will teach you how to defend your faith. In fact, the editor, son of Josh McDowell, is quite adamant that you still read his father's book in order to do that. This IS the book that is tackling the subject of how we approach apologetics in a post-postmodern world. I LOVE how they take all of the good, amazing qualities behind the philosophy of the emergent movement and then affirm that we still MUST have truth, absolute truth. This is a great book for anyone that is looking to explore how to teach apologetics now, how to bring discussion to our churches, and even how to have some outreach into the world.
May 27, 2024
SHOULD CHRISTIANS CHANGE THEIR APPROACHES TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS?
Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, and a popular speaker and author (as well as the son of the famed apologist, Josh McDowell).
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2009 book, “comments I have heard over the past decade by young leaders same rushing to my mind: ‘We live in a postmodern era, so apologetics is not important anymore.’ ‘Young people no longer care about reasons for the existence of the Christian God. What matters is telling your narrative and being authentic.’ … Of course, these statements are oversimplifications. Still, we must ask, is scientific proof an important part of faith? Do we live in an era in which people still have questions that demand a truth-related response?... If we are going to be effective in reaching a new generation of young people, few questions, it would seem, are more pressing and important than these.” (Pg. 14)
He continues, “The church is failing young people today. From the moment Christian students first arrive on campus, their faith is assaulted on all sides by fellow students and teachers alike… Students are routinely taught that Darwinian evolution is the substitute creator, that the Bible is unreliable, that Jesus was like any other religious figure, and that any Christian who things differently is at best old-fashioned and at worst intolerant, bigoted, and hateful… The church must teach students to counter these trends.” (Pg. 19)
Sean’s father Josh states, “We live in a culture that is generally uninterested in the truth of the gospel, partly because they are thoroughly unimpressed by those who proclaim it… So you see, we can preach the truth---and only the truth---from now until Jesus returns and meet with utter disinterest from those around us because they are not looking for what they see in us. They don’t want the truth from us. And that’s directly related to our failure to grasp, live, and communicate ‘the whole counsel of God’ (Acts 20:27).” (Pg. 58)
He continues, “Most people assume I came to Christ through the intellectual route… And yet, all the evidence I have documented… never brought me to faith in Christ. That’s right. The evidence did not bring me to Christ. The evidence got my attention, but it was God’s love that drew me… Between the ages of six and thirteen, I was severely sexually abused by a man named Wayne Bailey… When I was nine years old, and again at the age of twelve, I told my mother what had been going on. She didn’t believe me… Finally, however, at thirteen years of age, I was strong enough [to refuse]… Obviously, if I had not encountered God’s love in that student group at Kellogg College… I would have been content to hate Wayne Bailey for the rest of my life… [But] one day I found out where Wayne Bailey lived… I forgave Wayne Bailey and told him that Jesus died for him as much as He did for me.” (Pg. 65-67)
J.P. Moreland says of Christians who ‘don’t know why they believe what they believe’: “They tend to retreat to a form of personal subjectivism or to a safe ground where they can’t be interrogated any further. Or they will use the Bible in a way it was never intended---as a trump card. They’ll say, ‘That’s what the Bible says, and that’s the end of the story.’ If you look at the book of Acts and observe how the apostles did evangelism, they didn’t say, ‘Listen. Believe me. I’m an apostle. The words I’m saying are inspired by God. That settles it.’ Rather, they reasoned with people.” (Pg. 82)
Brian Godawa points out, “A few important observations are in order regarding Paul’s reference to pagan poetry and non-Christian mythology. First, it points out that… he did not consider it unholy to expose himself to the godless media and art forms (books, plays, and poetry) of his day. He did not merely familiarize himself with them, he STUDIED them---well enough to be able to quote them and even utilize their narrative. Paul primarily quoted Scripture in his writings to believers, but to unbelievers here, he quotes from and uses unbelievers’ writings.” (Pg. 127-128)
Chris Sherrod suggests, “After close to two decades of working with young people, I know two things for certain: We cannot keep doing what we’ve been doing, and the home environment---good or bad---makes all the difference in a young person’s life. By God’s design, there’s an incredible advantage in handing off our faith in the home. Parents are therefore the key ingredient in making sure the next generation ‘gets it’…” (Pg. 162)
Alan Shlemon states, “First, let’s stop saying we’re ‘antihomosexual.’ The Bible isn’t antihomosexual; it’s antihomosexual BEHAVIOR. This is a critical difference… Second, let’s avoid offensive ways or presenting our arguments... Third, don’t treat homosexual behavior as the most detestable crime against God. When we make it the supreme evil, we add unnecessary offense… the Bible doesn’t teach that homosexuality is the greatest evil. In fact, it’s listed right alongside stealing, coveting, getting drunk, and lying. Next, don’t call homosexuality a choice. It’s not… I don’t believe people choose to be attracted to the same sex. Homosexual attraction is a condition that often begins to develop at a very young age---too early to be the product of choice.” (Pg. 206-207)
This book will be of great interest to those studying contemporary ways of presenting apologetics and evangelism---particularly the young.
Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, and a popular speaker and author (as well as the son of the famed apologist, Josh McDowell).
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2009 book, “comments I have heard over the past decade by young leaders same rushing to my mind: ‘We live in a postmodern era, so apologetics is not important anymore.’ ‘Young people no longer care about reasons for the existence of the Christian God. What matters is telling your narrative and being authentic.’ … Of course, these statements are oversimplifications. Still, we must ask, is scientific proof an important part of faith? Do we live in an era in which people still have questions that demand a truth-related response?... If we are going to be effective in reaching a new generation of young people, few questions, it would seem, are more pressing and important than these.” (Pg. 14)
He continues, “The church is failing young people today. From the moment Christian students first arrive on campus, their faith is assaulted on all sides by fellow students and teachers alike… Students are routinely taught that Darwinian evolution is the substitute creator, that the Bible is unreliable, that Jesus was like any other religious figure, and that any Christian who things differently is at best old-fashioned and at worst intolerant, bigoted, and hateful… The church must teach students to counter these trends.” (Pg. 19)
Sean’s father Josh states, “We live in a culture that is generally uninterested in the truth of the gospel, partly because they are thoroughly unimpressed by those who proclaim it… So you see, we can preach the truth---and only the truth---from now until Jesus returns and meet with utter disinterest from those around us because they are not looking for what they see in us. They don’t want the truth from us. And that’s directly related to our failure to grasp, live, and communicate ‘the whole counsel of God’ (Acts 20:27).” (Pg. 58)
He continues, “Most people assume I came to Christ through the intellectual route… And yet, all the evidence I have documented… never brought me to faith in Christ. That’s right. The evidence did not bring me to Christ. The evidence got my attention, but it was God’s love that drew me… Between the ages of six and thirteen, I was severely sexually abused by a man named Wayne Bailey… When I was nine years old, and again at the age of twelve, I told my mother what had been going on. She didn’t believe me… Finally, however, at thirteen years of age, I was strong enough [to refuse]… Obviously, if I had not encountered God’s love in that student group at Kellogg College… I would have been content to hate Wayne Bailey for the rest of my life… [But] one day I found out where Wayne Bailey lived… I forgave Wayne Bailey and told him that Jesus died for him as much as He did for me.” (Pg. 65-67)
J.P. Moreland says of Christians who ‘don’t know why they believe what they believe’: “They tend to retreat to a form of personal subjectivism or to a safe ground where they can’t be interrogated any further. Or they will use the Bible in a way it was never intended---as a trump card. They’ll say, ‘That’s what the Bible says, and that’s the end of the story.’ If you look at the book of Acts and observe how the apostles did evangelism, they didn’t say, ‘Listen. Believe me. I’m an apostle. The words I’m saying are inspired by God. That settles it.’ Rather, they reasoned with people.” (Pg. 82)
Brian Godawa points out, “A few important observations are in order regarding Paul’s reference to pagan poetry and non-Christian mythology. First, it points out that… he did not consider it unholy to expose himself to the godless media and art forms (books, plays, and poetry) of his day. He did not merely familiarize himself with them, he STUDIED them---well enough to be able to quote them and even utilize their narrative. Paul primarily quoted Scripture in his writings to believers, but to unbelievers here, he quotes from and uses unbelievers’ writings.” (Pg. 127-128)
Chris Sherrod suggests, “After close to two decades of working with young people, I know two things for certain: We cannot keep doing what we’ve been doing, and the home environment---good or bad---makes all the difference in a young person’s life. By God’s design, there’s an incredible advantage in handing off our faith in the home. Parents are therefore the key ingredient in making sure the next generation ‘gets it’…” (Pg. 162)
Alan Shlemon states, “First, let’s stop saying we’re ‘antihomosexual.’ The Bible isn’t antihomosexual; it’s antihomosexual BEHAVIOR. This is a critical difference… Second, let’s avoid offensive ways or presenting our arguments... Third, don’t treat homosexual behavior as the most detestable crime against God. When we make it the supreme evil, we add unnecessary offense… the Bible doesn’t teach that homosexuality is the greatest evil. In fact, it’s listed right alongside stealing, coveting, getting drunk, and lying. Next, don’t call homosexuality a choice. It’s not… I don’t believe people choose to be attracted to the same sex. Homosexual attraction is a condition that often begins to develop at a very young age---too early to be the product of choice.” (Pg. 206-207)
This book will be of great interest to those studying contemporary ways of presenting apologetics and evangelism---particularly the young.
December 16, 2012
With the exception of maybe 3 essays, I found this book very helpful for how to go about Christian apologetics in the 21st century. Not only is it a worthwhile tool to equip one to defend the Christian faith, but also to train others to clearly proclaim the truth of Holy Scripture in this day and age. This is a necessity that we have ignored for far too long.
April 10, 2019
This book is technically my husband's, as his father gave it to him several years ago. However, he never expressed interest in reading it, so it gradually migrated to my section of the bookshelves.
I went into this thinking it would be a new twist on Christian apologetics I was already familiar with, perhaps with some new information or refreshed nuances for presenting support of the Bible to those who don't believe it or don't know anything about it.
This is not that book. This is... a guide to approaching apologetics, mainly geared toward those who are involved in ministry, or some other kind of spiritual guidance role, with young adults, primarily teens. I found it very enlightening, but also affirming, about the shift from logic focus to relational focus (mirroring the shift from modernism to postmodernism) and the need for both, about the different issues confronting young people - their misconceptions about Christianity and the Bible, their most common questions - and a few hot topics, such as race, homosexuality, abortion, and feminism.
Above all, I found this book to be insightful into my own person, and into my peer group, and never did I feel like I was being attacked. In several chapters, I had moments where I felt "ah, that finally explains it" and "so there's not actually anything wrong with me" and "I was doing it right after all." Further, I even felt that perhaps God was (finally) showing me why He asked me to give up my writing for Him so many years ago - because I don't understand human nature, or God's nature, enough to write well about either. I very much dislike pat, trite, or cliche answers to difficult issues, and I don't want to be guilty of it in any of my stories.
Perhaps someday I will be able to write something that means as much to someone as Narnia means to me.
I recommend this book to people who are already interested in Christian apologetics, and maybe has some previous exposure; this book assumes the reader is already familiar with such.
Support your local library!
I went into this thinking it would be a new twist on Christian apologetics I was already familiar with, perhaps with some new information or refreshed nuances for presenting support of the Bible to those who don't believe it or don't know anything about it.
This is not that book. This is... a guide to approaching apologetics, mainly geared toward those who are involved in ministry, or some other kind of spiritual guidance role, with young adults, primarily teens. I found it very enlightening, but also affirming, about the shift from logic focus to relational focus (mirroring the shift from modernism to postmodernism) and the need for both, about the different issues confronting young people - their misconceptions about Christianity and the Bible, their most common questions - and a few hot topics, such as race, homosexuality, abortion, and feminism.
Above all, I found this book to be insightful into my own person, and into my peer group, and never did I feel like I was being attacked. In several chapters, I had moments where I felt "ah, that finally explains it" and "so there's not actually anything wrong with me" and "I was doing it right after all." Further, I even felt that perhaps God was (finally) showing me why He asked me to give up my writing for Him so many years ago - because I don't understand human nature, or God's nature, enough to write well about either. I very much dislike pat, trite, or cliche answers to difficult issues, and I don't want to be guilty of it in any of my stories.
Perhaps someday I will be able to write something that means as much to someone as Narnia means to me.
I recommend this book to people who are already interested in Christian apologetics, and maybe has some previous exposure; this book assumes the reader is already familiar with such.
Support your local library!
June 25, 2020
I have a few issues with this book, but first let me say that the author has done a good job collecting articles, and interviewing some of the most well known name in the apologetics scene. My favorite chapter is chapter 8: "storytelling and persuasion", which is an article by screenplay writer Brian Godawa. Lots of helpful images and analysis of biblical passages from the perspective of telling good stories as a means of explaining the Christian faith to others.
I did find other articles interesting as well, but my overall review is that there is too much overlapping and repetition of things, particularly concerning relativism. Which is understandably hard to avoid in book made by 16 different authors.
Also, I found several articles to be suffering of a "confirmation bias" style of apologetics, where one only picks the positives sides of Christianity and the negative sides of the religion one is comparing it too. This is not a good way of doing apologetics.
Some issues which the book tackles are also too oversimplified, for instance on the chapter dealing with homosexuality the author states that biblical interpreters who are affirming of gay marriage,"...go to great lengths to reinterpret those six passages [which address homosexuality]. Although they're not successfully, their claims sound appealing to people who don't carefully interpret the Bible. If we learn and understand these verses, clearing up this distortion is easy". This is bordeline insulting to the biblical scholars who have worked on these issue, and it is in a sense comical to claim it's easy to clear up the distortion.
All in all, I recommend this book for it's chapter 8. I also again want to commend the editor for doing the work of collecting and putting together these articles, which can't be an easy job. However, due to the confirmation bias and oversimplification of certain topics, I can't give more than 2 stars.
I did find other articles interesting as well, but my overall review is that there is too much overlapping and repetition of things, particularly concerning relativism. Which is understandably hard to avoid in book made by 16 different authors.
Also, I found several articles to be suffering of a "confirmation bias" style of apologetics, where one only picks the positives sides of Christianity and the negative sides of the religion one is comparing it too. This is not a good way of doing apologetics.
Some issues which the book tackles are also too oversimplified, for instance on the chapter dealing with homosexuality the author states that biblical interpreters who are affirming of gay marriage,"...go to great lengths to reinterpret those six passages [which address homosexuality]. Although they're not successfully, their claims sound appealing to people who don't carefully interpret the Bible. If we learn and understand these verses, clearing up this distortion is easy". This is bordeline insulting to the biblical scholars who have worked on these issue, and it is in a sense comical to claim it's easy to clear up the distortion.
All in all, I recommend this book for it's chapter 8. I also again want to commend the editor for doing the work of collecting and putting together these articles, which can't be an easy job. However, due to the confirmation bias and oversimplification of certain topics, I can't give more than 2 stars.
July 20, 2018
This book was a bit all over the place.
At times McDowell seemed to be a little full of himself but I want to believe this was more a matter of my being challenged by the content and not an inflated sense of self
on the author’s behalf.
That being said, the content challenges the modern Christian to search for ways to convey biblical truths in a postmodern world.
It is clear that no one has a corner on understanding just what is the best way to convey the fact of objective truth as espoused in the Bible; rational argument of the facts or building relationships. I have to believe that the proper answer lies somewhere in between.
There were definitely points of interest which challenged me to see different perspectives on pressing issues.
If you approach this book with a willingness to possibly being made to feel uncomfortable in your way of thinking you will take something away.
At times McDowell seemed to be a little full of himself but I want to believe this was more a matter of my being challenged by the content and not an inflated sense of self
on the author’s behalf.
That being said, the content challenges the modern Christian to search for ways to convey biblical truths in a postmodern world.
It is clear that no one has a corner on understanding just what is the best way to convey the fact of objective truth as espoused in the Bible; rational argument of the facts or building relationships. I have to believe that the proper answer lies somewhere in between.
There were definitely points of interest which challenged me to see different perspectives on pressing issues.
If you approach this book with a willingness to possibly being made to feel uncomfortable in your way of thinking you will take something away.
December 17, 2022
This book includes chapters from various people on a range of topics related to Christian apologetics. I found this book a good jumping off point for learning about other resources.
Although the purpose of the book is to inspire Christians to balance compassion with apologetics in order to reach young people in our increasingly secular society, this could help anyone.
The fact that children and teens grow up with valid questions that go unanswered is likely due to the adults they ask not having the answers, themselves. The questions and concerns listed as those important among young people are not much different than the ones I’ve heard asked by adults across several generations.
Overall. I am inspired to sharpen up on the basics of faith that I haven’t thought about for a while in order to be ready for whatever conversations may occur in the future (1Peter 3:15-16).
Although the purpose of the book is to inspire Christians to balance compassion with apologetics in order to reach young people in our increasingly secular society, this could help anyone.
The fact that children and teens grow up with valid questions that go unanswered is likely due to the adults they ask not having the answers, themselves. The questions and concerns listed as those important among young people are not much different than the ones I’ve heard asked by adults across several generations.
Overall. I am inspired to sharpen up on the basics of faith that I haven’t thought about for a while in order to be ready for whatever conversations may occur in the future (1Peter 3:15-16).
April 15, 2022
Actually I would give this closer to a 3.75. While some of the later chapters, especially those dealing with race, abortion and femininity, were really well done well it seemed like the rest of the book was different authors rehashing the same point...build a relationship and use conversation rather than take an us vs. them attitude.
Apologetics is more than using logic. There must also be a focus in the heart, the book suggests.
This book was required reading as part of an apologetics book as a companion piece to more philosophical text approaches.
Apologetics is more than using logic. There must also be a focus in the heart, the book suggests.
This book was required reading as part of an apologetics book as a companion piece to more philosophical text approaches.
June 21, 2017
Each chapter is written by a different apologist, and the writers vary significantly in their helpfulness/reasonableness. Overall, however, I appreciated the variety and the editor's efforts to approach so many topics. While this book not an in-depth study, it has sparked a number of deep conversations in our youth group, which has been reading this together.
February 17, 2019
I thought this was going to be a deep insight by a single author, but it is more of anthology of several authors speaking about a single issue. Some were better than others. The editor did a good job of getting several good writers to contribute.
December 6, 2020
Get this book!
Apologetics is a task any person could become better equipped in for helping others. This book provides extremely practical ways to use apologetics. The recommended resources are worth getting the book alone.
Apologetics is a task any person could become better equipped in for helping others. This book provides extremely practical ways to use apologetics. The recommended resources are worth getting the book alone.
June 9, 2024
Many introductory topics are worthy to consider and start developing skill in becoming apologist. I feel it could be stronger. There are some points where we have to draw the line between what's wrong and what's sin. Still, it is a good book to start in becoming apologist.
December 2, 2025
Apologetics for a New Generation: A Biblical and Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking About God offers a “blending [of] the voices of experts, thinkers, theologians and practitioners into… a book of solid thinking and sound ideas.” Some wonder if apologetics is even relevant in a post-truth culture, but editor Sean McDowell argues that while many claim relativism in their ideas of ethics, values, and religion, they do expect truth in matters of science, mathematics, and technology.
J.P. Moreland agrees: “Everyone wants to have beliefs that make sense… People who have the kind of confidence and courage to abandon their whole lives for Christ…don’t do it by having a faith that’s true for me, and maybe not true for you.”
In “Jesus: Risen for a New Generation,” Jason Carland explains the importance of being able to defend the historical reasons for believing in the resurrection, as the truth on which rests “our entire faith.”
This emphasis on facts and truth does not mean, however, that we can simply "argue people into the kingdom.” Dale Fincher describes two twentieth-century approaches to apologetics: analytical (focused on reason and evidence), and imaginative (more cultural, focused on experience). He asserts that the new twenty-first century approach is to engage both mind and heart. He explains how false beliefs (ie. God is fickle) cause a withering of the soul, but true beliefs (ie. I am created in the image of God) cause a flourishing.
Almost every one of the book’s twenty-four contributors highlights the importance of relationship to apologetics, insisting that truth be shared within authentic human connections. This relational emphasis is reinforced through practical strategies for conversational apologetics, with a focus on youth ministries. These sections ground apologetics in everyday life rather than restricting it to academia. Jeff Myers states that apologetics should prioritise humility and strong thinking skills over airtight arguments. This shift makes apologetics both intellectually robust and pastorally wise, equipping believers to engage with sceptics without arrogance.
The final few chapters deal with themes raised by cultural issues such as critical race theory, homosexuality, and feminism. Alan Shlemon speaks of truth with compassion: if “two gay men showed up to a church… holding hands… we should be grateful those men even came to church…We all need transformation and forgiveness...” There must be nuance here, of course, because truth must not be replaced with compassion; transformation happens through repentance.
In “Apologetics and Race,” Alison Thomas dismantles the popular misconception that Christianity is “an invasive Western tradition that…dominates other cultures.” She gives an interesting overview of Christianity across cultures. For example, she explains that Christianity in India is not solely a colonial import, but actually began with Thomas the apostle, who, according to several early church fathers, travelled to India. An ancient church in the city of Chennai is said to be the site of Thomas’ martyrdom. The liturgy of this ancient church is still Syria, a form of Aramaic.
Overall, this book effectively reframes apologetics for today’s world. While it excels in presenting a relational approach, it offers limited detailed argumentation, which may leave some readers wanting more. It is not a resource of apologetic arguments (although it does provide a list of resources in the appendix), but a guide to approaching apologetics: through relationships, cultural engagement, and humility.
J.P. Moreland agrees: “Everyone wants to have beliefs that make sense… People who have the kind of confidence and courage to abandon their whole lives for Christ…don’t do it by having a faith that’s true for me, and maybe not true for you.”
In “Jesus: Risen for a New Generation,” Jason Carland explains the importance of being able to defend the historical reasons for believing in the resurrection, as the truth on which rests “our entire faith.”
This emphasis on facts and truth does not mean, however, that we can simply "argue people into the kingdom.” Dale Fincher describes two twentieth-century approaches to apologetics: analytical (focused on reason and evidence), and imaginative (more cultural, focused on experience). He asserts that the new twenty-first century approach is to engage both mind and heart. He explains how false beliefs (ie. God is fickle) cause a withering of the soul, but true beliefs (ie. I am created in the image of God) cause a flourishing.
Almost every one of the book’s twenty-four contributors highlights the importance of relationship to apologetics, insisting that truth be shared within authentic human connections. This relational emphasis is reinforced through practical strategies for conversational apologetics, with a focus on youth ministries. These sections ground apologetics in everyday life rather than restricting it to academia. Jeff Myers states that apologetics should prioritise humility and strong thinking skills over airtight arguments. This shift makes apologetics both intellectually robust and pastorally wise, equipping believers to engage with sceptics without arrogance.
The final few chapters deal with themes raised by cultural issues such as critical race theory, homosexuality, and feminism. Alan Shlemon speaks of truth with compassion: if “two gay men showed up to a church… holding hands… we should be grateful those men even came to church…We all need transformation and forgiveness...” There must be nuance here, of course, because truth must not be replaced with compassion; transformation happens through repentance.
In “Apologetics and Race,” Alison Thomas dismantles the popular misconception that Christianity is “an invasive Western tradition that…dominates other cultures.” She gives an interesting overview of Christianity across cultures. For example, she explains that Christianity in India is not solely a colonial import, but actually began with Thomas the apostle, who, according to several early church fathers, travelled to India. An ancient church in the city of Chennai is said to be the site of Thomas’ martyrdom. The liturgy of this ancient church is still Syria, a form of Aramaic.
Overall, this book effectively reframes apologetics for today’s world. While it excels in presenting a relational approach, it offers limited detailed argumentation, which may leave some readers wanting more. It is not a resource of apologetic arguments (although it does provide a list of resources in the appendix), but a guide to approaching apologetics: through relationships, cultural engagement, and humility.
May 13, 2014
This is a must read for every pastor, especially youth pastors. It’s also a good read for parents. So many Christian leaders today seem completely out of touch with this generation.(But that's changing!) Instead of addressing the real heart issues, engaging in meaningful dialogue, we use music, pizza, and other things to distract and attract. All the while Christians grapple with these questions in their hearts, alone and afraid to voice their doubts or concerns. The entire theme of this book is to create relationships and how relationships are so crucial to our faith and sharing of our faith. I docked a star because some of the ideas are just the same thing we’ve heard over and over from apologists. I wasn’t impressed in the beginning, but as I continued to work my way through the book, I found a very refreshing look and approach to apologetics. Beauty, love, art, imagination, and storytelling were emphasized. Those don’t seem like concepts or methods often accompanied with apologetics. Yet, they did a great job of explaining how these things play a very crucial role in addition to our premises, and deductive arguments. Jesus often used parables to convey certain truths.
Another thing I really liked is there were several examples given of how leaders have gotten their youth to start engaging in deep conversations by asking specific questions.
I did notice some people seemed to be surprised at the lack of apologetic content in this book. The front of the book specifically states “…relevant approach to talking about God.” You won’t find arguments and evidences for the Christian faith in this book. This book is all about how we approach apologetics. However, at the end you will find a long list of apologetic resources (websites, books, podcasts, etc.).
Another thing I really liked is there were several examples given of how leaders have gotten their youth to start engaging in deep conversations by asking specific questions.
I did notice some people seemed to be surprised at the lack of apologetic content in this book. The front of the book specifically states “…relevant approach to talking about God.” You won’t find arguments and evidences for the Christian faith in this book. This book is all about how we approach apologetics. However, at the end you will find a long list of apologetic resources (websites, books, podcasts, etc.).
Currently reading
June 1, 2012Quotes that stood out to me as I read:
Ch. 4: CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE: DEFENDING OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS
"Cultures can change - quickly. Why should we care? We care about cultures because we care about people. Bad cultures hurt people, and good cultures help them." (pg. 70)
"We discredt our spiritual parents by ignoring the cultural gifts they gave us while mindlessly benefiting from them." (pg. 71)
"Biblical faith (among other things) a reasonable belief in the truth of an uncertain proposition. Faith makes decisions based on the provisional acceptance of ideas that could be wrong but that the believer has good reasons to believe are true." (pg. 73)
"Being reasonable is an attempt to make one's beliefs correspond to the truth." (pg. 73)
"...beauty follows truth and flees error." (pg. 75)
"Just as the church outlasted the Soviet Union, so it will endure the hedonism, materialism, and the antichrist spirit of our time." (pg. 77)
"All is not lost, for even when all seems lost, God still governs the world." (pg. 77)
"Every generation must ask whether it will renew its covenant with the Almight and so revive its hopes for further greatness, or plunge into decadence, destroying so much for short-term gain." (pg. 79)
Ch. 4: CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE: DEFENDING OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS
"Cultures can change - quickly. Why should we care? We care about cultures because we care about people. Bad cultures hurt people, and good cultures help them." (pg. 70)
"We discredt our spiritual parents by ignoring the cultural gifts they gave us while mindlessly benefiting from them." (pg. 71)
"Biblical faith (among other things) a reasonable belief in the truth of an uncertain proposition. Faith makes decisions based on the provisional acceptance of ideas that could be wrong but that the believer has good reasons to believe are true." (pg. 73)
"Being reasonable is an attempt to make one's beliefs correspond to the truth." (pg. 73)
"...beauty follows truth and flees error." (pg. 75)
"Just as the church outlasted the Soviet Union, so it will endure the hedonism, materialism, and the antichrist spirit of our time." (pg. 77)
"All is not lost, for even when all seems lost, God still governs the world." (pg. 77)
"Every generation must ask whether it will renew its covenant with the Almight and so revive its hopes for further greatness, or plunge into decadence, destroying so much for short-term gain." (pg. 79)
September 16, 2016
I randomly picked this book up at the library to help put together some Sunday School Lessons I will be teaching and I'm glad that I did.
The culture in the church is rapidly changing, today's youth and young adults are more concerned about "worldview" and "tolerance". So, how do Christians share, reach and bring a lost and dying generation to the truth? What this book teaches is, Instead of focusing on the "issues" start building relationships with people, Instead of focusing on their sin and how wrong it is. This will increase the chance of making a greater impact in someone's life, and eventually could lead to opening a dialogue to lead them to Christ.
Of course, this should be pretty obvious for Christians as we have the greatest example of this through Jesus himself , (i.e. Woman at the well, The Adulterous Woman, to name a couple). Yet, the church has managed to alienate and condemn instead of embrace and show compassion.
Apologetics for a New Generation teaches ways to bridge that gap. How to properly defend your faith to a generation that doesn't want to hear that what the are doing is wrong.
The culture in the church is rapidly changing, today's youth and young adults are more concerned about "worldview" and "tolerance". So, how do Christians share, reach and bring a lost and dying generation to the truth? What this book teaches is, Instead of focusing on the "issues" start building relationships with people, Instead of focusing on their sin and how wrong it is. This will increase the chance of making a greater impact in someone's life, and eventually could lead to opening a dialogue to lead them to Christ.
Of course, this should be pretty obvious for Christians as we have the greatest example of this through Jesus himself , (i.e. Woman at the well, The Adulterous Woman, to name a couple). Yet, the church has managed to alienate and condemn instead of embrace and show compassion.
Apologetics for a New Generation teaches ways to bridge that gap. How to properly defend your faith to a generation that doesn't want to hear that what the are doing is wrong.
May 31, 2021
The book mainly functions as an inspiration to go deeper into Apologetics rather than an exhaustive exploration of the topic. Guess I really didn't expect that when I first got it. It provides a well-thought out compilation from what I already know of the topic and provides numerable other sources should one want to go deeper. Given that it's not quite a typical topic directed at a new generation, I was personally captivated at how each topic had struck well with me generally. It still gave me a lot to look into though. It's a good start, nonetheless.
April 18, 2016
Unfortunately the book's biggest strength, its variety, is ultimately its downfall as well. The information and authors are top notch and the material is useful, but the organization is messy. It would have been nice if someone had thought to add more bridges of thought for cohesion.
March 2, 2013
Really liked this...he made some interesting points and I thought some of the techniques he used were quite effective...
September 13, 2013
Excellent compilation of quite a few authors looking at what they think young adult Christians today want to know about the Christian faith. Good insights.
September 11, 2016
A good reminder to be constantly developing and changing our approaches to people.
May 4, 2016
Easily one of the most relevant Christian living books I've read in a long time. Challenging, talks about important current issues, literally a must-read.
November 7, 2021
Such a great approach for making disciples. I appreciate this relational model that I think is really scripturally.
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