Jerusalem and Athens: Critical Discussions on the Philosophy and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til

by E.R. Geehan (Editor)

Throughout his long career, Cornelius Van Til--a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary and a renowned apologist--raised and discussed issues such as the authority of the Scriptures, the effects of the fall, and the existence of "common ground" between believers and unbelievers. Such issues are as significant in our day as they were in his. First published in 1971 and now back in print, Jerusalem and Athens goes beyond the scope of a typical festschrift. As a point of reference for what follows, it opens with Van Til's clear and simple introduction to his own thought, in which he defends the Christian's commitment to the "self-attesting Christ of Scripture" "I have never met Christ in the flesh. No matter, he has written me a letter." This is followed by twenty-five critical essays on theology, theological method, philosophy, and apologetics written by contributors such as J. I. Packer, G. C. Berkouwer, Richard Gaffin, Herman Ridderbos, and Rousas Rushdoony. Van Til replies to a number of these essays, sharpening the impact of this unique and useful book.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology

498 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1971

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Jerusalem and Athens, P&R presents critical discussions on the philosophy and apologetics of Cornelius Van Til.

Edited by E. R. Geehan, this book is an academic introduction to the thinking of author and apologist Cornelius Van Til, professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. Presented as a festschrift, these 25 critical essays are profound. Van Til’s responses are recorded here, making for an educational and sharpening read.

A Christ-Centered Apologetic

Van Til offers his own essay to open the book by summarizing his main beliefs. He writes on the self-attesting Christ of Scripture, and what it means to have a Christ-centered apologetic. He is clear and convincing, and I found reading his writing to be inspiring.

I learned much about the world of academic apologetics after reading this book. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes’ essay on crucial biblical passages for Christian apologetics includes the biblical doctrine of creation, the doctrine of the fall, the testimony to the existence of God, the total and ultimate incapacitation of man through sin, salvation, by grace, through faith, and eschatology.

Critical Christian Thinking

I was pleased to read an essay by J. I. Packer, on biblical authority, hermeneutics, and inerrancy. Reading these defenses strengthened my faith and made me want to learn more. I found Van Til’s responses to critical essays to be fascinating. I was challenged to be thoughtful and engaging when faced with criticism and feedback.

This book introduced me the works and apologetics of Cornelius Van Til. It testifies to a man who thought and taught the depths and wonders of God. It is a great witness to critical Christian thinking that influences the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I received a media copy of Jerusalem and Athens and this is my honest review.

[Lu Tsun · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is only useful for those who seriously desires penetrating the thoughts of Van Til. There are a lot of first-hand materials of Van Til's correspondence with his colleagues and critics.