Product Description

An unprecedented anthology of apologetics texts with selections from the first century a.d. through the Middle Ages. Includes introductory material, timelines, maps, footnotes, and discussion questions.

The apostle Peter tells us always to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks us to account for our hope as Christians (1 Peter 3:15). While the gospel message remains the same, such arguments will look different from one age to another.

In the midst of a recent revival in the field of apologetics, few things could be more useful than an acquaintance with some of these arguments for the Christian belief through the ages. This first of two proposed volumes features primary source documents from the time of the early church (100-400) and the Middle Ages (400-1500). Featured apologists include Aristides, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas.

The authors provide a preface to each major historical section, with a timeline and a map, then an introduction to each apologist. Each primary source text is followed by questions for reflection or discussion purposes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #204637 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 512 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781581349061
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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About the Author

WILLIAM EDGAR (DTheol, University of Geneva) is professor of apologetics and coordinator of the apologetics department at Westminster Theological Seminary. His books include Reasons of the Heart, The Face of Truth, and Truth in All Its Glory.

K. SCOTT OLIPHINT (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. His books include Things That Cannot Be Shaken and Revelation and Reason.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Anthology without much Commentary
Reformed presuppositionalist scholars Edgar and Oliphint provide a sample collection of history's best apologetic works of the Christian church. The editors offer *primary sources of many of the most vital apologetic texts starting from the New Testament up to 1500 AD. It is a fascinating anthology and many top seminary professors claim that they will make use of this collection in the classroom. Included in this compilation are some essential writings of Aristides, Justin Martyr, Origen, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and Savonarola.

This reviewer is an avid reader forasmuch as I consume every apologetic book I can obtain and this book disappoints me for two interconnected reasons:

1. The editors "let the texts speak for themselves" (one can find most of the documents in this assemblage on the internet without cost).
2. The editors (two of the brightest and most gifted presuppositional apologists of this generation) do not participate in much interaction with the sources they provide. One would desire to learn how the modern apologist can relate with the strengths and errors of the past greats. I desired a personal critique from these two brilliant men of letters, yet they only furnished a minuscule portion of their views. Supplying the historical texts at face value does not necessarily imply one cannot expound, evaluate, and comment at length on the documents provided. Thus I do not recommend this collection for those on a book budget.
*(translated in English).
God Does Exist!: Defending the faith using presuppositional apologetics, evidence, and the impossibility of the contrary

A great primary source book for apologetics studies.
Christian Apologetics Past And Present
Vol 1: To 1500

ISBN-10: 1581349068 ISBN-13: 9781581349061
Christian Apologetics is a primary source reader. Instead of giving to us an apologetic argument, the editors have simply allowed people from the first sixteen centuries of Christianity to speak to us concerning the Christian faith.
First of all, I must say that this is a very good approach. Too often we commit the sin of what C.S. Lewis called "chronological snobbery" and think that we should apply ourselves more to contemporary writings. Sadly, those who ignore the past are certain to commit many of the same errors that have already been made. They will also fall into many of the heresies of the past. It is wise to present the words of past apologists that we might learn from them.
Second, I must say that I believe that the average person is neither familiar enough with the past to know what they should read. Neither do they have the money to buy the complete writings of the past. Even the thirty-eight volumes of the early church fathers is quite expensive. It is also a daunting task to try to read them. It is nowhere near such a task to sit down and carefully read a source book such as this.
I especially appreciate the care that was given to presenting the reader with a short biographical sketch of each one whose writings were included as well as the historical background into which they spoke.
A great plus for the reader is the fact that this book is extremely well bound. This book oozes quality in workmanship and in content.
It would be difficult to recommend this book too highly. For someone who wants to learn about apologetics, and for the one who desires to learn much about theology, too, this book is a blessing.
Many thanks to Angie Cheatham of Crossway for providing me with this copy of Christian Apologetics to review.