Provides an accessible overview of the theory and practice of Christian apologetics, written by one of the leading experts in the field Christian Apologetics is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this student-friendly textbook clearly explains the major theoretical and practical aspects of the tradition while exploring its core themes, historical development, and current debates. Using a non-denominational approach, world-renowned Christian scholar Alister E. McGrath engages the ideas of a wide range of representative apologists and explores the ways they have been applied throughout history, and can still be used today. Concise, easy-to-digest chapters gradually build students' knowledge and confidence, moving from basic definitions and concepts to more advanced theory and practical application. Throughout the text, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns about religious belief, illustrates the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and offers clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can adopt in their own writing and speaking. Introduces the art and science of explaining and commending the Christian faith Presents approaches to apologetics that emphasize the positive appeal of Christianity to the imagination and emotions Covers the major approaches to apologetics, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses their key representatives Helps readers in ministry and outreach defend Christianity against misunderstandings and misrepresentations Addresses the real-world application of apologetics, including role models, good practice, and established wisdom Features case studies of Christian apologists such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Tim Keller Includes study questions, activities, further reading lists, full references, and links to video and audio resources developed by the author Designed to meet the needs of teachers looking for a clear and reliable introduction to the field, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations.

When it comes to relating Christianity to modern Western culture, perhaps no topic is more controversial than the relationship between Christianity and science. Outside the church, the myth of a backwards, anti-science Christianity is very common in popular culture and can poison the well before a fruitful dialogue can begin. Within the church, opposing viewpoints on the relation between Christianity and science often lead to division. Three Views on Christianity and Science addresses both types of conflict. Featuring leading evangelical scholars, this book presents three primary options for the compatibility of Christianity and science and models constructive dialogue on the surrounding controversial issues. The highlighted contributors and their views are: Michael Ruse, representing the Independence View - When functioning correctly, science and Christian theology operate independently of each other, seeking answers to different questions through different means. Alister McGrath, representing the Dialogue View - Though the natural sciences and Christian philosophy and theology function differently, they can and should inform each other. Bruce L. Gordon, representing the Constrained Integration View - Science, philosophy, and theology all contribute to our understanding of reality. Their interactions constrain each other and together present an optimally coherent and integrated picture of reality. By engaging with the viewpoints of the contributors, readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the compatibility of science and Christianity, as well as of the positions of those who disagree with them. Scholars, students, pastors, and interested laypeople will be able to make use of this material in research, assignments, sermons and lessons, evangelism, and apologetics. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Your journey begins. The road before you is smooth and straight. You walk for some time, recalling your experiences that call into question the deep realities of life. Up ahead, you can see the road branching in three directions. . . In Why Is There Suffering? you, reader, control the route you take through its "choose-your-own-path" chapters, asking questions and exploring different theological possibilities on the big topics of: God's existence God's nature The nature of suffering Evil Pain Final destiny Taking an intentionally light-hearted approach to a heavy topic this book presents an illustrative introduction to the problem of suffering and the most commonly offered responses to it. Along the road, you'll face multiple possibilities regarding suffering and its theological explanations, and you'll make choices about which one you find most plausible, skipping to that section of the book. Each decision you make leads to further complexities and new choices that reveal how theological beliefs lead to certain conclusions. This book does not offer final answers. Instead, it introduces the "theological" possibilities-both Christian and non-Christian-that you can explore and wrestle with to make informed decisions about your beliefs and clearly see the road you've taken to reach such beliefs. You are, of course, in control of the paths you take through these pages. You decide which explanations work. You can always go back and see what would change if you'd taken a different path. And, who knows. . .you may find that certain pathways resonate with your experiences in ways you didn't expect.

The Bible is a narrative--the story of God's creation, humankind's fall, and God's plan of redemption. And it is filled with countless smaller stories that teach us about people, history, and the nature of God. It's no surprise that God would choose to reveal himself to us in story--after all, he hardwired us for story. Despite this, we so often attempt to share our faith with others not through story but through systems, arguments, and talking points--methods that appeal only to our mind and neglect our imagination and our emotions. In this groundbreaking book, scholar and author Alister McGrath lays a foundation for narrative apologetics. Exploring four major biblical narratives, enduring stories from our culture such as Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, and personal narratives from people such as Augustine of Hippo and Chuck Colson, McGrath shows how we can both understand and share our faith in terms of story.

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith, from Augustine and Aquinas to Jonathan Edwards, G. K. Chesterton, Francis Schaeffer, and C. S. Lewis. But with new challenges comes the need for a fresh apologetic that specifically addresses the arguments levied against faith in our time of scientific atheism and skepticism.
In the spirit of C. S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," Alister McGrath's "Mere Apologetics" seeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments, "Mere Apologetics" teaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.

The Christian doctrine of justification is of immense interest to historians and theologians ,and continues to be of major importance in modern ecumenical discussions. The present work appeared in its first edition in 1986, and rapidly became the leading reference work on the subject. Its many acclaimed features include a detailed assessment of the semantic background of the concept in the Ancient Near East, a thorough examination of the doctrine of the medieval period, and an especially careful analysis of its development during the critical years of the sixteenth century. The substantially rewritten fourth edition thoroughly updates the work, responding to the latest developments in scholarly literature and user feedback. It will remain an essential resource for all concerned with the development of Christian doctrine, the history of the Reformation debates on the identity of Christianity, and modern discussions between Protestants and Roman Catholics over the nature of salvation.

ECPA Christian Book Award 2021 Finalist: Biography & Memoir Explore Apologetics through the Lives of History's Great Apologists The History of Apologetics follows the great apologists in the history of the church to understand how they approached the task of apologetics in their own cultural and theological context. Each chapter looks at the life of a well-known apologist from history, unpacks their methodology, and details how they approached the task of defending the faith. By better understanding how apologetics has been done, readers will be better able to grasp the contextualized nature of apologetics and apply those insights to today's context. The History of Apologetics covers forty-four apologists including: Part One: Patristic Apologists Justin Martyr by Gerald Bray Irenaeus of Lyons by Stephen O. Presley Athenagoras of Athens by W. Brian Shelton Tertullian of Carthage by Bryan M. Litfin Origen by A. Chadwick Thornhill Athanasius of Alexandria by Jonathan Morgan Augustine of Hippo by Chad Meister Part Two: Medieval Apologists John of Damascus by Daniel J. Janosik Theodore Abu Qurrah by Byard Bennett Timothy I of Baghdad by Edward L. Smither and Trevor Castor Anselm of Canterbury by Edward N. Martin and Steven B. Cowan Saint Thomas Aquinas by Francis J. Beckwith and Shawn Floyd Ramon Lull by Greg Peters Gregory Palamas by Byard Bennett Part Three: Early Modern Apologists Hugo Grotius by Bryan Baise Blaise Pascal by Tyler Dalton McNabb and Michael R. DeVito Jonathan Edwards by Michael McClymond William Paley by Charles Taliaferro Joseph Butler by David McNaughton Part Four: 19th C. Apologists Simon Greenleaf by Craig A. Parton John Henry Newman by Corneliu C. Simut Soren Kierkegaard by Sean A. Turchin and Christian Kettering James Orr by Ronnie Campbell B. B. Warfield by Kim Riddlebarger Part Five: 20th C. American Apologists J. Gresham Machen by D. G. Hart Cornelius Van Til by K. Scott Oliphint Gordon Haddon Clark by Robert A. Weathers Francis A. Schaeffer by William Edgar Edward John Carnell by Steven A. Hein Part Six: 20th C. European Apologists A. E. Taylor by Michael O. Obanla and David Baggett G. K. Chesterton by Ralph Wood Dorothy Sayers by Amy Orr-Ewing C. S. Lewis by Alister McGrath Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Matthew D. Kirkpatrick Lesslie Newbigin by Krish Kandiah Part Seven: Contemporary Apologists John Warwick Montgomery by Craig A. Parton Charles Taylor by Bruce Riley Ashford and Matthew Ng Alvin Plantinga by James Beilby Richard Swinburne by Greg Welty William Lane Craig by R. Keith Loftin Gary R. Habermas by W. David Beck and Benjamin C. F. Shaw Alister E. McGrath by James K. Dew and Jordan Steffaniak Timothy Keller by Joshua D. Chatraw

As the volcano s dark and deadly cloud draws closer, Peter, Julia, and Louisa fight to protect the people of Aedyn, attempting to shelter themselves from the strengthening dark forces. As their enemy closes in, a stranger arrives, claiming to come from the Lord of Hosts to help in their escape to Aedyn and safety. But Louisa doesn t trust this stranger, and her mistrust leads to further conflict. Can Peter, Julia, and Louisa overcome their disagreements in time to lead the people in the fight for freedom and truth, even when all seems lost?"

In recent years, Alister McGrath has gained prominence as one of evangelicalism's preeminent theologians. A brilliant scholar and communicator, he combines the clarity of thought of a scientist (he holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology) with the deep convictions of a committed Christian and theologian. Studies in Doctrine contains four of McGrath's more popular theological works: Understanding Doctrine explains what doctrine is, why it is important, and what its limitations are. Understanding the Trinity moves from a superb apologetic for God's existence, to developing a concept of God, to a probing and balanced examination of the Trinity proper. Understanding Jesus is a basic, eminently readable, and surprisingly personal introduction to the person and work of Christ. Justification by Faith demonstrates how the vitality and relevance of the doctrine of justification by faith can be recovered and presented to contemporary culture. This volume gives the student and non-specialist a clear, thoughtful, and highly readable introduction to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.

To read the New Testament is to meet the Old Testament at every turn. But exactly how do Old Testament texts relate to their New Testament references and allusions? Moreover, what fruitful interpretive methods do New Testament texts demonstrate? Leading biblical scholars Walter Kaiser, Darrel Bock and Peter Enns each present their answers to questions surrounding the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. Contributors address elements such as Divine and human authorial intent, the context of Old Testament references, and theological grounds for an interpretive method. Every author applies his framework to the same three texts so that readers see each method s practical use. Each contributor also receives a thorough critique from the other two authors. A one-stop reference for setting the scene and presenting approaches to the topic that respect the biblical text, Three Views on the New Testament Use of Old Testament gives readers the tools they need to develop their own views on this important subject. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series."

Darwinism and the Divine examines the implications of evolutionary thought for natural theology, from the time of publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species to current debates on creationism and intelligent design. * Questions whether Darwin's theory of natural selection really shook our fundamental beliefs, or whether they served to transform and illuminate our views on the origins and meaning of life * Identifies the forms of natural theology that emerged in 19th-century England and how they were affected by Darwinism * The most detailed study yet of the intellectual background to William Paley's famous and influential approach to natural theology, set out in 1802 * Brings together material from a variety of disciplines, including the history of ideas, historical and systematic theology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, sociology, and the cognitive science of religion * Considers how Christian belief has adapted to Darwinism, and asks whether there is a place for design both in the world of science and the world of theology * A thought-provoking exploration of 21st-century views on evolutionary thought and natural theology, written by the world-renowned theologian and bestselling author

Can Christians take seriously the claims of modern science without compromising their theological integrity? Can theology contribute to our understanding of the natural world without reducing the doctrine of creation to a few flashpoint issues? While there is no shortage of works that treat the intersection between science and religion, little attention has been paid to the theological reception of developments of modern science. Yet a deeper look at the history of Christian thought offers a wealth of insight from theological giants for navigating this complex terrain. Science and the Doctrine of Creation examines how influential modern theologians-from the turn of the nineteenth century through the present-have engaged the scientific developments of their times in light of the doctrine of creation. In each chapter a leading Christian thinker introduces readers to the unique contributions of a key theologian in responding to the assumptions, claims, and methods of science. Chapters include Kevin J. Vanhoozer on T. F. Torrance Katherine Sonderegger on Karl Barth Craig G. Bartholomew on Abraham Kuyper Christoph Schwoebel on Wolfhart Pannenberg Edited by Geoffrey Fulkerson and Joel Chopp of the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding, this book grows out of the Henry Center's Creation Project, which promotes biblically faithful and scientifically engaged dialogue around the doctrine of creation. From Warfield's critical appraisal of Darwinian evolution to Pannenberg's pneumatological reflections on field theory, these studies explore how Christians can think more carefully about the issues at stake using the theological resources of their traditions.

'Alister McGrath is a brilliant guide to Jim Packer's invigorating theological vision. Crisp, incisive commentary on every page!' - Andrew Atherstone, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford J. I. Packer was one of the most influential evangelical theological and spiritual writers of the twentieth century, best known for his classic work of spirituality Knowing God. In the 1990s, Christianity Today readers named him one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century, second only to C. S. Lewis. But who was Jim Packer, and what is the story of his own faith? Bestselling author and friend of Jim's Alister McGrath tells his story, and in the process opens up how Packer's faith nourished and sustained him - exploring questions of theology and spirituality as they arise along the way. Alternating narrative with reflection, Alister sets out Packer's ideas and presents them engagingly, and in doing so helps to explain why Packer and his writing continue to be so helpful and useful to all on the journey of faith. This beautiful tribute to a giant of the Christian faith is both a celebration of his life and the perfect introduction to his thought and writings for a new generation of readers.

On 29th May 1919, British astronomers tested Einstein's theory of relativity by measuring the path of the stars travelling near the sun during an eclipse. On 7th November 1919, the results of that experiment were announced in London, proving Einstein's theory of relativity. A Theory of Everything (that Matters) has been written in celebration of this 100th anniversary. With the confirmation of Einstein's theories at the beginning of the twentieth century, our understanding of the universe became much more complex. What does this mean for religious belief, and specifically Christianity? Does it mean, as so many people assume, the death of God? In A Theory of Everything (that Matters) Alister McGrath - Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University - explores these questions, giving an overview of Einstein's thought and scientific theories, including his nuanced thinking on the difference between the scientific enterprise and beliefs outside its realm. This groundbreaking book is for anyone intrigued by Einstein as one of the twentieth century's most iconic figures, who wants to know what his theories mean for religion, and who is interested in the conversation between science and religions more broadly. 'An excellent study of Einstein's theories in relation to his beliefs about God' - starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

In the second book, which draws on the biblical story of the Babylonian exile, Alexander hears his name being called once more and he returns to Eden, which is now derelict, deserted, and spoiled. The Lion King tells Alexander how Eden was invaded and its inhabitants deported to a distant city. Alexander is asked to rescue the Lion King s people from exile. Again, Alexander passes himself off as the ambassador of a great nation, and by a series of shrewd strategies, he persuades the great king of another empire to invade the captors and set the cats free. In triumph, Alexander leads the cats back to Eden, where they rebuild the great castle and walls, culminating in the Lion King returning to Eden."

Engaging Fantasy --- Kirkus Review The land of Aedyn is a paradise beyond all imagining. But when this paradise falls, strangers from another world must be called to fight for the truth. Peter and Julia never suspected that a trip to their grandparents home in Oxford would contain anything out of the ordinary ... That was before Julia stumbled upon a mysterious garden that shone on moonless nights. It was no accident that she fell into the pool, pulling her brother along with her, but now they re lost in a strange new world and they don t know whom they can trust. Should they believe the mysterious, hooded lords? The ancient monk who appears only when least expected? Or the silent slaves who have a dark secret of their own? In a world inhabited by strange beasts and peculiar whisperings, two children called from another world will have to discover who they truly are, fighting desperate battles within themselves before they can lead the great revolution."

James I. Packer, the son of a Gloucester railway clerk, rose to become one of the most influential evangelical, theological and spiritual writers of the twentieth century. He is widely admired as a theologian with a rare gift of being able to communicate his ideas with clarity and passion to a wide variety of audiences. Many Christians have identified him as one of the greatest influences of their lives.
Packer has authored more than 300 works over fifty years of his writing ministry. From this massive body of literature, Alister McGrath has selected sixteen core writings, faithfully representing both Packer's personal interests (such as the authority of Scripture, the relationship of theology and spirituality, and the importance of 'great tradition' Christianity), and the various phases of his career. Each of these writings is carefully introduced and set in its theological, historical and biographical context, and is followed by questions for further study to help readers interact with the texts. The work also includes an informative introduction to the life and career of J.I. Packer.
ALISTER McGRATH is Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education, and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture at King's College, London. He is the author of numerous books, including " J.I. Packer: A Biography. "

The Christian doctrine of justification is of immense interest to historians and theologians ,and continues to be of major importance in modern ecumenical discussions. The present work appeared in its first edition in 1986, and rapidly became the leading reference work on the subject. Its many acclaimed features include a detailed assessment of the semantic background of the concept in the Ancient Near East, a thorough examination of the doctrine of the medieval period, and an especially careful analysis of its development during the critical years of the sixteenth century. The substantially rewritten fourth edition thoroughly updates the work, responding to the latest developments in scholarly literature and user feedback. It will remain an essential resource for all concerned with the development of Christian doctrine, the history of the Reformation debates on the identity of Christianity, and modern discussions between Protestants and Roman Catholics over the nature of salvation.

Rethinking Effective Apologetics for the Present Age. Christians have always had to defend their faith against all kinds of criticism and misunderstandings, but these attacks change overtime, and the strongest arguments of the famous classical apologists who preceded us are not necessarily the strongest today. Intellectuals Don't Need God is written to today's faithful apologists who are trying to commend Christianity in terms of its relevance to everyday life and not just its inherent rationality. Its focuses are: Understanding and overcoming the barriers of faith in today's culture. Presenting the points of contact between daily life and spiritual longing. Demonstrating the apologetics of today in action. Theologian and scientist, Dr. Alister McGrath (author of the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Winning biography of C. S. Lewis) shows convincingly that appeal to reason is only one of many possible bridges between the non-Christian and the gospel. In today's world, cerebral and emotional concerns-such as a sense that life lacks purpose or a deep sense of longing for something unknown-are often more effective starting points for modern apologetics. Dr. McGrath combines the clarity of a brilliant scientific mind with a deep commitment to Christ and to reaching non-Christians. Intellectuals Don't Need God is for apologists and seekers alike-for both those defending and questioning the validity and value of Christianity.

Recovering the forgotten discipline of Natural Philosophy for the modern world This book argues for the retrieval of 'natural philosophy', a concept that faded into comparative obscurity as individual scientific disciplines became established and institutionalized. Natural philosophy was understood in the early modern period as a way of exploring the human relationship with the natural world, encompassing what would now be seen as the distinct disciplines of the natural sciences, mathematics, music, philosophy, and theology. The first part of the work represents a critical conversation with the tradition, identifying the essential characteristics of natural philosophy, particularly its emphasis on both learning about and learning from nature. After noting the factors which led to the disintegration of natural philosophy during the nineteenth century, the second part of the work sets out the reasons why natural philosophy should be retrieved, and a creative and innovative proposal for how this might be done. This draws on Karl Popper's 'Three Worlds' and Mary Midgley's notion of using multiple maps in bringing together the many aspects of the human encounter with the natural world. Such a retrieved or 're-imagined' natural philosophy is able to encourage both human attentiveness and respectfulness towards Nature, while enfolding both the desire to understand the natural world, and the need to preserve the affective, imaginative, and aesthetic aspects of the human response to nature.

What if you could ask C. S. Lewis his thoughts on the questions we all ask ourselves from time to time - questions about friendship, education, suffering, God ... and the meaning of life itself? Alister McGrath's provocative and perceptive book Deep Magic, Dragons and Talking Mice takes Lewis as the perfect conversation companion for the persistent meaning-of-life questions everyone asks. Lewis travelled from staunch atheism to reluctant belief, from rational scepticism to the appreciation of human desires and imagination, and from Christian apologist during the Second World War to celebrated author of classic children's literature - and as such looked at life's mysteries from many different viewpoints. The questions Lewis thought so deeply about are still relevant today, and all are illuminated by his astonishingly varied body of work. Whether you're new to Lewis, a fan of the Narnia books or a devotee of his apologetic writings, McGrath will lead you into an exploration of life's deepest questions, using one of the twentieth century's most engaging writers as our guide.

In what he anticipates will be his final book, respected scientist and theologian Professor Alister McGrath shares the story of a life spent in pursuit of truth: first through the discipline of science, then in tandem with the Christian faith he found as a young man. In Through a Glass Darkly Professor McGrath shares at length and for the first time how exactly he moved from atheism to faith while studying natural sciences at Oxford University, and how each discipline has informed the other throughout his life. This is a rich, inspiring read from one of today's greatest public theologians.

Written by Alister McGrath, one of Britain's most admired and insightful biblical scholars, the NIV Bible Handbook is designed to be read alongside the New International Version as a comprehensive guide to Scripture. McGrath's in-depth commentary is complemented by introductions to and outlines of every Bible book, explaining the authorship, context and purpose with which each book was written. The commentary is interspersed with over sixty feature articles addressing difficult questions arising from the Bible, such as, 'What does the Bible say about homosexuality?' and 'Did God really command all that killing?' A number of helpful maps and charts also aid appreciation of biblical narrative and history.

The recent Narnia films have inspired a resurgence of interest in C. S. Lewis, the Oxford academic, popular theologian and, most famously, creator of the magical world of Narnia - and this authoritative new biography, published to mark the 50th anniversary of Lewis's death, sets out to introduce him to a new generation. Completely up to date with scholarly studies of Lewis, it also focuses on how Lewis came to write the Narnia books, and why they have proved so consistently engaging. Accessible and engaging, this new biography will appeal to fans of the films, readers of Lewis and of theologian and apologist Alister McGrath himself.