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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.
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Darkness Shall Fall (Paperback)
Alister E. McGrath; Illustrated by Voytek Wojciech Nowakowski
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R193
R147
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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?"
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
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.
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."
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.
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
Theology is the study of the nature of God and of religious belief.
But why should that matter to us? What's the point of theology? In
this wonderfully accessible book, renowned theologian Alister
McGrath answers that question--What's the point of theology?--and
explores the depth and breadth theology can bring to our lives.
Drawing on insights from his experience of coming to Christianity
from atheism, this exhilarating and enlightening volume reveals how
theology can help us grow in wisdom, contribute to our wellbeing,
spark our innate sense of wonder, and above all, grow in faith and
love as we draw ever closer to the divine. Ideal for new and
seasoned Christians who want to engage more deeply with their
faith, as well as those who are puzzled by spiritual matters and
curious to find out more, What's the Point of Theology? will open
your eyes to all that theology has to offer--a wiser understanding
of what really matters, a richer vision of the good life, a deeper
appreciation of the beauty of nature, and an avenue to strengthen
your faith and relationship with God.
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Flight of the Outcasts (Paperback)
Alister E. McGrath; Illustrated by Voytek Wojciech Nowakowski
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R161
R143
Discovery Miles 1 430
Save R18 (11%)
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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."
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Chosen Ones (Paperback)
Alister E. McGrath; Illustrated by Voytek Wojciech Nowakowski
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R193
R146
Discovery Miles 1 460
Save R47 (24%)
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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."
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
""A robust defense of the God of the Bible...This is a book for
serious thinkers who wish to make God real in a world that has
forgotten its Creator and Maker." ""-- Joni Eareckson Tada"
In a decade embroiled in fanaticism and fear, a renewed interest
in the age-old debate over the question of God has reignited,
giving rise to a new group of media-savvy contenders dubbed the
"New Atheists." As expressed in the works of best-selling authors
like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, the New Atheists
have found a foothold in today's cynical society, and have ramped
up their efforts to debunk the existence of God.
Renowned historian, theologian, and scholar Alister McGrath is on
the frontlines of this conversation, publicly debating many of
these prominent skeptics. In this thoughtful and accessible volume,
McGrath gives a spirited rebuttal to the claims of the New
Atheists, critiquing the New Atheism on its own merits and
exploring the fundamental questions: "Who are the New Atheists, and
what do they believe?"
"Is religion delusional and evil?"
"Are human beings fundamentally good?"
How do reason and science prove or disprove faith?
Is the best hope for humanity a "New Enlightenment"?
Why God Won't Go Away explores how the movement's ideas are
defined and propagated, helping us understand the agendas and
anxieties of this global movement and its appeal to society as a
whole. Why God Won't Go Away explores what is "new" about New
Atheism, critiques the movement on its core themes of violence,
reason, and science, and asks, where does the New Atheism go from
here?
Why the Church must defend the truth.
Our ongoing fascination with alternative Christianities is
ondisplay every time a never-before-seen gospel text is revealed,
an archaeological discovery about Jesus makes front-page news, or
anew work of fiction challenges the very foundations of the
church.Now, in a timely corrective to this trend, renowned church
historianAlister McGrath examines the history of subversive ideas,
overturningcommon misconceptions that heresy is somehow more
spiritual orliberating than traditional dogma. In so doing, he
presents a powerful, compassionate orthodoxy that will equip the
church to meet thechallenge from renewed forms of heresy today.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
We just can't stop talking about the big questions around science
and faith. They haven't gone away, as some predicted they might; in
fact, we seem to talk about them more than ever. Far from being a
spent force, religion continues to grow around the world.
Meanwhile, Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists argue that religion
is at war with science - and that we have to choose between them.
It's time to consider a different way of looking at these two great
cultural forces. What if science and faith might enrich each other?
What if they can together give us a deep and satisfying
understanding of life? Alister McGrath, one of the world's leading
authorities on science and religion, engages with the big questions
that Dawkins and others have raised - including origins, the burden
of proof, the meaning of life, the existence of God and our place
in the universe. Informed by the best and latest scholarship,
Inventing the Universe is a groundbreaking new primer for the
complex yet fascinating relationship between science and faith.
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