
The History of Apologetics
A Biographical and Methodological Introduction
Zondervan Academic (Publisher)
Published on 23. July 2020
Book
Hardback
848 pages
978-0-310-55941-2 (ISBN)
Description
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
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
Reviews / Votes
'The History of Apologetics is a must-have for the shelves of any serious student of apologetics. With an impressive list of contributors, it provides a comprehensive yet detailed survey of various approaches to the defense of the Christian faith from patristic to modern times. Of particular value is the diversity of approaches represented by the apologists included, with notable entries among the more modern figures including John Henry Newman, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and C. S. Lewis. This provides substantial content for approaches to defending the faith that engage with cultural issues and draw on imagination and the arts as a methodology. The result is a volume that genuinely presents the historical and ecumenical richness of apologetics as a discipline and will serve as a valuable foundation for working apologists.' * <b> HOLLY ORDWAY, Word on Fire Institute Fellow of Faith and Culture, author of Apologetics and the Christian Imagination</b> * 'This book contains richly developed surveys of the apologetic arguments and approaches of a wide array of the Christian faith's greatest and most influential advocates over the centuries. Though the book is easily readable, it is extraordinarily informative--like the best apologetic works themselves! I learned so much from reading this book, even with regard to authors whose writings I know. Highly recommended to every Christian and especially to clergy and scholars, for whom the task of Christian apologetics is an urgent call.' * <b> MATTHEW LEVERING, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary </b> * 'This is a most valuable guide to the history of Christian apologetics throughout the ages. Expert authors provide readable summaries that will be useful both to those being introduced to the subject and to those who wish to review the wide range of options.' * <b> GEORGE MARSDEN, author of Jonathan Edwards: A Life and C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity: A Biography </b> * 'This volume employs competent scholars to write about noteworthy apologists throughout the history of the church's intellectual engagement with the unbelieving world. Apologists shouldn't defend the faith in a historical vacuum since we ought to stand on the shoulders of giants. This is the most thorough history of its kind that I know of and will repay careful study for the defense of the faith given once and for all to the saints.' * <b> DOUGLAS GROOTHUIS, professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary, author of Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith </b> *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Zondervan
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 43 mm
Weight
1225 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-310-55941-2 (9780310559412)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Zondervan | Benjamin K. Forrest | Joshua D. Chatraw
The History of Apologetics
A Biographical and Methodological Introduction
E-Book
06/2020
Zondervan Academic
€39.99
Available for download
Persons
Benjamin K. Forrest (EdD, Liberty University) is professor of Christian education and associate dean at Liberty University. He is coauthor of Surviving and Thriving in Seminary (w/ H. D. Zacharias, Lexham, 2017), Good Arguments: Making Your Case in Writing and Public Speaking (w/ R. A. Holland, Baker Academic, 2017), and coeditor of Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader (w/ Chet Roden, Kregel, 2017).
Joshua Chatraw (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the director for New City Fellows and the Resident Theologian at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. His books include Apologetics at the Cross, Cultural Engagement, Truth in a Culture of Doubt, and Truth Matters. He is a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and has served in both pastoral and academic posts during his ministry.
Alister E. McGrath is a historian, biochemist, and Christian theologian born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. McGrath, a longtime professor at Oxford University, now holds the Chair in Science and Religion at Oxford. He is the author of several books on theology and apologetics, including Christianity's Dangerous Idea and Mere Apologetics. He lives in Oxford, England and lectures regularly in the United States.
Joshua Chatraw (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the director for New City Fellows and the Resident Theologian at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. His books include Apologetics at the Cross, Cultural Engagement, Truth in a Culture of Doubt, and Truth Matters. He is a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and has served in both pastoral and academic posts during his ministry.
Alister E. McGrath is a historian, biochemist, and Christian theologian born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. McGrath, a longtime professor at Oxford University, now holds the Chair in Science and Religion at Oxford. He is the author of several books on theology and apologetics, including Christianity's Dangerous Idea and Mere Apologetics. He lives in Oxford, England and lectures regularly in the United States.
Content
Ch. 1 Justin Martyr (100-165) Gerald Bray (D.Litt., University of Paris - Sorbonne) is Research Professor of Divinity, History, and Doctrine at Beeson School of Divinity. He edited Galatians, Ephesians, the first volume of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture (IVP). His systematic theology God is Love was released by Crossway in 2012, and his historical theology God has Spoken was published in 2014. Beeson School of Divinity
Ch. 2 Irenaeus (130-202) John Behr (D.Phil., Oxford) is Dean, Rector, and Director of the Master of Theology Program and Professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. PENDING
Ch. 3 Athenagoras Athens (133-190) W. Brian Shelton (Ph.D., Saint Louis University) is Provost and Professor of Theology and Church History at Toccoa Falls College. He has published principally on early Christianity in the west, including Martyrdom from Exegesis in Hippolytus: An Early Church Presbyter's Commentary on Daniel (Paternoster, 2008) and 'Irenaeus' in Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy (IVP, 2010). Toccoa Falls College
Ch. 4 Tertullian (160-220) Bryan Litfin (Ph.D., University of Virginia) is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He is author of Early Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction (Baker, 2014) and Getting to Know the Church Fathers (Brazos, 2007). Moody Bible Institute
Ch. 5 Origen (185-254) Chad Thornhill (Ph.D., Liberty) is Associate Professor of Apologetics and Biblical Studies and Chair of Theological Studies at Liberty University. Liberty University
Ch. 6 Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) Peter Leithart (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) PENDING
Ch. 7 Augustine (354-430) Chad Meister (Ph.D., Marquette University) is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College. His publications include Contemporary Philosophical Theology (Routledge), Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge), and The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophical Theology (Cambridge University Press). He is also General Co-editor of the books series, Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society. Bethel College
Part 2: Medieval Apologists
Ch. 8 John of Damascus (676-749) Daniel Janosik (Ph.D., London School of Theology) is Professor of Apologetics and Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. His dissertation research was titled, John of Damascus: First Apologist to the Muslims. Columbia International University
Ch. 9 Theodore Abu Qurra (750-820) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is Professor of Historical and Philosophical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Ch. 10 Timothy of Baghdad (727-823) Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity St. David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University and the author of Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders, Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World, and translator of Francois Decret's Early Christianity in North Africa. Columbia International University
Ch. 11 Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) TBD
Ch. 12 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Francis Beckwith (Ph.D., Fordham University) is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, and Associate Director of Graduate Studies at Baylor University; and Shawn Floyd (Ph.D., University of St. Louis) is Professor of Philosophy at Malone University. Baylor University; Malone University
Ch. 13 Ramon Lull (1232-1316) Greg Peters (Ph.D., University of St. Michael's College, Toronto) is Associate Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology at Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University. He is author of The Story of Monasticism: Retrieving an Ancient Tradition for Contemporary Spirituality (Baker, 2015), and Peter of Damascus: Byzantine Monk and Spiritual Theologian (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 2011) Biola University
Ch. 14 Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of
Ch. 2 Irenaeus (130-202) John Behr (D.Phil., Oxford) is Dean, Rector, and Director of the Master of Theology Program and Professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. PENDING
Ch. 3 Athenagoras Athens (133-190) W. Brian Shelton (Ph.D., Saint Louis University) is Provost and Professor of Theology and Church History at Toccoa Falls College. He has published principally on early Christianity in the west, including Martyrdom from Exegesis in Hippolytus: An Early Church Presbyter's Commentary on Daniel (Paternoster, 2008) and 'Irenaeus' in Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy (IVP, 2010). Toccoa Falls College
Ch. 4 Tertullian (160-220) Bryan Litfin (Ph.D., University of Virginia) is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He is author of Early Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction (Baker, 2014) and Getting to Know the Church Fathers (Brazos, 2007). Moody Bible Institute
Ch. 5 Origen (185-254) Chad Thornhill (Ph.D., Liberty) is Associate Professor of Apologetics and Biblical Studies and Chair of Theological Studies at Liberty University. Liberty University
Ch. 6 Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) Peter Leithart (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) PENDING
Ch. 7 Augustine (354-430) Chad Meister (Ph.D., Marquette University) is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College. His publications include Contemporary Philosophical Theology (Routledge), Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge), and The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophical Theology (Cambridge University Press). He is also General Co-editor of the books series, Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society. Bethel College
Part 2: Medieval Apologists
Ch. 8 John of Damascus (676-749) Daniel Janosik (Ph.D., London School of Theology) is Professor of Apologetics and Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. His dissertation research was titled, John of Damascus: First Apologist to the Muslims. Columbia International University
Ch. 9 Theodore Abu Qurra (750-820) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is Professor of Historical and Philosophical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Ch. 10 Timothy of Baghdad (727-823) Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity St. David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University and the author of Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders, Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World, and translator of Francois Decret's Early Christianity in North Africa. Columbia International University
Ch. 11 Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) TBD
Ch. 12 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Francis Beckwith (Ph.D., Fordham University) is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, and Associate Director of Graduate Studies at Baylor University; and Shawn Floyd (Ph.D., University of St. Louis) is Professor of Philosophy at Malone University. Baylor University; Malone University
Ch. 13 Ramon Lull (1232-1316) Greg Peters (Ph.D., University of St. Michael's College, Toronto) is Associate Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology at Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University. He is author of The Story of Monasticism: Retrieving an Ancient Tradition for Contemporary Spirituality (Baker, 2015), and Peter of Damascus: Byzantine Monk and Spiritual Theologian (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 2011) Biola University
Ch. 14 Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of