
Toward a Reformed Apologetics
A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til
Keith A. Mathison(Author)
Mentor (Publisher)
Published on 12. November 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
296 pages
978-1-5271-1229-2 (ISBN)
Description
A Truly Reformed Apologetics?
Cornelius Van Til claimed that all traditional apologetic methodologies are flawed and that those Reformed Christians who use such methods are compromising their theology. His goal was to develop an apologetic method that is truly consistent with Reformed theology. Did he achieve that goal?
For almost a century,
Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter-charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics.
In Part One, Cornelius Van Til's own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption,
and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines.
Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til's apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical,
philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til's system of thought. This book argues that Van Til's apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.
Cornelius Van Til claimed that all traditional apologetic methodologies are flawed and that those Reformed Christians who use such methods are compromising their theology. His goal was to develop an apologetic method that is truly consistent with Reformed theology. Did he achieve that goal?
For almost a century,
Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter-charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics.
In Part One, Cornelius Van Til's own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption,
and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines.
Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til's apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical,
philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til's system of thought. This book argues that Van Til's apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.
Reviews / Votes
"Mathison should be commended for his humility and diligence to move the discussion forward in the best of ways.
"Harrison Perkins
"
Keith Mathison ... refreshingly shines exegetical and theological light upon this debated topic ...
"J. V. Fesko
"
... a clarion call to the actual and so urgent defense of the faith. We all owe Dr. Mathison a huge debt for this gift.
"Stephen J. Nichols
"
... utterly convincing ...
"Derek W. H. Thomas
"
My only mark against Mathison is that he did not write this book fifteen years ago.
"Samuel G. Parkison
"
This is a well-researched work on an important (and often contentious) topic.
Mathison is to be commended for writing a book that is careful, clear, and charitable. Whether you consider yourself a committed Van Tillian, an appreciative critic of Van Til, or even if you've never heard of Cornelius Van Til, this book advances the discussion in a positive way. It is refreshing to read a book that aims to bring light into a difficult topic instead of just heat.
"Kevin DeYoung
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Tain
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Christian Focus Publications Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 136 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
374 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5271-1229-2 (9781527112292)
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
Person
Keith A. Mathison was born and raised near Houston, Texas. After graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary, he began working for Ligonier Ministries in 1996. He is Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida.