DUELING APOLOGETICS PART 2 OF 2: FIVE VIEWS ON APOLOGETICS - ZONDERVAN COUNTERPOINTS SERIES.

 

Apologetics is an extremely important and yet overlooked aspect of Christianity. We are ready to give an answer to every man for the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15), and to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). But how do we do this? Leave it to human beings to come up with organized systems to approach this, and this book introduces us to five different styles to accomplish this.

Let me explain the five views as I would define them:

1. Classical, represented by William Lane Craig: One should start off proving the existence of God before moving to miracles, the resurrection of Christ, etc.
2. Evidential, represented by Gary Habernas: One does not need to prove God's existence before addressing miracles/the resurrection of Christ.
3. Cumulative Case, represented by Paul Feinberg: One cannot prove God's existence or other things by formal argument, but one can informally show Christian theism to be the best alternative.
4. Presuppositional, represented by John Frame: One needs to address people's presuppositions as they are making the case for Christianity.
5. Reformed Epistomology, represented by Kelly James Clark: One cannot prove any argument rational, but one can believe without any evidence.

There can be some variation between the approaches. Most of these authors have been accused of others at not really representing their views. Steven Cowan, the book's editor, pointed out that in the past some of these methodologies acted like you could do it their way or you can do it wrong, particularly Classical, Evidential, and Presuppositional.

This actually is a strength for the book. One reason people avoid apologetics is because it is divisive. These authors come across as if they're aware they're co-soldiers, on the same side. I believe this is the way it should be in the Body of Christ.

To be honest, like evangelism methodologies, I would say the answer to the question "Which is the correct methodology?" is "Yes." God designed each person differently. Some people work better with a certain methodology. And different people would respond to different methodologies.

If you compare the 8 types of Apologetics in Contend Earnestly For The Faith by Phil Fernandes with the 5 approaches here, you will not find three different approaches that Fernandes covers and this book doesn't - you'll find seven, with only one common technique (that being presuppositional). However, the reason is that Five Views deals with five lines of argumentation apologists use, while Contend Earnestly looks at the tools in their toolbox. 

I recommend both books, but I would suggest starting with Fernandes and then going to this volume.