Christian Apologetics Past And Present
Vol 1: To 1500
ISBN-10: 1581349068 ISBN-13: 9781581349061
Christian Apologetics is a primary source reader. Instead of giving to us an apologetic argument, the editors have simply allowed people from the first sixteen centuries of Christianity to speak to us concerning the Christian faith.
First of all, I must say that this is a very good approach. Too often we commit the sin of what C.S. Lewis called “chronological snobbery” and think that we should apply ourselves more to contemporary writings. Sadly, those who ignore the past are certain to commit many of the same errors that have already been made. They will also fall into many of the heresies of the past. It is wise to present the words of past apologists that we might learn from them.
Second, I must say that I believe that the average person is neither familiar enough with the past to know what they should read. Neither do they have the money to buy the complete writings of the past. Even the thirty-eight volumes of the early church fathers is quite expensive. It is also a daunting task to try to read them. It is nowhere near such a task to sit down and carefully read a source book such as this.
I especially appreciate the care that was given to presenting the reader with a short biographical sketch of each one whose writings were included as well as the historical background into which they spoke.
A great plus for the reader is the fact that this book is extremely well bound. This book oozes quality in workmanship and in content.
It would be difficult to recommend this book too highly. For someone who wants to learn about apologetics, and for the one who desires to learn much about theology, too, this book is a blessing.
Many thanks to Angie Cheatham of Crossway for providing me with this copy of Christian Apologetics to review.
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