All posts by James

Reason, Evidence and Presuppositional Apologetics (Brian M. Abshire)

Apologetics, Articles, Brian M. Abshire

“Reason, Evidence and Presuppositional Apologetics” by Brian M. Abshire

Since the time of the Enlightenment, the role of human reason has become paramount in Western thinking. Though initially based on the out-workings of a thousand years of Christian presuppositions, modern man discovered that reason had given him significant power over the material universe. Reason, gave birth to Science and Technology, the twin demigods of autonomous man. Science and Technology, gave man the illusion that he could exist without reference to the supernatural, especially a supernatural God. As the boundaries of human knowledge expanded, more and more of human life could be safely categorized into the safe, materialistic constructs of 19th century rationalism. If not dead, at least, to modern man, God was no longer relevant. …

Does God Observe the Law of Contradiction? . . . Should We? (Richard L. Pratt)

Articles, Philosophy, Richard L. Pratt, Theology

“Does God Observe the Law of Contradiction? . . . Should We?” by Richard L. Pratt

An issue that often arises in theological education is the role of the law of (non) contradiction in theological studies. In evangelical circles students encounter a wide range of viewpoints. Some theologians appear to argue that the law of contradiction is the final arbiter of truth; others seem to deny the law any normative role in the theological enterprise. An assortment of outlooks appears at many points between these extremes. In this paper, I will briefly present my own perspectives on the function of the law of contradiction in theology. Put simply, I will focus on the questions: Does God observe the law of contradiction? Should we? …

Common Misunderstandings of Van Til’s Apologetics (Richard L. Pratt)

Apologetics, Articles, Richard L. Pratt

“Common Misunderstandings of Van Til’s Apologetics” [Part 1] [Part 2] by Richard L. Pratt

Every family counselor would agree that family members must understand each other before they can resolve conflict. Unless we express ourselves clearly and listen carefully, we condemn ourselves to endless and fruitless strife.

 

Since I wrote a popularization of Cornelius Van Til’s apologetic method twenty years ago (Every Thought Captive, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1979), I have had many opportunities to discuss his views. One thing has become clear from these conversations: many people have serious misunderstandings of Van Til’s outlooks. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings have led to unnecessary conflicts within the family of God.

 

In this article I will address seven basic misunderstandings that have caused undue friction among Christian apologists. I am convinced that there are genuine differences among Christians in the area of apologetics, but I also believe that many of these apparent differences are not real. They result from poor communication. I hope to clarify some of these issues so that more fruitful discussion of this important subject may replace useless conflict. …

Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of His Thought (John M. Frame)

Books, General, John M. Frame

Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of His Thought by John M. Frame

The insights of Cornelius Van Til have generated intense discussion among friends and foes alike. Until now nearly everything written about Van Til has come from either uncritical followers or unsympathetic critics.

 

This volume, marking the one hundredth anniversary of Van Til’s birth, combines deep appreciation with incisive critical analysis of the renowned Westminster apologist’s ideas. John M. Frame offers warm personal reflections on Van Til’s life and a close examination of his thought, including his interaction with prominent figures in the Reformed, evangelical, and secular communities. In terms of its spirit, scope, clarity, and profundity, this volume is must reading for serious students of apologetics and theology.

Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman (John R. Muether)

Books, General, John R. Muether

Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman by John R. Muether

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987), who taught apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary for more than forty years, has—through his teaching and writings—called two generations of thinkers to a Christian worldview and a biblical defense of the faith. Yet, twenty years after his death, conflicting claims about Van Til’s apologetic legacy abound. What most interpreters tend to overlook is his life as a Presbyterian churchman.

 

This biography locates Van Til in the context of twentieth-century Presbyterian and Reformed ecclesiastical struggles in America, including the formation of Westminster Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the rise of neo-evangelicalism and American expressions of Barthianism, and post–World War II developments in the Christian Reformed Church. As Van Til spent his life “raising high the banner of the Reformed faith,” his role in these debates arose from his hopes for a church that was self-consciously rooted in its Reformed identity.

Van Til the Evangelist (K. Scott Oliphint)

Articles, General, K. Scott Oliphint

“Van Til the Evangelist” by K. Scott Oliphint

Unlike some readers of Ordained Servant, I never had the opportunity to study under Cornelius Van Til. My initial introduction to him came through his many writings. I immersed myself in those writings, seeing, for the first time in my Christian life, a man whose method (based as it was on Reformed theology) was able to decimate all pretensions and permutations of unbelief, including those residing in my own heart.

 

When I determined, as a result of reading Van Til, to attend Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, I had the opportunity to stay with him for a time. One of the advantages of staying with him was the occasion to walk with him on his “daily constitutional.” After almost thirty years, two things still stand out to me about those walks. (1) Even as an octogenarian, Van Til could maintain a rigorous pace. More importantly, (2) I remember that every one of Van Til’s neighbors, to whom I was introduced by him, said virtually the same thing to me: “I suppose he’s talking to you, too, about this Jesus.” …

Transcendental Meditation (K. Scott Oliphint)

Apologetics, Articles, K. Scott Oliphint

“Transcendental Meditation” by K. Scott Oliphint

A question recently came to me from a reader concerning what Cornelius Van Til called the transcendental method of apologetics. The question was whether or not this method could be explained in “simple terms.” This question obviously comes from an educated and informed reader. Whether or not it is a question that other readers might have will likely remain a mystery. However, since I committed to answering questions from readers, I am constrained to respond. …

Epistemology and Christian Belief (K. Scott Oliphint)

Articles, Epistemology, K. Scott Oliphint

“Epistemology and Christian Belief” by K. Scott Oliphint

The long-awaited third volume of Alvin Plantinga’s warrant series has arrived, and those who have looked forward to its publication will not be disappointed. Coming some seven years after the first two books in the series, this volume, being sufficiently different in its intent and subject matter, lives up to its already established reputation. It is vintage Plantinga—lucid, cogent, humorous, technical, enlightening, challenging, and entertaining—a combination rarely found in books of philosophy. …