Category Archives: Apologetics

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. …

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. …

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. …

Jonathan Edwards: Reformed Apologist (K. Scott Oliphint)

Apologetics, Articles, K. Scott Oliphint

“Jonathan Edwards: Reformed Apologist” by K. Scott Oliphint

O, how is the world darkened, clouded, distracted, and torn to pieces by those dreadful enemies of mankind called words!

 

Though when Jonathan Edwards penned these words he was discussing morality, particularly of the Sabbath, his exclamation could just as easily be applied to the debates over his own words. Due to the sheer volume of Edwards’ publications as well as the depth of his insight, there seems to be no end to the potential debates with regard to the “real Edwards” on a given topic or position. Perhaps Jonathan Edwards’ many exegetes are the clearest example of the influence of one’s presuppositions on any interpretive endeavor.

 

The title of this article displays, at least implicitly, its twofold purpose. First, I will be attempting faithfully to explicate Edwards with a view toward a Reformed apologetic. More specifically, I will look briefly at Edwards’ ontology and then a bit more specifically at his view of man, particularly as that view relates to the unregenerate. Secondly, in explicating such a view, I will be attempting to distinguish Edwards’ insights from a so-called “classical” approach to apologetics and further to incorporate his work into a presuppositional or transcendental framework of apologetics. …

Cornelius Van Til and the Reformation of Christian Apologetics (K. Scott Oliphint)

Apologetics, Articles, K. Scott Oliphint

“Cornelius Van Til and the Reformation of Christian Apologetics” by K. Scott Oliphint

It would be difficult to overstate the primary and rad­ical sig­nificance that the late Professor Dr. Cornelius Van Til has had on Reformed thinking.  To have the opportunity to contribute to this volume will rekindle memories  of my discussions and correspondence with Dr. Van Til as he personally, and through his writings, reformed without my own thought.

 

Dr. Cornelius Van Til was born in the Netherlands in 1895.  When he was ten years old, his family came to the United States and settled among the Dutch immigrants on a farm in Indiana.  Van Til graduated from Calvin College, Princeton Theological Seminary and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton  University.  After teaching apologetics for one year at Princeton Theological Seminary, he left to become one of the founders of Westminster  Theological Seminary in 1929  where he taught apologetics for forty seven years.  Dr. Van Til went to be with Christ on April 17, 1987.  Having left  us physically, his influence will remain in the church until Christ comes again.  No one since Thomas Aquinas has had such an enormous impact on  Christ’s church in the area of apologetics.  Van Til, like Augustine and Calvin, has pressed the claims of Christ on His Church in a way that cannot be ignored by serious students of theology. …