Category Archives: Apologetics

Frame on Van Til and Transcendental Arguments (Michael R. Butler)

Apologetics, Articles, Michael R. Butler

“Frame on Van Til and Transcendental Arguments” by Michael R. Butler

Cornelius Van Til was the apologist of antithesis. He, perhaps more than any other Christian thinker, made clear that there is a radical distinction between the Christian worldview and those that stand opposed to it. It is not surprising, therefore, that a man who laid such emphasis on this distinction would also attract antithetical views of himself. Van Til seems to be either devoutly followed or scornfully repudiated. With him, one is either hot or cold; there is no neutrality. In his recent book, Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of His Thought, John Frame endeavors to move beyond these polarized views of the late Westminster apologist. On the one hand he rejects the “movement mentality” that has characterized many of Van Til’s followers. This mentality is typified by the conviction that Van Til’s thoughts and formulations are beyond criticism. On the other hand, he rejects the “debunkers” whose open hostility toward Van Til’s teaching prevents them from having any genuine understanding of it. Rather, Frame attempts to sympathetically and yet critically analyze Van Til’s thought. …

Follow-Up Response to Michael Martin (Michael R. Butler)

Apologetics, Articles, Michael R. Butler

“Follow-Up Response to Michael Martin” by Michael R. Butler

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some thoughtful questions have been raised in response to Mr. Butler’s article in last month’s Penpoint critiquing Dr. Michael Martin’s “Transcendental Argument for the Non- Existence of God” (TANG). In this issue some of the questions raised are addressed. Mr. Butler begins his discussion with a few further comments about the nature of transcendental arguments. …

An Apology For My Theology (Bryan Neal Baird)

Apologetics, Articles, Bryan Neal Baird

“An Apology For My Theology: The Inseparable Link Between Reformed Theology and Presuppositional Apologetics” by Bryan Neal Baird

Apologetics is the branch of theology dealing with the defense and proof of Christianity. Apologetics in no way refers to being sorry (apologizing) for one’s faith; on the contrary, it involves being proud enough of one’s faith to defend it. Most importantly, however, apologetics is about the business of obeying the command to be “always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, NASV). …

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. …