Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics

by Norman L. Geisler

Examining nearly every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics, this book clarifies difficult biblical passages, clearly explains various philosophical systems and concepts,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801021510
• ISBN13: 9780801021510
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Length: 864 Pages
• Weight: 3.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 7.4" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

One of a kind resource for the apologetics enthusiast

I am not aware of another resource that approaches the breadth and depth of Christian apologetics topics found here. I use this book all the time and find the articles concise, informative and insightful. If you are really into Christian apologetics, you have found a book you definitely need. Many of the articles refer to one another so it is possible to start in one area of interest and be led to other topics that provide further depth. This is especially true in the areas of epistemology, arguments and evidence for God's existence, and the thoughts of most famous philosophers throughout history. As you read through the chains of articles, Dr. Geisler's method as a classical apologist comes through effectively. He frequently refers to the use of evidence combined with reason as being sufficient to prove that God exists (there are other aspects to classical apologetics, but this is a big one). For example, in his article about Gordon Clark (famous presuppositional apologist whose methods were very different from the classical method), Geisler writes: "Logic...tells what could be true; not what is true. To know what is really true, sooner or later one must touch base with the external world. This is what classical apologetics does." p153 The strength of this book is Dr. Geisler's extensive knowledge of philosophy/worldviews and how they interact with world religions, especially Christianity, through the ages. There is a good article on Islam and a slighter one on Hinduism. His writing style is very clear provided you have some background to approach the material being discussed. This is not a shortcoming of his book, it's just the nature of the content in all intermediate/advanced apologetic books. There are a few things this book is not, that might reasonably be expected. It does not do much to address pseudo-Christian cults (there are lots of them). For example, there are no articles under "Mormonism", "Joseph Smith", "Latter Day Saints", "Jehovah's Witnesses", "WatchTower Society", etc. Unfortunately, the publisher's back cover on the book (which serves as the only preface) indicates that it could be used in counter-cult apologetics. I do not believe it is well suited to that specialized task, though it is generally useful for many apologetics ministries. Dr. Geisler has a book called "When Cultics Ask", but I am not familiar with it. "Fast Facts on False Teachings" by Ron Carlson is useful for basic counter cult information. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics also does not directly address many ethical apologetics topics. There are no articles specifically for: abortion, euthanasia, gambling, etc. This book may not be useful to you if you are not interested in deeply pursuing a variety of apologetics topics. If you are looking for more down-to-earth, conversational style responses in everyday, apologetic/evangelistic encounters try these authors: Paul Copan, Ken Boa, Paul Little, Cliffe Knechtle. This is a must hav

The Big Book of Answers

It'll take me much longer to read the BECA in its entirety than any book I've ever read before. Although it contains 841 pages, those 841 pages actually constitute 3000 manuscript pages. The bibliography is made up of almost 1200 articles and (mostly) books. One can spend hours each day reading through the various sections of the BECA. Of course, reading is one thing. Mastering the information is another.First, the bad news. There is no topical subject index. Any book of this nature cries out for an index. There are no articles on social issues such as abortion and euthanasia. There are no articles on cults such as Mormonism, Scientology, etc. There are some notable omissions, for example, there's no article on heaven (though there is one one hell).But, by any measure, the positives outweigh the negatives. The articles that are included are informative and thorough. When Geisler examines a non-Christian thinker, he is fair-minded. He provides not only the negative aspects of a particular person's philosophy but also the positive ones. For example, on Albert Camus, Geisler notes his sharp observation about the absurdity of life apart from God.The articles on historical and scientific matters (eg. evidence for the bible, problems with biblical chronologies, big bang theory, gospel of Thomas), are quite understandable. The articles on more philosophical and theological issues (eg. panentheism, cosmological arguments, agnosticism, principle of causality) will probably require a little more concentration from a layperson (such as myself). Fortunately, Geisler doesn't use a lot of technical, philosophical jargon. He uses mainly plain language to describe and explain complicated issues (always a sign of a good teacher).I feel it's incumbent upon all Christians to understand apologetics issues, and to know how to use good arguments to defend the reliability and reasonableness of Christianity. Faith and reason go together. Reason supports our faith. Faith informs our reason. The BECA will equip any believer to defend what she believes, and to do so thoughtfully and intelligently.

The best reference tool for Christian Apologetics

In my opinion, Geisler's Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics is by far the best reference tool and study of Christian apologetics available to the church and society as a whole. I turn to this book to not only gain his insight and opinions in apologetics, but in theology, philosophy, and world religions as well-all in one volume! His bibliography alone is worth the price of this book! And his work concerning important or influential thinkers and their beliefs are well-balanced, fair, and very insightful. Indeed, this is a tremendous work and should be a required purchase for every Christian's library; its value is worth its weight in gold. If one cannot study under Dr. Geisler at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, N.C., then studying this work is the next best thing. Because of his use of logic, years of study and experience in teaching the Scriptures, theology, and philosophy, and having multiple debates and friendships with some of the brightest scholars known world-wide, this book provides a wonderful source for those who have questions about the fundamental of the Christian faith including the existence of God, the factual resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inspiration and inerrancy (is the Bible without error?) and other subjects like the preservation of the Bible, the actual knowability of truth, infant salvation, existentialism, evolution, higher criticism, and the Person and work of the God of the Bible. He entertains questions like how can Christ be fully God yet fully man? Is Jesus Christ the only path or plan for salvation-are there more paths leading to salvation? What about the other world religions--are their claims legitimate and factual? How do other world religions measure up to the facts of the Bible? What is relativism? Is God the originator of evil? This is not only an excellent book for theologians, pastors, teachers, and students who are attending high school, colleges, universities, and seminaries as a reference tool for both personal and professional study, but for those Christians who are experiencing doubts concerning Christian truths or who were never taught the deep truths of the Bible and factual reasons to believe what the Bible proclaims. This book is also for those people who are curious about what Christians believe and why they believe the things they do. And for those who are afraid they will not understand the terminology or definitions, please don't worry. His definitions are clear and easily understandable; Dr. Geisler doesn't waste words to try to appear scholarly or impressive to academia. My hope is that Dr. Geisler will continue to add more information including charts with every future reprinting of this work.

Excellent Reference Resource

This book is the best (and only) available reference resources (now in its 5th edition) on apologetics. Geisler covers everything from Absolute Truth to Zen Buddhism. Topics are well organized and presented in such a way that some of the most complicated issues (i.e. Molinism, The problem of evil, etc.) give the reader a good starting point to expand upon his/her research. Not only does Geisler cover topics and issues, but he also covers philosophers, theologians, and other apologists and apologetic methodologies. Geisler has done a great service to the Christian community in providing us with such an invaluable tool for study, research, and reference. Thank you Dr. Geisler.

A RARE MASTERPIECE EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD PORE OVER

This tome is a remarkable masterpiece in its breadth, scholarship, and objectivity. The sheer breadth of its topics is unexpectedly wide. The scholarship and conclusions are virtually faultless. And the extent of objectivity, in an admittedly Christian encyclopedia of apologetics, is surprising.I was surprised at, for instance, its extensive coverage of the inadequacies of Islam from a Christian viewpoint (of course). Also, the fairness and objectivity of the author are quite evident when he analyzes numerous influential thinkers. When discussing Karl Marx, Mr. Geisler does not fail to mention some of the positive effects his works had on the treatment of laborers alongside some of the failings of his philosophy.This book is impossible to describe as other than a masterpiece. If you are a believer and would like to "have an answer for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence", then this a great encyclopedia to have.