WiseReader

Humble Apologetics: Defending the Faith Today
John Stackhouse Jr.
Oxford University Press, 2002 (hc), 2006 (sc)
ISBN: 0195138074 (hc)
ISBN: 0195307178 (sc)

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This review first appeared in FaithToday (May-June, 2003)

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I confess to having been somewhat skeptical when I first encountered the humble apologetics of John Stackhouse at a series of lectures he gave on the subject at Tyndale College & Seminary (Toronto) a few years ago.  Humble apologetics - it just sounded too oxymoronic.  How could I effectively defend Christianity without sounding presumptuous, enamored as our society is with cultural and religious pluralism?  But as I listened, my skepticism gave way to a growing interest in the possibilities of authentically humble, yet effective apologetics.  Now, having read his book, I am convinced that Stackhouse has provided a workable plan for sharing and defending my faith in a truly pluralistic society.

Contemporary apologists face many challenges, and Stackhouse adroitly surveys four of them:  pluralism, postmodernity in its various forms, plausibility, and consumerism.  Christian apologists must take note of these challenges if they hope to be effective.

Stackhouse explores the conversion process, presenting a serious alternative to the decisionistic methodology used by so many evangelicals today.  As to the role of apologetics in conversion, Stackhouse cautions us not to ask too much.  The real issue in conversion is not so much what we think as it is “what or whom we love.”

Apologetics will never convert anyone, asserts Stackhouse, since that is the sole domain of the Holy Spirit.  But apologetics can help by removing obstacles one has concerning Christianity.  It can clarify issues some have about God as well as provide inducements to those considering the Christian religion.

How Christians communicate their beliefs is critical, and Stackhouse devotes nearly half the book to exploring this theme, highlighting the importance of “audience-specific apologetics” and providing twelve guidelines for profitable apologetic conversation.

Stackhouse exemplifies the title of his book, graciously laying out his convictions regarding the Christian apologetic enterprise.  While authors seldom convince every reader, those likely to take greatest issue with Stackhouse - fundamentalist Christians - are the very ones who could most benefit from a serious reading of Humble Apologetics.

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You can purchase this title online now by clicking on the title below.

Humble Apologetics: Defending the Faith Today
By John G. Stackhouse, Jr. / Oxford University Press

Though I do not share his charismatic leanings, Dr. Michael L. Brown, a Jewish believer in Jesus, continues to produce significant resources for anyone seeking to understand the Jewish roots of Christianity and how to explain the gospel in Jewish terms. He has an online presence at several web sites, two of which have provided me with useful resources in my own ministry at New Covenant House.

When you get a moment, take a look at Think It Thru and Real Messiah. Of the second site, Brown says:

This website is devoted to all seekers of truth, especially Jewish men and women who have questions about the Messianic credentials of Jesus (Yeshua) of Nazareth.

So, if you’re a believer in Yeshua with honest questions, this is the place for you. And if you don’t believe in him at all – even to the point of hostility – this is the place for you too, as long as you’re willing to hear the evidence and consider the facts.

As I was exploring one of his sites today, I stumbled across an interesting video entitled A Hebrew Word that Can Save Your Life. If you have 23 minutes to spare, watch the video. I think you will find it a challenging and worthy investment of your time.

Today I received a copy of an email post from the Anglican Church of Canada concerning its ongoing discussions surrounding the matter of blessing same-sex unions. It is a question that is tearing this communion apart.

The Anglican Church is providing web space for Anglicans to address the following two statements:

1. The theological question of whether the blessing of same-sex unions is a faithful, Spirit-led development of Christian doctrine.
2. Scripture’s witness to the integrity of every human person and the question of the sanctity of human relationships.

As of today there are four essays on human sexuality posted to the site. Undoubtedly many others will weigh in on the question. Perhaps you are interested in following the discussion.