Jun 27 2008
Humble Apologetics
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