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As a Christian, I find it very disturbing that many people in Christianity today are more interested in avoiding theology and reason in favor of emotionalism or, as "Classical Apologetics" describes, presuppositionalism. R.C. Sproul, along with John Gerstner and Art Lindsley, has written a concise and detailed defense of Christianity opposed to these ideas. Apologetics, the technical term, has often been either villianized or avoided in modern theologies, however it is "the job of every Christian, always 'ready to make defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you'(1 Peter 3:15 NASB)" (16). This hope is not something that is unreasonable, and that is why we can give a rational defense. The book begins with an overview of the various theories and theologies that have come about over the millenia, including those of philosophical giants such as Kant and Kierkegaard. The authors compare and contrast those theories with what is said in the Bible as well as what reknowned theologians like Aquinas, Calvin, and Luther have said in the past. The comparisons are slightly biased, to be sure; however the authors do not misrepresent each side. The second section of the book is a complete and concise apologetic for the Christian Faith. The Authors wade through the problems of past apologies to get the most pressing issues out on the table. Some issues they discuss are the "incomprehensibility of God," miracles, teleology, and the Church. The final section of the book is a critique of an apologetic held in high esteem by many Christians, even those within the reformed church: Presuppositionalism. The simple idea behind presuppositionalism is "presupposing God, we can prove everything and incidentally confirm God himself" (186). However, as the authors discuss, there are several problems with this mindset, including circular reasoning and the problem of sin. This is an excellent book to read for someone who is looking for a rational defense of Christianity, however it is not for anyone looking for an easy read. If that is what you want, I would suggest reading Lee Strobel's "The Case for _____" books before you read "Classical Apologetics." In "Classical Apologetics," Sproul, Gerstner and Lindsley provide a ray of hope in a dark age of Christianity in which fideism is the norm.Read full review
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