Alister McGrath put together a concise (only 185 pages) manual on apologetics. He calls it “an introduction to apologetics” (p.11). In this book, Alister seeks to introduce readers to the leading themes of apologetics, while not attempting to be a comprehensive work on the topic. His intent seems to be to inspire people to embrace the intellectual, moral, and imaginative depth of the Christian faith, and to be equipped to share it with others.
This manual of apologetics was a thorough run-through of apologetics generally. It gives an introduction, a theological basis, and a journey through various approaches to engagement. Although the book does not claim to be comprehensive, I would say that the book does a thorough job. The author covers various aspects of apologetics in a balanced manner. He approaches the matter topically.
The book begins in chapter 1 with definitions. He defines apologetics, and lays out a pattern for “defending,” “commending,” and “translating,” as the process to communicate the faith to others. Defending and commending are simple enough, but by translating, he means that we need to take religious terminology and make it plain for the hearer to understand. This chapter continues by laying out the connection of apologetics with evangelism. Then he ends with a small section on the limitation of apologetics.
In chapter 2, he moves on to cultural implications. Specifically, he explains my newest favorite topic, the intersection of modernity and postmodernity in our culture. He takes the stance that neither modernity nor postmodernity are the “right” way to view the world. Rather, these are cultures that need to be addressed in culturally appropriate ways. He clarifies “In this book, I will neither defend nor criticize either modernity or postmodernity. I will simply take them as cultural ‘givens’” (p.31). He then lays out some tactics for engaging those who have a postmodern worldview, which McGrath calls a “cultural mood” (p.34). He exhorts believers that a life well lived is a valid apologetic, in addition to robust intellectual arguments.
Chapter 3 lays out a theological basis for apologetics. Here he explains using the scriptures various approaches depending on the audience. He emphasizes the “come and see” approach. Which calls people to come and meet Jesus. He explains this by saying, “Faith is not about a mere change of mind; it is about personal transformation through an encounter with the living God.” (p.45). This chapter also has an interesting take on models of the atonement (p.48-54). He explains that each of the various models of the atonement “has particular relevance to certain groups of people” (p.45). It is fascinating that he did not make a case for a particular model (ie. Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, Moral Influence, etc). Rather he shows that the cross can, in a sense, heal whatever ails you.
He takes us to various interactions in the book of Acts, in chapter 4. What he does here, is show that the approach needs to be aimed at the people to whom you are speaking. Then chapter 5 takes us to a defense of the reasonableness of the Christian faith. He does not assert that reason alone is sufficient, but quoting Austin Farrer he says, “Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief.” (p.79). In chapter 6, he gives us eight “pointers to faith.” These are eight approaches to apologetic engagement, which can be used cumulatively, or as jumping-off points for apologetic conversations. Here he looks at creation, fine-tuning of the universe, order of the physical world, morality, innate desire for God, beauty, relationality, and eternity (which he calls the intuition of hope).
He goes on in chapter 7 to show four gateways to apologetics. These are various ways we can approach people, explanation, argument, stories, and images. Each person is unique and “we need to adapt our apologetics to our audiences,” (p.128) says McGrath. Here he pushes forward his case for approaching the postmodern world in a way that they can receive the truth of the gospel, most notably with stories and images. He lays out a case that for many centuries before the Enlightenment, people were able to grasp Truth by and through the telling and hearing of stories. He includes biblical narratives, Jesus' parables, and our own stories as ways to reach people. He also says, “the way in which Christians embody their faith can serve an important apologetic function.” (p.154).
In chapter 8 he works through two case studies of apologetic issues. One is “why does God allow suffering,” and the other is “God as a crutch.” He begins by laying down some ground rules for engaging people, 1) Be gracious 2) What is the real question? 3) Don’t give prepackaged answers to honest questions and 4) Appreciate the importance of learning from other apologists. He concludes with Chapter 9 as a short exhortation to develop your own style of apologetics. He emphasizes learning from others and practicing. Then the reader is challenged to continue their study of these issues, for more growth.
Moving on the critique the book, I must first say that it was an enjoyment to read. It contained much information that was not new to me, regarding the basics of apologetics. Although, the topics are well worded and addressed in ways that helped me to grasp them at a deeper level. Furthermore, he engages postmodern thought with the gospel, without castigating it as somehow worse than modernism. This is a current idea that I have been delighted to engage in. His handling of the topic was delightful and faithful to the gospel. I enjoyed it. The book did well what it set out to do, which was to give a hearty introduction to apologetics.
The book did not have one main argument that the author sought to develop throughout. Rather the case was multifaceted, including an explanation for apologetics and a theological and cultural argument for apologetics. Furthermore, he then lays out his apologetic itself, with his multiple approaches. He also gives instructions on how to do apologetics. His argument, therefore, is multi-faceted. His defense of apologetics was well stated and convincing, and this was not a new argument for me. Furthermore, his case for using “whole person” approaches, especially in engaging those who have a postmodern mindset or worldview, was well done. He did not undermine truth or its value. His main argument was to lay forth the truth in a way that they can receive it. When going through the book of Acts, he extracted principles from three accounts. These were helpful and distilled the Bible’s overall depiction of apologetics well. I loved his eight “Pointers to Faith.” They laid out a cumulative case for faith and were sufficiently stated. Finally, his exhortations to the reader to develop their own apologetic were moving, and exciting when I think of others who will read this book and be challenged to do the same.
From this book, I received a renewed inspiration as to the validity of apologetics, especially in evangelism. Moreover, I love the addition of a “lived apologetic” in addition to rational thoughts and ideas for faith, morality, God, etc. This is a huge burden of mine, this three-fold approach to apologetics. First, the people of God would have answers to the deep questions in their own hearts. Second, they would have answers when seekers come asking for answers to their questions. And finally, that the saints of God would live lives that decorate the gospel of God (see Philippians 1:27). I recommend this book, to those who know apologetics well, as well as to those who want an entry-level run through of apologetics at various levels.
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