New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics, Edited by Gavin McGrath and W. C. Campbell-Jack
New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics
hardcover
  • Length: 779 pages
  • Published: April 18, 2006
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 2451
  • ISBN: 9780830824519

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The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics is a must-have resource for professors and students, pastors and laypersons--in short, for any Christian who wishes to understand or develop a rational explanation of the Christian faith in the context of today's complex and ever-changing world. Packed with hundreds of articles that cover the key topics, historic figures and contemporary global issues relating to the study and practice of Christian apologetics, this handy one-volume resource will make an invaluable addition to any Christian library.

Editors Gavin McGrath and W. C. Campbell-Jack, with consulting editor C. Stephen Evans, have divided the dictionary into two parts: Part one offers a series of introductory essays that set the framework for the dictionary. These essays examine the practice and importance of Christian apologetics in light of theological, historical and cultural concerns. Part two builds on these essays to present numerous alphabetized articles on individuals, ideas, movements and disciplines that are vital to a rational explanation of the Christian faith. Both essays and articles are written by leading Christian philosophers and theologians. Together, they form an indispensable resource for Christians living in today's pluralistic age.

"Despite our postmodern culture's comparative distrust in reason, it is still essential to present the gospel coherently, to understand the philosophies and worldviews of our day, and to give good answers to good questions. This wide-ranging volume will be an invaluable tool for anyone concerned with that challenge."

Graham Cray, Bishop of Maidstone

"It is essential for the contemporary church to know that what it believes makes sense. At a time when we are increasingly bombarded by attempts to debunk the faith, Christians need a firm grasp on the coherence and credibility of their beliefs. This volume makes a massive contribution to this need and does so in a way that is readily accessible to any person who takes the trouble to think. As this is exactly what every Christian should do, it follows that this is a book for everyone, and not just the specialist."

Nigel G. Wright, Principal, Spurgeon's College

"The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics provides a wealth of useful material for Christians wanting to share their faith more wisely and sensitively. It testifies to the power of Christianity to withstand the most rigorous scrutiny not only as a set of teachings but also as a way of life."

David Coffey, General Secretary, Baptist Union of Great Britain

"Apologists, both seasoned and new to the discipline of apologetics, should read and reread this book. The range of issues and prominent figures in apologetics covered is impressive, and the treatment of these topics is far more in-depth and nuanced than one might expect from a dictionary of any kind."

Paul Chamberlain, director of the Institute of Christian Apologetics at Trinity Western University, and author of Talking About Good and Bad Without Getting Ugly

"In compiling the New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics, its editors have recognized the vast field of Christian apologetics and contributed an enormously helpful resource. This volume presents a detailed summary of the diverse and vibrant history of apologetics, its approaches and proponents, and includes a much-needed examination of apologetics in the non-Western context. I trust this fine work will find its way into many a pastor's and student's library."

Ravi Zacharias, author and speaker

"The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics is testimony to the growing importance and sophistication of apologetics. Its renaissance has captured the imagination of many Christians across denominational lines, for it forms a unique bond between the work of Christian scholars in the ivory tower with the interests and concerns of their brethren in the pulpits and in the pews. This dictionary is an important contribution to this apologetic enterprise."

Francis J. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies, Baylor University, and coeditor of To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview

The choice of articles is on the whole excellent. This addition to the apologetics literature of evangelicalism is most welcome.

Jason Button, TheoSource, July 24, 2008

. . .valuable reference work for anyone interested in Christian apologetics. . .

James E. Taylor in Missiology, Spring 2008

The choice of articles is on the whole excellent.

Paul Martin Henebury, The Reluctant Dispensationalist, January 21, 2008

. . . Valuable reference work for anyone interested in Christian apologetics [is] a rich resource for those who think about and engage in the defense of the Christian faith.

James E. Taylor for Missiology, October 2007

. . . The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics is intended to equip ordinary believers to make sense of their faith and to provide substantial answers to the questions of their non-Christian neighbors.

Denis Haack for critique, Issue 4 5, 2007

The introductory yet thorough nature of the articles found in the New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics will be appreciated by undergraduate or graduate students attending educational institutions whose programs include a strong Christian component.

Anthony F. Verdesca Jr., ARBAonline

This is very much a book for the committed, and the committed of a particular tradition. There is, however, much that people from outside that tradition can learn from it. They will also value the way in which people who have often been suspicious of Christians outside their own group have so broadened their scope. [The book] will be a useful addition to theological library collections.

George Woodman, Resource Team Librarian, Northern Ireland Assembly Library, Belfast, UK, Philosophy and Religion Vol. 21/ 3, 2007.
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CONTENTS

Preface
How to Use This Dictionary
Abbreviations
List of Contributors

Part One
Christian Apologetics for a New Century
Approaches to Apologetics
Legitimacy of Apologetics
Viability of Apologetics
Theology and Apologetics
Apologetics and the Non-Western World

Part Two
Index of Names
Index of Subjects

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Gavin McGrath

Gavin J. McGrath (PhD) is Associate Minister at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Wimbledon Park, London. He is the author of A Confident Life in an Age of Change (Inter-Varsity Press).

W. C. Campbell-Jack

W. C. Campbell-Jack (PhD, Edinburgh) is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland. At present he is minister of Possilpark Parish Church, an urban priority area in the north of Glasgow. He has taught as visiting lecturer in several colleges.