__How to engage unbelievers with intelligence and imagination__   
Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith. But with the new challenges of scientific atheism we see in our day, there is a need for a fresh and flexible approach to apologetics. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments, Mere Apologetics teaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination.  
  
After discussing the biblical basis for and historical uses of apologetics, McGrath offers various approaches to sharing your faith with others. He outlines pointers to faith, such as our innate sense of longing for justice, our appreciation for beauty, the order we see in the physical world, and much more. He also shows how there are many right ways to share your faith--through explanations, arguments, stories, and images--and helps you decide which works best for your personality and your audience.  
  
"Apologetics is not to be seen as a defensive and hostile reaction against the world," says McGrath, "but as a welcome opportunity to exhibit, celebrate, and display the treasure chest of the Christian faith." If you long to commend your faith to those outside the church, Mere Apologetics will show you how to do so gracefully and effectively.  
  
  
"This is a fresh, clear, and practical introduction to apologetics from someone who doesn't just talk about the subject but actually does it brilliantly. It is especially helpful because it avoids the fruitless wrangling between apologetic schools that stops many people from getting on with the task. "--Os Guinness, author of Long Journey Home   
"Mere Apologetics helps readers work out their own way to effectively communicate and defend the gospel. An excellent text for courses in apologetics. A great read for both beginning and experienced apologists."--Jim Sire, author of The Universe Next Door   
"Over the years I have found Alister McGrath to be an insightful, wise guide on many topics. So I am pleased to recommend his book on apologetics. It is foundational, practical, and creative as well as faithful to Scripture. A fine resource indeed!"--Paul Copan, author of Is God a Moral Monster?   
  
__Alister E. McGrath__ is professor of theology, ministry, and education and head of the Centre for Theology, Religion, and Culture at King's College, London, and president of the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including the award-winning The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind. A former atheist, he is respectful yet critical of the New Atheist movement and regularly engages in debate and dialogue with its leaders.

__Alister E. McGrath__ (DPhil and DD, University of Oxford; Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) is professor of theology, ministry, and education, and head of the Centre for Theology, Religion, and Culture at King's College, London, and president for the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including the award-winning The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind. A former atheist, he is respectful yet critical of the new atheist movement and regularly engages in debate and dialogue with its leaders.

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith, from Augustine and Aquinas to Jonathan Edwards, G. K. Chesterton, Francis Schaeffer, and C. S. Lewis. But with new challenges comes the need for a fresh apologetic that specifically addresses the arguments levied against faith in our time of scientific atheism and skepticism.  
  
In the spirit of C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, Alister McGrath's Mere Apologetics seeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments, Mere Apologetics teaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.

International apologist equips readers to engage challenges to their faith by offering an apologetic method that can be customized to individual needs and situations.

McGrath, Alister E.

Cover

Title

Copyright Page

Dedication

Introduction

1. Getting Started

2. Apologetics and Contemporary Culture

3. The Theological Basis of Apologetics

4. The Importance of the Audience

5. The Reasonableness of the Christian Faith

6. Pointers to Faith

7. Gateways for Apologetics

8. Questions about Faith

9. Conclusion

Notes

Index

About the Author

Back Cover

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith, from Augustine and Aquinas to Jonathan Edwards, G. K. Chesterton, Francis Schaeffer, and C. S. Lewis. But with new challenges comes the need for a fresh apologetic that specifically addresses the arguments levied against faith in our time of scientific atheism and skepticism.  
  
In the spirit of C. S. Lewis'sMere Christianity, Alister McGrath'sMere Apologeticsseeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments,Mere Apologeticsteaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.

Throughout history there have been great and articulate defenders of the faith, from Augustine and Aquinas to Jonathan Edwards, G. K. Chesterton, Francis Schaeffer, and C. S. Lewis. But with new challenges comes the need for a fresh apologetic that specifically addresses the arguments levied against faith in our time of scientific atheism and scepticism. In the spirit of C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, Alister McGrath's Mere Apologetics seeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. Rather than supplying the fine detail of every apologetic issue in order to win arguments, Mere Apologetics teaches a method that appeals not only to the mind but also to the heart and the imagination. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.

Alister E. McGrath (DPhil and DD, University of Oxford; Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) is professor of theology, ministry, and education, and head of the Centre for Theology, Religion, and Culture at King's College, London. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including the award-winning The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind. A former atheist, he is respectful yet critical of the new atheist movement and regularly engages in debate and dialogue with its leaders.

Eden Customer

Taking C.S. Lewis? Mere Christianity as a platform, Alister McGrath offers us the basics on apologetics in an attempt to introduce the wider Christian community to the ins and outs of the discipline and clear up any misconceptions. Being of a scientific background McGrath is naturally very clear and precise in his writing, which means the reader is never lost whilst dealing with the occasionally difficult topic. His intention is to clear up any lingering suspicion that apologetics is purely a defensive mechanism for Christians, and rightly insists throughout that apologetics is necessary in helping to clear the way for responding to the gospel, and that good apologetics is commenced with a mindset of engagement. Whilst being somewhat dry in places, McGrath has done well to set down such a clear summary of the nature and practice of apologetics. His last chapter on developing one?s own apologetic approach is both very good and desperately needed, and his occasional worked examples prove helpful. If you are looking to engage in apologetics, then this is the place to start.

If you are looking to engage in apologetics, then this is the place to start.

The Good Book Stall

Taking C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity as a platform, Alister McGrath offers us the basics on apologetics in an attempt to introduce the wider Christian community to the ins and outs of the discipline and clear up any misconceptions. Being of a scientific background McGrath is naturally very clear and precise in his writing, which means the reader is never lost whilst dealing with the occasionally difficult topic. His intention is to clear up any lingering suspicion that apologetics is purely a defensive mechanism for Christians, and rightly insists throughout that apologetics is necessary in helping to clear the way for responding to the gospel, and that good apologetics is commenced with a mindset of engagement. Whilst being somewhat dry in places, McGrath has done well to set down such a clear summary of the nature and practice of apologetics. His last chapter on developing one’s own apologetic approach is both very good and desperately needed, and his occasional worked examples prove helpful. If you are looking to engage in apologetics, then this is the place to start.

Mere Apologetics

This is a fresh, clear, and practical introduction to apologetics from someone who doesn't just talk about the subject but actually does it brilliantly. It is especially helpful because it avoids the fruitless wrangling between apologetic schools that stops many people from getting on with the task.

Review

Mere Apologetics [eBook]

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