Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief (Frame)

Renowned theologian John Frame sheds much-needed light on the message and method of genuinely Christian apologetics in this landmark title. He insightfully examines apologetics in terms of proof, defense, and offense and clarifies the relationships of reason, proofs, and evidences to faith, biblical authority, and the lordship of Christ.

Two subjects of particular note are Frame’s fresh look at probability arguments and a stimulating investigation into the problem of evil. 

Some of the most valuable elements of this book are Frame’s extensive use of Scripture and his presentation of specific lines of argument. There is also a model dialogue in the concluding chapter that shows how these lines of argument work in conversation.

This is an extensively redeveloped and expanded version of Frame’s previous work, Apologetics to the Glory of God.

Table of Contents:

1. Apologetics: The Basics

2. The Message of the Apologist

3. Apologetics as Proof: Some Methodological Considerations

4. Apologetics as Proof: Transcendental Argument

5. Apologetics as Proof: Theistic Arguments

6. Apologetics as Proof: Proving the Gospel

7. Apologetics as Defense: The Problem of Evil, Part 1 – Questions, General Principles, and Blind Alleys

8. Apologetics as Defense: The Problem of Evil, Part 2 – A Biblical Response

9. Apologetics as Offense: Critique of Unbelief

10. Talking to a Stranger

Appendix A: Van Til and the Ligonier Apologetic

Appendix B: Jay E. Adams’s Reply to Frame

Appendix C: Faith vs. Faith: Covenant Epistemology and Autonomous Fideism by Joseph E. Torres

Appendix D: Between Scylla and Charybdis: Presuppositional, Circular Reasoning, and the Charge of Fideism Revisited by Joseph E. Torres

Appendix E: Divine Aseity and Apologetics

Appendix F. Epistemological Perspectives and Evangelical Apologetics 

Author

John M. Frame (AB, Princeton University; BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; MA and MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) holds the J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series.

Endorsements

“John Frame’s Apologetics to the Glory of God brought about a paradigm shift . . . in my understanding not only of apologetics but of all other intellectual endeavors as a Christian. Ever since then, it has been the first book I recommend to those looking for an introduction to Christian apologetics.” — James N. Anderson, Reformed Theological Seminary

“John Frame winsomely, patiently, and persuasively contends for the gospel and brings together a rare blend of big-picture thinking, levelheaded reflection, biblical fidelity, love for the gospel and the church, and ability to write with care and clarity.” — John Piper, Bethlehem College and Seminary

“John Frame manages to tackle the most difficult problems facing a Christian who endeavors to defend the faith: the nature of evil, world religions, the use of evidences, and much more. And he does so with grace, theological acumen, and an enviable straightforwardness. . . . [An] extraordinarily profitable volume.” — William Edgar, Westminster Theological Seminary