2019 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year: Apologetics

2018 The Gospel Coalition Book Award: Evangelism & Apologetics

Amid the pluralism and secularism of Western culture, Christian apologetics has experienced a renewal of interest. In Apologetics at the Cross, Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen provide an introduction to the field, acquainting students and lay learners with the rich history, biblical foundation, and ongoing relevance of apologetics.

Unique in its approach, Apologetics at the Cross presents the biblical and historical foundations for apologetics, explores various contemporary methods for approaching apologetics, and gives practical guidance in "how to" chapters that feature many real-life illustrations. With their respectful approach, which pays special attention to the attitude and posture of the apologist, Chatraw and Allen equip Christians to engage skeptics with the heart as well as the mind.

Conversational in tone and balanced in approach, Apologetics at the Cross provides a readable introduction to the field of apologetics. Readers will be informed and equipped for engaging a wide range of contemporary challenges with the best in Christian thought.

Nearly everyone finds beauty compelling, so Christian apologists should devise ways to present an ""aesthetic Christian apologetic."" Nearly all apologists admit that the beauty of a life well lived and the beauty of the Christian community (along with the use of media and the arts) are not only helpful for apologetics but essential in a postmodern culture. In fact, it is frustrating to see how many apologists mention the need for such an approach but go on devoting most of their energies to traditional approaches. This book is different. It clearly shows the pros and cons of traditional approaches and offers a fresh perspective as well, arguing that beauty is the most compelling apologetic, and suggesting ways to implement such an approach. It demonstrates how Western culture arrived in its current unfortunate situation and uses both Scripture and figures like Athenagoras and Jonathan Edwards to challenge current views on apologetics. ""For too long, evangelical Christians have sometimes acted as though apologetics were simply a matter of reaching the intellect with more data. Joe Wooddell, one of the brightest lights in evangelical Christian philosophy, continues the conversation in another direction with this fascinating book. I commend it to you, and long for the day when evangelical Christianity clearly engages the mind, the heart, and the imagination with the gospel of Jesus Christ."" --Russell D. Moore Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ""This is a timely, careful book bringing together the neglected topics of apologetics and of beauty and aesthetics. Joe provides a detailed, constructively critical analysis of various apologetic approaches and sets it in an historical discussion of beauty as a tool for reaching people for Christ, the Beautiful One. Well worth an informed read. It will excite and inspire. --E. David Cook Holmes Professor of faith and Learning Wheaton College ""Wooddell's emphasis on aesthetics in the field of apologetics is as needed in today's Christian community as it is demonstrated in his own life. With singular focus, Wooddell uses the complex relations between beauty, knowledge, virtue, and faith to demonstrate that purely evidentialist and logical arguments for faith are insufficient in a postmodern context. The Christian community will do a better job of fulfilling our greatest commission if we heed Wooddell's advice and reincorporate the beauty of our lives, world, and faith into our apologetic and ministry."" --Barry Creamer Associate Professor of Humanities Criswell College Joseph D. Wooddell is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas. He is coeditor of The Baptist Faith and Message 2000: Critical Issues in America's Largest Protestant Denomination (2007).

In our increasingly disenchanted age, can we still regard the Bible as God's Word? Why should we consider it trustworthy and dare to believe what it says? Top Old Testament theologian R. W. L. Moberly explains why the Bible is unlike any other book by exploring the differences between it and other ancient writings. He explains why it makes sense to turn to the Bible with the expectation of finding ultimate truth in it, offering a robust apology for faith in the God of the Bible that's fully engaged with critical scholarship and reasonable in the twenty-first century.

Intelligent design is a big topic of debate in the educational, political, scientific, and religious arenas. But why? Is it in opposition to evolution? Does it represent Creationism? Author and national director for Probe Ministries, Kerby Anderson, explores the arguments, the truths, the myths, and the vital questions readers should be asking about intelligent design. Is intelligent design science or religion? How did naturalism become the dominant philosophy? What don't evolutionists want to admit? Is there a scientific foundation for intelligent design? How does intelligent design compare to biblical creation? With a clear and detailed presentation of information, Anderson guides readers through intelligent design and naturalism to help them form their opinions, enter into the discussion, and stand on a foundation of historical facts, present day findings, and valuable insight.

Be faithful to God and fully enjoy the fruits of science.

Named a 2007 Book of Distinction by the Sir John Templeton Foundation.

The special edition of this award-winning book celebrates the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin.

Since, even before, the publication of Darwin's seminal work on evolution, science and religion have often been at odds. Even today the culture wars rage. How can Christians have a confident faith when talking about evolution? Who is Charles Darwin and what did he actually say? Can you believe in God and evolution? Does teaching evolution corrupt our social values? How can you connect science and faith? Can science be a Christian vocation? So how can we interpret the creation story in the Bible?

A free discussion guide is available at www.cokesbury.com/teachablebooks *Gives a balanced exposition of the impact of Darwin's theory of evolution.

* Equips pastors and congregational leaders with a clear understanding of who the players are in the evolution debate. * Makes the case that Christians can connect their faith in God with a scientific understanding of evolution with integrity. *Helps pastors and church leaders understand the values at stake in the debate over teaching evolution. *Helps pastors and church leaders speak clearly about the issues surrounding the controversy surrounding evolution. *Helps pastors and church leaders lead congregations to understand that Christians can be both theologically and scientifically literate at the same time.