Introduction to Apologetics

"In 322 articles, arranged alphabetically by subject and averaging two and a half pages in length, Geisler discusses persons and areas of thought that have presented intellectual challenges to Christian thought (i.e., to fundamentalist Christianity). Topics such as evolution, faith and reason, natural law, and revelation are covered, as well as familiar names in philosophy (Hume, Kant). Important fundamentalist figures who may be unfamiliar to some readers (e.g, Edward Carnell, J. Gresham Machen) are also included. The work is up-to-date enough to include Geisler's arguments against the Jesus Seminar, but it also covers classical themes like counterarguments to the existence of God. In each article, Geisler briefly presents enough background for readers to understand the topic, the basic issues, and the arguments opposing his point of view. He often calls such arguments "radical," apparently meaning bad or threatening. Many articles include an evaluation section," where Geisler presents the fundamentalist Christian arguments he thinks defeat the arguments of his opponents, and every article ends with a conclusion that summarizes his point of view. Most subjects are covered by one article, but Geisler devotes eight articles to one of his major concerns, miracles. Articles end with brief bibliographies that list only authors and titles, but a very helpful 29-page bibliography presents full bibliographic information, although it does not list every item mentioned in the article bibliographies. Article and scripture indexes conclude the work. Geisler may not always be fair to his opponents, but he covers an enormous range of material. Recommended for collections lacking a reference work that presents counterarguments by an educated Christian fundamentalist to many classical and contemporary intellectual challenges. Graduate and undergraduate students."

"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. Including hundreds of articles that cover 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." "The dictionary is divided 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."

The Oxford Handbook of the Reception of Aquinas provides a comprehensive survey of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant philosophical and theological reception of Thomas Aquinas over the past 750 years. This Handbook will serve as a necessary primer for everyone who wishes to study Aquinas's thought and/or the history of theology and philosophy since Aquinas's day. Part I considers the late-medieval receptions of Aquinas among Catholics and Orthodox. Part II examines sixteenth-century Western receptions of Aquinas (Protestant and Catholic), followed by a chapter on sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Orthodox reception. Part III discusses seventeenth-century Protestant and Catholic receptions, and Part IV surveys eighteenth- and nineteenth-century receptions (Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic). Parts V and VI focus on the twentieth century and takes into account the diversity of theological movements in the past century as well as extensive philosophical treatment. Parts VII and VIII unpick contemporary systematic approaches to Aquinas, covering the main philosophical and theological themes for which he is best known. With chapters written by a wide range of experts in their respective fields, this volume provides a valuable touchstone regarding the developments that have marked the past seven centuries of Christian theology. -- Publisher's description