The History of Apologetics

'The History of Apologetics is a must-have for the shelves of any serious student of apologetics. With an impressive list of contributors, it provides a comprehensive yet detailed survey of various approaches to the defense of the Christian faith from patristic to modern times. Of particular value is the diversity of approaches represented by the apologists included, with notable entries among the more modern figures including John Henry Newman, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and C. S. Lewis. This provides substantial content for approaches to defending the faith that engage with cultural issues and draw on imagination and the arts as a methodology. The result is a volume that genuinely presents the historical and ecumenical richness of apologetics as a discipline and will serve as a valuable foundation for working apologists.' * <b> HOLLY ORDWAY, Word on Fire Institute Fellow of Faith and Culture, author of Apologetics and the Christian Imagination</b> * 'This book contains richly developed surveys of the apologetic arguments and approaches of a wide array of the Christian faith's greatest and most influential advocates over the centuries. Though the book is easily readable, it is extraordinarily informative--like the best apologetic works themselves! I learned so much from reading this book, even with regard to authors whose writings I know. Highly recommended to every Christian and especially to clergy and scholars, for whom the task of Christian apologetics is an urgent call.' * <b> MATTHEW LEVERING, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary </b> * 'This is a most valuable guide to the history of Christian apologetics throughout the ages. Expert authors provide readable summaries that will be useful both to those being introduced to the subject and to those who wish to review the wide range of options.' * <b> GEORGE MARSDEN, author of Jonathan Edwards: A Life and C. S. Lewiss Mere Christianity: A Biography </b> * 'This volume employs competent scholars to write about noteworthy apologists throughout the history of the church's intellectual engagement with the unbelieving world. Apologists shouldn't defend the faith in a historical vacuum since we ought to stand on the shoulders of giants. This is the most thorough history of its kind that I know of and will repay careful study for the defense of the faith given once and for all to the saints.' * <b> DOUGLAS GROOTHUIS, professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary, author of Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith </b> *

Benjamin K. Forrest (EdD, Liberty University) is professor of Christian education and associate dean at Liberty University. He is coauthor of Surviving and Thriving in Seminary (w/ H. D. Zacharias, Lexham, 2017), Good Arguments: Making Your Case in Writing and Public Speaking (w/ R. A. Holland, Baker Academic, 2017), and coeditor of Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader (w/ Chet Roden, Kregel, 2017). Joshua Chatraw (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the director for New City Fellows and the Resident Theologian at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. His books include Apologetics at the Cross, Cultural Engagement, Truth in a Culture of Doubt, and Truth Matters. He is a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and has served in both pastoral and academic posts during his ministry. Alister E. McGrath is a historian, biochemist, and Christian theologian born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. McGrath, a longtime professor at Oxford University, now holds the Chair in Science and Religion at Oxford. He is the author of several books on theology and apologetics, including Christianity's Dangerous Idea and Mere Apologetics. He lives in Oxford, England and lectures regularly in the United States.

Ch. 1 Justin Martyr (100-165) Gerald Bray (D.Litt., University of Paris - Sorbonne) is Research Professor of Divinity, History, and Doctrine at Beeson School of Divinity. He edited Galatians, Ephesians, the first volume of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture (IVP). His systematic theology God is Love was released by Crossway in 2012, and his historical theology God has Spoken was published in 2014. Beeson School of Divinity Ch. 2 Irenaeus (130-202) John Behr (D.Phil., Oxford) is Dean, Rector, and Director of the Master of Theology Program and Professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. PENDING Ch. 3 Athenagoras Athens (133-190) W. Brian Shelton (Ph.D., Saint Louis University) is Provost and Professor of Theology and Church History at Toccoa Falls College. He has published principally on early Christianity in the west, including Martyrdom from Exegesis in Hippolytus: An Early Church Presbyter's Commentary on Daniel (Paternoster, 2008) and 'Irenaeus' in Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy (IVP, 2010). Toccoa Falls College Ch. 4 Tertullian (160-220) Bryan Litfin (Ph.D., University of Virginia) is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He is author of Early Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction (Baker, 2014) and Getting to Know the Church Fathers (Brazos, 2007). Moody Bible Institute Ch. 5 Origen (185-254) Chad Thornhill (Ph.D., Liberty) is Associate Professor of Apologetics and Biblical Studies and Chair of Theological Studies at Liberty University. Liberty University Ch. 6 Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) Peter Leithart (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) PENDING Ch. 7 Augustine (354-430) Chad Meister (Ph.D., Marquette University) is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College. His publications include Contemporary Philosophical Theology (Routledge), Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge), and The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophical Theology (Cambridge University Press). He is also General Co-editor of the books series, Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society. Bethel College Part 2: Medieval Apologists Ch. 8 John of Damascus (676-749) Daniel Janosik (Ph.D., London School of Theology) is Professor of Apologetics and Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. His dissertation research was titled, John of Damascus: First Apologist to the Muslims. Columbia International University Ch. 9 Theodore Abu Qurra (750-820) Byard Bennett (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is Professor of Historical and Philosophical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Ch. 10 Timothy of Baghdad (727-823) Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity St. David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University and the author of Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders, Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World, and translator of Franois Decrets Early Christianity in North Africa. Columbia International University Ch. 11 Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) TBD Ch. 12 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Francis Beckwith (Ph.D., Fordham University) is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, and Associate Director of Graduate Studies at Baylor University; and Shawn Floyd (Ph.D., University of St. Louis) is Professor of Philosophy at Malone University. Baylor University; Malone University Ch. 13 Ramon Lull (1232-1316) Greg Peters (Ph.D., University of St. Michael's College, Toronto) is Associate Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology at Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University. He is author of The Story of Monasticism: Retrieving an Ancient Tradition for Contemporary Spirituality (Baker, 2015), and Peter of Damascus: Byzantine Monk and Spiritual Theologian (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 2011) Biola University Ch. 14 Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) Byard Bennett (Ph