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4.26 of 5 stars
Restoring the full text of the original 1955 work, this annotated edition sets forth and explains a method of apologetics that is consistent with t... read full description

reviews

Jul 22, 2011
Jimmy added it
An eleven chapter book by Cornelius Van Til, the Father of Presuppositionalism. He addresses the topic of apologetics methodology throughout the book, and calls Christian to be alert for autonomous reasoning that does not submit to the Word of God. For readers who have been introduced to Presuppositional Apologetics through Greg Bahnsen, one will see some of the themes played out here, after all Bahnsen's was a disciple of Van Til. Readers will see the theme of the Creator and Creature distin More...
Apr 20, 2010
Adam T rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is the landmark work by Dr. Cornelius Van Til as far as Biblical apologetics. There is much to be said for the work in apologetics in the evidential approach and the men who have labored so fruitfully in that field. But as far as the Biblical 'method' is concerned or the 'theology' of apologetics as a discipline, Van Til's presuppositionalism has no equal in taking every thought captive to Christ, and showing how the Bible must be one's authority at the very outset of defending the faith. More...
May 07, 2010
L. R. Bouligny rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Few men have the accolades of the Reformed community when it comes to apologetics as does Dr. Cornelius VanTil. Adherents to his system are referred to as “Vantillian,” and his presuppositional system appears to be the closest apologetic method that upholds a biblical framework. Based on VanTil’s work, men such as Greg Bahnsen have taken this paradigm and gone even further, clarifying this obvious chasm that separates sinful man from a holy God.
With this background knowledge, I was excit More...
Feb 08, 2010
Shep rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Transcendental / presuppositional Reformed apologetics at its best. Before anyone critiques Van Til or reads anything else about presuppositional apologetics, they should read this book. Cons: a bit repetitive at points; can be a difficult read for the average layman. Supplement with Bahnsen, Frame, or someone you know who knows Van Til.
May 12, 2009
Phillip rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Van Til wrote in order to present Christianity, not to the lowest or the average rungs of society, but to those who are familiar with both theology and philosophy. His analysis and conclusions are not only sharp and clear, but have provided a foundation for Christianity of historic proportions.
Dec 25, 2007
John rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is similar to his shorter work, Christian Apologetics. He also quotes, in the beginning, heavily from the former book in his explication of biblican theology.

Although, it is similar, this book is more focused on the actual defense of the faith, ie the rationality/consistency of the reformed faith. Therefore, an example of Van Til's presuppositional apologetics is presented with the famous conversation between Mr. White (reformed), Mr. Black (non-believer), and Mr. Grey(ev More...
Oct 26, 2011
Jared rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Great ideas/ philosophy. I found Dr. Oliphant's notes were pretty helpful.
Aug 09, 2011
Jay rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Well, once you grow out of reformed theology this is of limited value.
Sep 27, 2010
Andy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
On page 3...can already tell this is going to be a hard book.
Feb 02, 2012
David rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The Copernican revolution in apologetics.
Oct 23, 2011
Andrew rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Well that was fun.
Apr 11, 2009
Douglas rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent.
Oct 25, 2010
Ak rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Must read
Jun 11, 2008
John added it
In my mind, Van Til is the most under-appreciated great theologian of the 20th century, probably because his stringent criticisms of Barth obscured him as a mere sectarian. His specialization was apologetics, and this is the central work in his apologetics project. Not a light read, especially because his vocabulary is steeped in really old technical philosophical terminology. One of the few really imaginative, constructive theologies from a 20th century conservative.
Jan 14, 2008
Paul rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of the classic expositions (and examples, see dialogue) of Van Til's presuppositionalism. Another must have if you're presuppositionalist. This work is in the idealist tradition, analytic philosophers beware.
May 07, 2010
Jeffrey marked it as to-read
This baby is in the mail on its way to me! It restores text removed in subsequent editions. This is material where Van Til interacts with his critics.
Oct 14, 2007
Ivan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Nggak tahu mau jadi apa kalau nggak dibentuk sama Van Til. Seperti Heidegger dan Halliday, he is one of my basics
Feb 08, 2012
Simon rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A really good book. I suspect his presuppositionalism might be right, which is challenging.
Feb 12, 2012
Gina marked it as to-read
Feb 12, 2012
Taylor marked it as to-read
Feb 08, 2012
Brad rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Feb 06, 2012
Jimmy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 06, 2012
viktor marked it as to-read
Feb 05, 2012
Ryan marked it as to-read
Feb 03, 2012
Nicholas rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 30, 2012
Mike marked it as to-read
Jan 29, 2012
Mike rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 28, 2012
Davelaury marked it as to-read
Jan 27, 2012
Dayton rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jan 26, 2012
Annie marked it as to-read