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Defense of the Faith:
Restoring the full text of the original 1955 work, this annotated edition sets forth and explains a method of apologetics that is consistent with the nature of Christianity itself.
Paperback, 299 pages
Published
December 28th 1967
by P & R Publishing
(first published December 1967)
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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 distincti...more
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.
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A really good book. I suspect his presuppositionalism might be right, which is challenging.
This book is the classic statement of presuppositional apologetics from the person who established that position. It is a profound and cogent work that deserves the great influence it has had. Nevertheless, it is a bit challenging to read, which has likely prevented it from having a greater impact upon the Christian public. The works on Van Til by Greg Bahnsen(whom I was privileged to have teach Defense of the Faith to me), John Frame, or R.J. Rushdoony would be good introductions to Van Til whi...more
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 excited to...more
With this background knowledge, I was excited to...more
Definitely outlived its usefulness in apologetics. If secularism takes another hard turn towards Hegelianism, then this book will see a small renaissance. Until then...
Van Til wrote in the Idealist tradition, sometimes against Hegel, but always assuming that terminology. Young reformed pups who come reading Van Til almost always have no clue what he's talking about, except that they think they do.
That's the danger of the book. For all his dense writing, Van Til was a masterful aphorist, and his...more
Van Til wrote in the Idealist tradition, sometimes against Hegel, but always assuming that terminology. Young reformed pups who come reading Van Til almost always have no clue what he's talking about, except that they think they do.
That's the danger of the book. For all his dense writing, Van Til was a masterful aphorist, and his...more
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.
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(evangelical).
Thr...more
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(evangelical).
Thr...more
Very interesting and informing book. Though I do not hold to a reformed theology, I do encourage you to expand your theological knowledge by reading works that you may not agree with completely.
A great book on apologetics that often touches on content beyond me, but for the majority that is within my understanding it is amazing. Van Til is brilliant.
Great ideas/ philosophy. I found Dr. Oliphant's notes were pretty helpful.
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Well, once you grow out of reformed theology this is of limited value.
An excellent dispensing on how to defend our Christian faith.
The Reformed Presuppositional apologetics is hereby fully elaborated.
On page 3...can already tell this is going to be a hard book.
The Copernican revolution in apologetics.
Oct 23, 2011
Andrew Boyle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
apologetics,
theology
Well that was fun.
Excellent.
Must read
Jun 11, 2008
John Roberson
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nggak tahu mau jadi apa kalau nggak dibentuk sama Van Til. Seperti Heidegger dan Halliday, he is one of my basics
Insightful, engaging, and shrewd. Very well done.
May 20, 2013
Lea Kharshemme-king
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Dilpreet Wilson
marked it as to-read
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Cornelius Van Til, was a Christian philosopher, Reformed theologian, and presuppositional apologist.
Biographical sketch
Born on May 3, 1895, in Grootegast, The Netherlands he was the sixth son of Ite and Klazina Van Til, who emigrated to the United States when "Kees," as he was known to friends, was 10. He grew up helping on the family farm in Highland, Indiana.
Van Til graduated from Calvin Colleg...more
More about Cornelius Van Til...
Biographical sketch
Born on May 3, 1895, in Grootegast, The Netherlands he was the sixth son of Ite and Klazina Van Til, who emigrated to the United States when "Kees," as he was known to friends, was 10. He grew up helping on the family farm in Highland, Indiana.
Van Til graduated from Calvin Colleg...more
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“Anti-theism presupposes Theism”
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