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Introduction to Christian Apologetics
""In pleading for the biblical view of God and the world the author has mustered his materials with great care and has shown his readiness to address himself to critical issues."" --The Evangelical Quarterly ""For an understanding of the philosophical and theological viewpoint of contemporary fundamentalism this is probably the best available book. . . . Vigorous in both thought and style, it is a sturdy defense of the orthodox interpretation of biblical theism."" --Religious Book Club Bulletin ""The author submits a strong and convincing case for supernaturalistic theism. . . . He vigorously maintains that we have ample evidence for our confidence in supernatural revelation, miracles, a divinely-provided atonement, and the redemptive working of God in human history."" --Southern Presbyterian Journal Edward John Carnell was an ordained Baptist minister, born in Antigo, Wisconsin. For three years he served as Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Gordon Divinity School. He was appointed as the second President of Fuller Theological Seminary from 1954 to 1959. Carnell resigned his position in 1959 to give himself fully to teaching, serving as Professor of Apologetics at Fuller for eight additional years. Dr. Carnell contributed to many religious journals and authored several books including An Introduction to Christian Apologetics, Servant or Master?, The Theology of Reinhold Niebuhr, A Philosophy of the Christian Religion, and Christian Commitment.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
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September 7, 2024
ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF MODERN PHILOSOPHICAL CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS
Edward John Carnell (1919-1967) was an ordained Baptist minister, who also served as President of Fuller Theological Seminary from 1954-1959, and then as professor of Apologetics. He also wrote books such as 'A Philosophy of the Christian Religion,' etc.
The keyword to Carnell's approach is "systematic coherence." He sought to find "a successful union of the ideal and empirical worlds," and notes that "every man is a philosopher of a sort, and must pass judgment upon the whole course of reality. But the only proof he can offer, both for his system of philosophy and for the actions which flow from it, is systematic coherence ... It is this framework that the Christian offers proof for his system: it sticks together ... God is absolute consistency. And the will of God has been revealed in Holy Writ."
As presented by Carnell, "Three problems wait for the philosopher's solution. First, truth, must be located. Secondly, a rational universe must be plotted. Finally, these two must be so united that they will provide a basis for trust in personal immortality." "Having no perfect system of thought while we walk by faith and not by sight, the Christian suggests that a rational man settle for that system which is attended by the fewest difficulties." However, he further says that "Logic can be the means by which the Spirit leads a man into faith, but it is the Spirit, not logic, which finally seals the faith to the heart."
He admits that "This is not a formal demonstration of God's existence: it is simply proof by coherence. The existence of God is the self-consistent hypothesis that the mind must entertain when it views all of the evidence which experience provides."
Philosophical approaches to Christian apologetics are somewhat "out of fashion" these days (cf. Josh McDowell, Lee Stroebel); but Carnell was an important figure on the scene, and a worthy contrast to Gordon Clark, Cornelius Van Til, etc.
Edward John Carnell (1919-1967) was an ordained Baptist minister, who also served as President of Fuller Theological Seminary from 1954-1959, and then as professor of Apologetics. He also wrote books such as 'A Philosophy of the Christian Religion,' etc.
The keyword to Carnell's approach is "systematic coherence." He sought to find "a successful union of the ideal and empirical worlds," and notes that "every man is a philosopher of a sort, and must pass judgment upon the whole course of reality. But the only proof he can offer, both for his system of philosophy and for the actions which flow from it, is systematic coherence ... It is this framework that the Christian offers proof for his system: it sticks together ... God is absolute consistency. And the will of God has been revealed in Holy Writ."
As presented by Carnell, "Three problems wait for the philosopher's solution. First, truth, must be located. Secondly, a rational universe must be plotted. Finally, these two must be so united that they will provide a basis for trust in personal immortality." "Having no perfect system of thought while we walk by faith and not by sight, the Christian suggests that a rational man settle for that system which is attended by the fewest difficulties." However, he further says that "Logic can be the means by which the Spirit leads a man into faith, but it is the Spirit, not logic, which finally seals the faith to the heart."
He admits that "This is not a formal demonstration of God's existence: it is simply proof by coherence. The existence of God is the self-consistent hypothesis that the mind must entertain when it views all of the evidence which experience provides."
Philosophical approaches to Christian apologetics are somewhat "out of fashion" these days (cf. Josh McDowell, Lee Stroebel); but Carnell was an important figure on the scene, and a worthy contrast to Gordon Clark, Cornelius Van Til, etc.
Displaying 1 of 1 review