Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion

by William Edgar

Prepares us to explain the gospel in ways that reach the entire person. These biblical strategies address ways of knowing that exceed a dry rationalism.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Philosophy, Christian Living

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

William Edgar (DTheol, University of Geneva) is professor of apologetics and coordinator of the apologetics department at Westminster Theological Seminary. His books include Reasons of the Heart, The Face of Truth, and Truth in All Its Glory.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and Reason for God are the best down to earth apologetics I've read.

Edgar mixes some Kuyper/Dooyeweerd on with the Van Til presuppositionalism. It's refreshing. Not sure if I buy his conclusions on the problem of evil, but overall I like his arguments, his tone, and his care for loving and doing justice to the unbeliever in the process of doing apologetics.

[Matthew Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I was slightly underwhelmed by on first reading, but then found a second flick-through and skim-read really beneficial. What I was after was a book unpacking the need for Christian persuasion that goes beyond mere intellectual arguments but engages with deeper, heart-felt "defeater beliefs". What I got instead was a good introduction to what apologetics is, something of its method (of which more in a second), and where perhaps to start on some of the key issues (the existence of evil and suffering, science and faith, the uniqueness of Christ). On my second skim-read, I think I got more out of the book simply because my expectations about what was in it were adjusted.

The author summarises the apologetic endeavour in four headings, which are by no means unique to him but the language he uses probably is. He talks of the "point of contact" (the common ground between the believer and the skeptic), "disclosure" (revealing inconsistencies in the skeptic's argument or worldview), "homecoming" (speaking the gospel into the skeptic's situation) and "plausibility" (showing why the gospel is true). These are then worked out (to an extent) in the examples of different challenges to belief in the remaining chapters.

Overall, I felt the book was thought-provoking but not quite what I was looking for. There are some really good insights that I will take away (his use of the Heidelberg Catechism in explaining and defending the uniqueness of Christ was brilliant), but on most things I still want to do a lot more digging. I've given it four stars because I think it is a good book, albeit a little too discursive at times. I'd like to talk over some of it with someone to really get the most out of it though.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good introduction to apologetics. It follows the Presuppositionalist , but without using the language of the philosopher.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little primer on the beginning arguments for apologetics. It makes a few cop outs, but on the whole is pretty solid.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice book. Not nice in a flippant, dismissive sense, but nice in that we can talk about these things without beating somebody into submission. Apologetics does not have to be a great argumentative discussion. It is not fire and brimstone, nor a megaphone on a street corner. It is every day conversations with non-believers and believers for which we are "gaining ground" in our walk of faith. This book can help anyone take a breath, relax and realize that an apology for God and Christ can be made without having all the answers.

[Christopher David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book had one of the best introductions for a apologetic book and I loved the chapters tracing apologetics in OT and NT. After that the book fell flat and I honestly have no idea what Dr. Edgar was going for. My guess is Dr. Edgar tried to combine Paley with Reformed covenantal apologetics and present something similar to Schaeffer, but in the end it was just a muddled mix of everything. Still a very enjoyable and informative book.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent introduction to Apologetics and Evangelism. I read it in a couple of hours. Edgar calls for a method that is a mix of Van Til, Schaeffer, and Pascal. His four part methodology is a useful contribution to the excessive amount of literature on apologetics. All in all, this is a great introductory text that could be useful alongside better works such as The Heart of Evangelism by Barrs, the God Who is There, etc.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps the most short and clear introduction to apologetics from a presuppositional (Van Til) perspective. First part on the definition of apologetics, its usefulness, its place in Scriptures and some ideas for a handful method. Second part deals with the main objections against Christianity (illusion, religion is for the weak, ...)

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling argument & example of the relevance of a reformed view of 'apologetics as persuasion' in 21st century western society. Strikes a helpful balance of understanding secular attitudes towards Christianity alongside the need to show respect & humility as well as a commitment to truth.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good and basic introduction to apologetics which is rooted in the Van Til/Schaeffer/presuppositional approach without being weighed down by terminology and intramural debates. While some areas could have been fleshed out more, it's a solid introductory text.

[Loraena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of four apologetics books I’ll be reading for school. It was short & straightforward, a helpful introduction before diving into Oliphint & Van Til. This is my second class (and book) by Professor Edgar and I appreciate his emphasis on heart orientation rather than reason alone, even in apologetics.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Edgar's concise thoughts on such a huge topic. He is simple, he is concise, he is effective.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great material, it is just too brief. He is just a splendid writer that one hopes that Edgar will write something of a magnum opus.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and succinct- very much recommend.

[Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

short & refreshing. clear too!

[Saul W · Rating 3 out of 5]

First apologist I’ve seen quote Severe Mercy.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Edgar has written a book that is helpful to both newer and older Christians that takes a different slant than most apologetic books. He lays a good though simple foundation for apologetics and practical advice on how to answer some objections. Unlike many apologetic works though he also addresses how we need to be looking at the whole person to really answer their questions. Often apologetic books just focus on the intellectual side and often people's questions do not address their real concerns. Edgar wants us to be ready with answers but also to be ready to build a relationship to help those with questions. I found it to be helpful, inspiring and refreshing.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength of Edgar, his distinctive, is how accomplished he is at connecting with thoughts of those he debates with, but uses those very points compassionately as an in to get to their hearts, to lead them to the Gospel. I respect his approach a great deal, for it is wholistic, dealing with mind, body, as well as heart. It is short, so see that as a strength and not a weakness. The best presentation of presuppositional apologetics along with Tim Keller's Reason for God.

[Daniel Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro maravilhoso, que nos dá um entendimento totalmente baseado nas Escrituras em relação apologética cristã e nos faz entender o real sentido da mesma.

"Antes, santificai a Cristo, como Senhor, em vossos corações, estando sempre preparados para responder a todo aquele que vos pedir razão da esperança que há em vós, fazendo-o, todavia com mansidão e temor."
(1 Pedro 3.15)

[Chris Comis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad. Too Amillennial in some places. Gave away the farm at the end with regards to presenting a healthy creational apologetic. Overall, not a bad place to start for a beginner's intro. to an interesting mix of Van Tilian and B. Pascalian apologetics. Some L'abri gets thrown in too.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but would've liked more depth.

Good breakdown of basics of how to get someone to the gospel (i.e. belief in God, flaws in worldview, who is Jesus?) but for being so short, it used up half the book just to start moving forward with info.

[Oliver Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Christian apologetics. Very accessible and multi-faceted approach

[James Bunyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technical and helpful first half, slightly more sluggish second half. First half was a foundation for thinking about apologetics.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. It had some good moments, but overall it didn't really say much.

Okay.