What do you think?
Rate this book
An Introduction to Christian Apologetics: A Philosophic Defense of the Trinitarian-Theistic Faith
This book continues to be one of the superb basic texts in Christian Apologetics. Deals with 14 major subject including; The Problem of Truth, What Is Faith?, The Problem of Evil, etc. Carnell's insights into the classical problems of theology and philosophy remain incisive and refreshing. A must read for everyone interested in apologetics. This sixth edition has been edited and updated by Dr. Foster H. Shannon.
351 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
About the author
Edward John Carnell
33 books3 followersEdward John Carnell was an evangelical Christian theologian and apologist. He was an ordained Baptist pastor and was a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary from 1948 until his death. Carnell was president of that school from 1954 to 1959. He received ThB and ThM degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary and earned doctorates from both Harvard and Boston Universitie
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
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 - 1 of 1 review