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Christian Apologetics Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader

Volume 1, To 1500

Edited by William Edgar, K. Scott Oliphint, Contributions by Aristides, Augustine, Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Thomas Aquinas, Origen, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Boethius, Peter Abelard, Anselm, Raymond Lull, Girolamo Savonarola

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Format: Printed Caseside

Availability: Out of Print

Christian Apologetics Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader

Volume 1, To 1500

Edited by William Edgar, K. Scott Oliphint, Contributions by Aristides, Augustine, Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Thomas Aquinas, Origen, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Boethius, Peter Abelard, Anselm, Raymond Lull, Girolamo Savonarola

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An unprecedented anthology of apologetics texts with selections from the first century AD through the Middle Ages. Includes introductory material, timelines, maps, footnotes, and discussion questions.

The apostle Peter tells us always to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks us to account for our hope as Christians (1 Peter 3:15). While the gospel message remains the same, such arguments will look different from one age to another.

In the midst of a recent revival in the field of apologetics, few things could be more useful than an acquaintance with some of these arguments for the Christian belief through the ages. This first of two proposed volumes features primary source documents from the time of the early church (100-400) and the Middle Ages (400-1500). Featured apologists include Aristides, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas.

The authors provide a preface to each major historical section, with a timeline and a map, then an introduction to each apologist. Each primary source text is followed by questions for reflection or discussion purposes.


Editors:

William Edgar

William Edgar (DTheol, University of Geneva) is professor of apologetics and John Boyer Chair of Evangelism and Culture at Westminster Theological Seminary. William lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Barbara. They have two children and three grandchildren.

K. Scott Oliphint

K. Scott Oliphint (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the author of numerous scholarly articles and books, including God With Us. He is also the coeditor of the two-volume Christian Apologetics Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader and Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics. Oliphint is a retired professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  

Product Details

Category: Academic
Theology
Format: Printed Caseside
Page Count: 512
Size: 6.0 in x 9.0 in
Weight: 28.1 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-58134-906-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-58134-906-1
ISBN-UPC: 9781581349061
Case Quantity: 16
Published: September 30, 2009

Endorsements

“The texts here assembled are ‘classics’—not in the sense that they answer all legitimate questions about Christianity, but that, when they were written, they made their readers think hard about the faith, and that they continue to do so today. This is a most worthy collection.”
Mark Noll, author, America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911

“Bill Edgar, one of evangelicalism’s most valued scholars and apologists, has given us in this work with Scott Oliphint a classic destined to be used for generations. I highly recommend it to all who are called to defend the faith.”
Charles Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview

“This collection is superbly done and will bring much needed wisdom to our own times.”
David F. Wells, Senior Distinguished Research Professor of Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“For years I have wanted a book of primary sources in apologetics to use in my classes. Now we have an excellent one in this volume.”
John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary

“Edgar and Oliphint have skillfully selected the best pre-Reformation sources. Their volume, the first of two, fills a gap in scholarly resources and highlights the strength, wisdom, and solidity of defenders of the faith in earlier times.”
J. I. Packer, Late Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College

“This reader on the classical traditions of Christian apologetics is, to my knowledge, unmatched in basic compendia. It will equip and encourage thoughtful Christians to develop equally compelling defenses of the faith.”
Max L. Stackhouse, De Vries Professor of Theology and Public Life Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary