Some Books for Budding Apologists for the Holiday Season

I know time is short. But for those that are looking to come up with some book ideas, here are some my picks for budding apologists.

1. Aquinas (A Beginner’s Guide): By Edward Feser

Former atheist Edward Feser is someone who is doing some great work in Thomistic thought. I took a few classes in seminary on Aquinas and still think he has a lot of value in our theology, philosophy, and apologetics. Feser has written a short beginners guide here.

 2. Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint and William Edgar  (Jul 31, 2013)

I saw K. Scott Oliphint speak at the National Apologetics Conference this Fall. Yes, he can preach! Anyway, I am not quite done with this book. No matter what your apologetics flavor is (i.e., classical, evidential, presupp,), this is a worth a read!

3. Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design by Stephen C. Meyer

I have followed the Intelligent Design movement quite a bit. In this book, Meyer deals with the “Cambrian explosion,” and the issues surrounding the  animals  in the fossil record without apparent ancestors in earlier layers of rock.  

4. Return of the Kosher Pig by Itzhak Shapira  (Jul 1, 2013)

I met the author of this book a few weeks ago. It is having quite an impact on the Jewish community. For any of us that have dealt with Orthodox Jewish people (or Muslims), we know one of the biggest stumbling blocks is the divinity of Messiah. In this book, Shapira utilizes a lot of Rabbinical Literature and Hebrew as well. He is also in the process of writing a second edition that will respond to critics. Anyone that has read some of Michael Brown’s stuff will appreciate this book.

5. The Gospel According to Isaiah 53: Encountering the Suffering Servant in Jewish and Christian Theology:

This is a great book that contains a series of exegetical essays on one of the most pertinent messianic texts in the Old testament.

6.Mapping the Origins Debate: Six Models of the Beginning of Everything 

This is a most helpful read regarding one of the most debated topics in our culture. The author provides some very helpful charts in the  back of the book that represents  the variety of positions. Anyone that wants an overview of each position will benefit from the book.

7. Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation by G. K. Beale  

 

Beale is one the able scholars in bridging both Testaments. This is a short, but very helpful book on the various ways the New Testament authors use the Old Testament. Beale also includes a very helpful bibliography in the back. 

Happy Holidays!