Annotated Bibliography for Apologetics

Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster? Understanding the Old Testament God. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2011. An overview of Old Testament ethical challenges—seemingly harsh and strange laws, the treatment of women, slavery, and warfare/violence. (B)

Copan, Paul, and Matthew Flannagan. Did God Really Command Genocide? Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2014. A comprehensive treatment of violence in the Old Testament. Responds to the false allegation that God commanded Israel to engage in genocide. Also treats questions about the God of the Old Testament “versus” the God of the New, Islamic jihad compared to the Old Testament, the Crusades, just war and pacifism, “religion” and violence. (B)/(I)

Evans, Jeremy, Heath Thomas, and Paul Copan, eds. Holy War in the Bible: Christian Morality and an Old Testament Problem. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013. An interdisciplinary discussion of issues connected to violence in the Old Testament. (I)/(A)

Lamb, David. God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Bible Angry, Sexist, and Racist? Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011. A very accessible introduction to ethical challenges from the Old Testament. (B)

Schlimm, Matthew Richard. This Strange and Sacred Scripture: Wrestling with the Old Testament and Its Oddities. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015. An honest—though, in places, controversial—discussion of Old Testament challenges such as Genesis 1–2, the treatment of women, violence, divine wrath, harsh and strange laws, and more. (B)

Wright, Christopher J. H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011. A comprehensive treatment of Old Testament ethics. (I)

Wright, Christopher. The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of the Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008. An honest look at difficulties in the Old Testament, particularly the Canaanite question. (B)

Barrett, Matthew, and Ardel Caneday, eds. Four Views on the Historical Adam. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013. Evangelical scholars debate four positions: no historical Adam (evolutionary creation), archetypal historical Adam, old-earth historical Adam, and young-earth historical Adam. (B)/(I)

Cabal, Ted, Peter Rasor, and Paul Copan. Controversy of the Ages: Why Christians Should Not Divide over the Age of the Earth. Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Co., 2017. Part I: a historical analysis of science-theology conflicts, including the age of the earth controversy, and the lessons learned. Part II: analysis of charges by some young earth creationists that old earth creationism is so dangerous that Christians should divide over it. Part III: A proposal for recognizing when Christians should graciously draw lines applied to the three major evangelical creationist positions today: young earth, old earth, and evolutionary. Response chapter by Paul Copan. (I)

Copan, Paul, Tremper Longman, et al., eds. The Zondervan Dictionary of Christianity and Science. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017. Over 400 entries on key terms, figures, debates, theories, and issues matters related to the Christianity-science dialogue. Contributions from 140 international scholars—Christian scientists, historians, philosophers, theologians, biblical scholars, and ethicists—with counterpoint articles on debated topics. A must for students, pastors, and scholars alike. (B)/(I)

Hagopian, David, ed. The Genesis Debate: Three Views on the Days of Genesis. Mission Viejo, CA: Crux Press, 2001. A debate on the interpretation of the days of Genesis from the young-earth, old-earth, and framework perspectives. (B)

Hill, Carol, et al. The Grand Canyon: Monument to an Ancient Earth. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2016. Explores the science of geology and evidence from the Grand Canyon that points to an old earth. (B)

Lennox, John C. Seven Days That Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis and Science. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. An examination of the “days” and creation narrative of Genesis 1–2 in dialogue with the discoveries of modern science. (B)

Moreland, J. P. Christianity and the Nature of Science. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1989. High-level work on the relationship of philosophy of science and the Christian worldview. Excellent material on how the biblical view of creation is not unscientific. (I)/(A)

Moreland, J. P., and John Mark Reynolds, eds. Three Views on Creation and Evolution. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999. Young earth creationism, old earth creationism and theistic evolution are debated. (B)/(I)

Ratzsch, Del. The Limits of Science: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. An excellent introduction to the philosophy of science. (B)

Stokes, Mitch. How To Be an Atheist: Why Many Skeptics Aren’t Skeptic Enough. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016. A fine defense against atheistic arguments, particularly good on issues related to science and faith. (B)

Stump, James B., and Alan G. Padgett. The Blackwell Companion to Science and Christianity. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Offers an overview of the history of the Christianity-science intersection and its key issues, leading figures, and influential perspectives. (A)

Young, Davis A., and Ralph F. Stearley. The Bible, Rocks, and Time: Geological Evidences for the Age of the Earth. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012. A wide-ranging discussion about the age of the earth in light of geology. (I)

Evans, Jeremy. The Problem of Evil: The Challenge to Essential Christian Beliefs. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013. An effective treatment of the various problems of evil, including divine hiddenness and hell. (I)

Guinness, Os. Unspeakable: Facing up to Evil in an Age of Genocide and Terror. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2005. A wise Christian response to the problem of evil. (I)

Meister, Chad V., and James K. Dew, Jr. God and Evil: The Case for God in a World Filled with Pain. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2013. A comprehensive, accessible treatment of themes related to the problem of evil. (I)

Murray, Michael. Nature Red in Tooth and Claw: Theism and the Problem of Animal Suffering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008. An excellent treatment of animal death and the problem of evil. (I)

Plantinga, Alvin. God, Freedom, and Evil. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989. A classic, powerful philosophical treatment of the problem of evil. (A)

Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Short, generally wise treatment of the problem of evil from the biblical perspective on redemption. (B)

Adler, Mortimer. Truth in Religion. New York: Macmillan, 1990. Argues that religions teach different things and thus cannot all be true. (I)

Anderson, Norman. Christianity and World Religions: The Challenge of Pluralism. Downers Grove: IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985. (I)

Berger, Peter L., ed. The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999. Challenges the idea that the modern world is becoming increasingly secular in accordance with sociological forces. (I)

Beverly, James, and Craig A. Evans. Getting Jesus Right: How Muslims Get Jesus and Islam Wrong. Toronto: Castle Quay Books, 2015. A fine analysis of the key issues that divide Christians and Muslims and how Muslims often misunderstand or misrepresent the Christian evidences. Examines the Gospels’ reliability and the Qur’an’s, what we can know about Jesus and Muhammad from history, what Islam’s traditional teachings mean for jihad, terrorism, sharia law, and the status of women. (B)

Clark, Andrew, and Bruce Winter. One God, One Lord: Christianity in a World of Religious Pluralism. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1992. (I)

Corduan, Winfried. Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions, 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012. Includes an important chapter on Native American religion, a topic not usually covered in these sorts of volumes. (I)

Corduan, Winfried. Pocket Guide to World Religions. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006. A handy introduction to traditional world religions—scriptures, history, major beliefs, symbols, etc. Contains a number of useful charts. (B)

Dashti, Ali. Twenty Three Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad. Santa Ana, CA: Mazda, 1994. Though not written by a Christian, this is a careful, but powerful and critical analysis of Muhammad’s career. (I)

Geisler, Norman, and Abdul Saleeb. Answering Islam. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1993. Examines Islam theologically and historically and gives apologetic arguments against its claims to usurp Christianity. (I)

Groothuis, Douglas. Jesus in an Age of Controversy. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock reprint, 2002. Defends the biblical view against mostly New Age alternatives. (I)

Griffiths, Paul, ed. Christianity through Non-Christian Eyes. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1990. (I)

Griffiths, Paul. An Apology for Apologetics. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991. Argues that inter-religious apologetics is proper and fruitful—an unpopular view in the world of Religious Studies. (I)

Guinness, Os. The Dust of Death. Wheaton, IL: Good News/Crossway Publ., 1994. Originally published in 1973 (by InterVarsity) and now updated, this study of the philosophy of the counterculture still has apologetic value in its critique of secular humanism and Eastern mysticism. (I)

Halverson, Dean, ed. Compact Guide to World Religions. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1996. Excellent introductory exposition and apologetic engagement on major religions. (B)

Hackett, Stuart. Oriental Philosophy: A Westerner’s Guide to Eastern Thought. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 1979. Excellent philosophical treatment. (A)

Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Argues that Christianity is growing most rapidly in third world contexts, and is taking on new non-Western forms. Also refutes the notion that Christian growth outside of the West has usually been imposed upon unwilling cultures. (I)

Johnson, David L. A Reasoned Look at Asian Religions. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1985. Good expository and apologetic material. (I)

Mangalwadi, Vishal. The World of Gurus. Chicago: Cornerstone Press, 1992. A fine overview of leading Indian gurus and their specific teachings. (I)

Martin, Walter R. Kingdom of the Cults. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. Revision of a classic work after the author’s death in 1989. (B)/(I)

Miller, Elliot. A Crash Course on the New Age. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1989. Excellent overview. (I)

Netland, Harold. Dissonant Voices: Christians and Religious Pluralism. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1991. Excellent discussion of the teachings of major world religions and how Christians should assess other religious worldviews theologically and apologetically. Descriptively accurate on the nature and teachings of religions as well as philosophically acute. (I)

Netland, Harold. Encountering Religious Pluralism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001. Elaborates and further develops themes from Dissonant Voices, but also contains new material on modernity, postmodernity, and other issues. Clearly written and penetrating. (I)

Newport, John. The New Age Movement and the Biblical Worldview. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998. Compendium of materials on just about every aspect of the New Age movement. Little new research. (I)

Partridge, Christopher, and Douglas Groothuis, eds. Dictionary of Contemporary Religion in the Western World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002. Features many articles on new religious movements, (I)

Stackhouse, John Jr., ed. No Other Gods Before Me? Evangelicals and the Challenge of World Religions. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2001. The Hexham and Mouw essays are particularly good. (A)

Sire, James. Scripture Twisting: Twenty Ways Cults Misinterpret the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980. (I)

Stewart, Robert, ed. Can Only One Religion Be True? Minneapolis: Fortress, 2013. Based on a dialogue between evangelical scholar Harold Netland and religious pluralist Paul Knitter. Contributions from scholars on both sides of the question about the uniqueness of Jesus in the face of world religions. (I)

Tennent, Timothy. Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002. Encourages Christians to enter the thinking of adherents to other religions and offers good insights while doing so. (I)

Yandell, Keith, Philosophy of Religion. New York: Routledge, 1999. Strong analytic approach with an equally strong emphasis on comparative religious philosophy. (I)/(A)

Yandell, Keith, and Harold Netland. Buddhism: A Christian Explanation and Appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009. A very well-informed intro-

duction to Buddhism. Offers a careful, readable survey of Buddhism—its founder, history, schools of thought—and how these compare to the life and teaching of Jesus and to historic Christian doctrines. (I)

McQuilkin, J. Robertson and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014. A wide-ranging, scripturally-grounded, and practical treatment of biblical ethics. Has an apologetics orientation. Includes sections on love, law, sin, virtues and vices, a basic overview of ethical systems and how they compare to Scripture, matters on which Christians disagree, divine guidance. Practical suggestions and applications (e.g., becoming a person of virtue, dealing with temptation). Also in-depth treatment of each of the Ten Commandments and their contemporary relevance (e.g., family life, gay marriage, transgender issues, war and peace, bioethics, socialism vs capitalism). (B)/(I)

Mitchell, C. Ben, and D. Joy Riley. Christian Bioethics: A Guide for Pastors, Health Care Professionals, and Families. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2015. (B)

Moreland, J. P., and Scott Rae. Body and Soul: Human Nature and the Crisis in Ethics. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. A defense of substance dualism (i.e., the soul is a substance distinct from the physical body and can survive bodily death) and the important ethical implications of this biblical view. (A)

Geivett, Douglas R., and Gary R. Habermas, eds. In Defense of Miracles: A Comprehensive Case for God’s Action in History. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997. Excellent contributions from leading scholars, such as William Lane Craig, Stephen T. Davis, and David Clark, on all the important aspects of the question of miracles. (I)

Keener, Craig. Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, 2 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. A full-length treatment of the trustworthiness of miracle accounts in the Gospels and the book of Acts. Also responds to philosophical arguments promoted by skeptical philosopher David Hume and treats subjects such as miracle-claims in other religions. Provides meticulous documentation for hundreds of healing miracles in Jesus’s name from history and across the world. (B)/(I)

Lewis, C. S. Miracles: A Preliminary Study. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1978. A classic study of the supernaturalism of Christianity in relation to naturalism and pantheism. (I)/(A)

Moreland, J. P. Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit’s Power. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. Many documented miracles listed in Chapter 7 (“Restoration of the Kingdom’s Miraculous Power”). (B)

Carson, D. A., ed. Telling the Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000. Collection of essays on reaching postmodern culture. Especially excellent are essays by Carson and Ajith Fernando. (I)

Guinness, Os. A Time for Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2000. Short, but cogent critique of the postmodern loss of truthfulness and a call to restoration. (I)

Kelly, Stewart E. Truth Considered and Applied: Examining Postmodernism, History, and Christian Faith. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2011. An excellent philosophical examination of truth and a defense of its objectivity in the face of postmodernism, relativism, and the like. (I).

Sire, James W. Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All? Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994. A readable case for Christianity, emphasizing the identity of Jesus. (I)

Mangalwadi, Vishal. The Book That Made Your World. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012. A marvelous survey of the impact that the Bible—and the Christian worldview—have had across history and around the world. (B)

Schmidt, Alvin. How Christianity Changed the World. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004. An historical overview of the remarkable benefits that have come to the world—and Western civilization in particular—through the Christian faith (e.g., modern science, hospitals, moral reforms, music, literature, architecture, human rights, and other cultural advances. (B).

Guinness, Os. Fit Bodies, Fat Minds. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1994. A short but powerful assessment of anti-intellectualism in American evangelicalism and what can be done about it. (I)

Guinness, Os. God in the Dark. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1996. Classic treatment of the problem of doubt in the Christian life. (I)

Habermas, Gary. Dealing with Doubt. Available online: http://www.garyhabermas.com/books/dealing_with_doubt/dealing_with_doubt.htm.

Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997. Excellent introduction to developing a Christian mind, with many practical suggestions (about the church and personal spiritual disciplines) as well as philosophical arguments. (I)

Naugle, David. Worldview: The History of a Concept. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. A helpful review of the history of the concept of “worldview” in the history of philosophy (starting with Immanuel Kant) as well as theology. Offers biblical grounding for the concept and explores its use in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. (I)

Sire, James W. Habits of the Mind. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. A wonderful book on how a Christian learns to think. (I)

Conway, Bobby. Doubting Toward Faith. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2015. An excellent, practical introduction to dealing with doubt wisely and constructively. (B)

Moreland, J. P. and Tim Muehlhoff. The God Conversation: An Invitation to a Life of Meaning: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007. A practical guide to explain the Christian faith in a way that connects with people. (B)

Puckett, Joseph. The Apologetics of Joy: A Case for the Existence of God from C. S. Lewis’s Argument from Desire. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2012. A fine exposition of Lewis’s argument from desire—the innate longing we have to find deep satisfaction in Something we cannot fully experience in this life.

Williams, Clifford. Existential Reasons for Belief in God: A Defense of Desires and Emotions for Faith. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011. A guide that shows how rational reasons for faith are reinforced by practical reasons for trusting in God—the fear of death, the desire for immortality, the longing for significance and meaning, our sense of awe and wonder complement rational reasons. (B)

•Reasonable Faith (William Lane Craig): A wide range of articles, video debates, podcasts, and other resources by the noted Christian philosopher and theologian; includes his answers to submitted questions; podcasts on systematic theology with a philosophical/apologetical perspective. The most comprehensive website on apologetics: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/

•Apologetics 315: An immense Christian apologetics resource—with articles, podcast interviews with apologists, video debates, helpful links, etc.: http://www.apologetics315.com/

•Unbelievable! Premiere Radio (Justin Breierly): A resource containing many debates between Christians and non-Christians. Also includes debates between Christians holding differing viewpoints on theological, philosophical, and apologetical topics: http://www.premierradio.org.uk/shows/saturday/unbelievable.aspx

•Stand to Reason: Insightful, incisive answers on apologetics, ethics, theology: http://www.str.org/

•Christian Research Journal (Christian Research Institute): Articles on new religious movements, modern-day heresies, world religions, ethics, biblical hermeneutics. Various podcasts available as well: www.equip.org

•Evangelical Philosophical Society: A professional society of evangelical philosophers (and those interested in philosophical/apologetic issues) with its journal Philosophia Christi. Holds its annual meeting along with apologetics conference each November: http://www.epsociety.org/

•Investigating Faith (Lee Strobel ): An excellent resource with lots of video clips full of great suggestions and strategies for communicating and defending your faith: http://www.leestrobel.com/

•Ravi Zacharias International Ministries: An international apologetics ministry founded by apologist Ravi Zacharias. www.rzim.org

•Reasons To Believe: Helpful articles and other materials on the Christian faith and science: http://www.reasons.org/

•NAMB Apologetics Website: The North American division of the Southern Baptists (NAMB) has an apologetics website on an array of topics: http://www.4truth.net/

•Be Thinking: Helpful essays (some quite brief) on a variety of topics: www.bethinking.org/categories.php

•Dallas Willard: Materials on apologetics, philosophy, and spiritual disciplines from an influential philosopher and author: http://dwillard.org/

•Answering Islam: Christian guide to Islam; answers to its challenges, including stories of former Muslims: http://answering-islam.org/

•Acts 17 Ministries (David Wood ): Accessible resources—particularly on Islam (including debates and instructional videos)—but also apologetics, philosophy, ethics, science, and more: http://www.acts17.net/

•Breakpoint (Colson Center): Excellent ma-

terial on the Christian worldview and its application to science, philosophy, ethics, culture, etc. Free daily Breakpoint emails to keep current. Subscribe at http://www.breakpoint.org/bp-home

•American Scientific Affiliation: Archives of Perspectives on Science and the Christian Faith on integrating science and the Christian faith. A wide array of positions is represented. http://www.asa3.org/ASA/index_left.html

•The Poached Egg: Apologetics website of Ratio Christi (university campus ministry) with articles, discussions, videos, helpful links, and book suggestions to better defend the Christian faith: http://www.thepoachedegg.net/

•Salvo: A cutting-edge magazine (hard copy and online) on Christian apologetics and worldview; Deals with science-faith issues, sexual ethics (e.g., pornography, gay marriage), bioethics, technology, media, Christianity and culture. http://www.salvomag.com/