Book Review: Apologetics at the Cross by Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen

Introduction

There is no such thing as a perfect one-stop shop when it comes to introductory apologetics books, but Apologetics at the Cross: An Introduction to Christian Witness is as close as it gets. By that I mean that Joshua Chatraw and Mark Allen cover all the bases of apologetics from the biblical and theological foundations to the various methodologies and associated philosophical arguments all in both a comprehensive and readable format. One could envision using this as the main textbook for an introductory class with full confidence that the students would walk away with a well-grounded and holistic understanding of apologetics.

Chatraw and Allen begin with the distinguishing factor in their book when compared to other introductory texts on apologetics, what they refer to as “apologetics at the cross,” which proposes that a holistic view of apologetics includes not only rational responses that make Christianity intellectually viable, but also practical demonstrations that make Christianity personally appealing. It is in light of this holistic view that Chatraw and Allen explain the importance of apologetics as not merely an intellectual exercise or a failed experiment of modernism, but rather as a practical way to engage the culture philosophically without abandoning the biblical, historical, or theological foundations of Christianity.

The Foundation

Chatraw and Allen ask the readers to envision the building of a house. In such a process, the first step is to lay the foundation. If we view the task of building our apologetic as building a house, the foundation is composed of two parts: scripture and tradition. For this reason, the authors begin with a careful assessment of apologetics as found in scripture. Two points are quickly realized. First, every aspect of our apologetic must be centered on the cross. That is, whether we are engaging in philosophical, historical, testimonial, or emotional appeal, we must do so solely to bring people to the cross. Second, scripture includes a wide array of apologetic approaches, none inherently superior to the others.

Beginning in Genesis, God’s presence is shown through His creation and general revelation. Furthermore, the authors of scripture engage the culture practically by using familiar language to effectively reach their respective audiences. Next, God uses both miracles and prophecies, all of which is corroborated by historical evidence and eyewitness testimony. It isn’t until after additional factors are identified as part of the apologetic enterprise, such as personal character and testimony, that Chatraw and Allen begin identifying the traditional intellectual side of apologetics as found in scripture. Nevertheless, scripture includes myriad instances where objections are answered using logic and reason. In all, there are fifteen different approaches to apologetic found in scripture, none with greater priority than the other but rather each suited for the given audience.

Moving the discussion toward the area of tradition, it is evident that apologetics has been ingrained in the Christian faith from the very beginning. Both in the first centuries and in the middle ages, Christians had to face challenges presented by various heresies, such as gnosticism and arianism in the early church, and nestorianism and eutychianism in the middle ages. Furthermore, political and cultural pressures required Christians to defend their beliefs and practices in the public sphere. Chatraw and Allen then take these challenges and outline the different ways in which major figures in Christian tradition have engaged in apologetics, making it clear just how central apologetics is to the practice of the Christian faith.

The Structure

What perhaps makes Apologetics at the Cross so important is the care provided by Chatraw and Allen to outlining the various apologetic methodologies. It is here that the reader takes the analogy of the house and envisions erecting a structure upon the foundation. Four main approaches are discussed: Classical, Evidential, Presuppositional, and Experiential/Narratival. Classical apologetics is a two-step process, whereby general theism is demonstrated first, and once accepted, the discussion shifts to Christianity specifically. Evidential apologetics, on the other hand, seeks to demonstrate Christianity in a single step. Both these approaches, however, are characterized by a high view of human ability to reason based on general revelation.

In contrast, the Presuppositional and Experiential/Narratival approaches to apologetics tends to display lesser confidence in the ability of human beings to reason from general revelation. The former argues that no neutral ground exists upon which a Christian and non-Christian can both reason. The goal, therefore, of Presuppositional apologetics is not to reason with a non-Christian, but to seek to undermine the entire framework of their thinking altogether. Unless the truth of scripture is assumed outright, according to the Presuppositionalist, the apologetic discussion cannot begin. The Experiential/Narratival method, however, eliminates reasoning altogether and instead focuses on practical demonstrations of Christians living out their beliefs.

Chatraw and Allen demonstrate both the strengths and weaknesses of each apologetic method, but ultimately no method is identified as superior, and that is intentional. Focus on apologetic methodology has the tendency to result in unwelcomed arguments among Christians over the best way to argue for the faith when instead the focus should be on how we can be unified in sharing the faith. For this reason, the authors spend four chapters discussing four important gospel implications and why they matter to apologetics.

First, the message of Jesus – who he is, what he did, and why that matters – is central, but it is never to be divorced from the character of those sharing the message, whether in an individual or corporate setting. Second, composure matters when sharing the gospel, and a proper apologetic requires a knowledgeable yet humble spirit. In doing so, an emphasis must remain on the core matters such as the divinity of Christ, while allowing for grace in disagreement about matters not essential for salvation. Third, apologetics must appeal to the whole of the individual; it must not focus on the thinking part of a person at the expense of speaking to their beliefs and desires. Fourth, and finally, while truth is universal, the means by which the truth can be shown is contextual, and the apologist must understand and work within their given context.

The Practice

With the foundation and the structure completed, it is now time for the interior decorating. This is the “how” section of the discussion, where Chatraw and Allen guide the reader through the practice of apologetics. The first step is recognizing that we live in the era of late modernism – more commonly known as postmodernism – which is effectively the result of modernism applied consistently to itself. Such a culture requires an approach from the inside out: beginning with the other person’s assumptions and working through regions where they overlap those of Christianity. Doing so builds trust in an era prone to cynicism.

In order to effectively navigate late modernism, however, it is necessary to understand the landscape. Four characteristics are identified: pluralism, authenticity, religious lethargy, and the therapeutic turn. Pluralism refers to the variety of frameworks in which life is interpreted. Authenticity outlines the cultural importance of individualism, whereby people are encouraged to merely be true to themselves, irrespective of any overarching principles. Religious lethargy focuses on fact that the questions prominent in the culture are inherently non-religious, focusing on a general sense of significance instead of a spiritual longing. Finally, the therapeutic aspect of the culture is highlighted by the emphasis personal happiness. In each case, Chatraw and Allen guide the reader through how their inside-out approach may be applied.

Closing out the book are two chapters responding to objections to Christianity and surveying some popular arguments in favor of Christianity. The goal here is not to exhaustively defeat every objection or defend the truth of Christianity, rather, each discussion provides a basic understanding of the objection or argument without getting lost in the details. Instead, further resources are provided for each topic to guide the reader in additional studies.

In Conclusion

When all is said and done, Apologetics at the Cross may be one of the most important texts shaping the next generation of apologists. Readers are treated to what is likely the most holistic discussion of apologetics available in an introductory text. But while it is introductory in nature, it also speaks to even the most experienced apologists by providing a constant reminder that apologetics is more than an intellectual exercise, rather, it is an intentional way to reach the whole person where they are at with the message of Jesus.