Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction
by John M. Frame
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Book Summary Information
Author: John M. FrameEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1994-02
ISBN: 0875522432
Number of pages: 265
Publisher: P & R Publishing
Book Reviews of Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction
Book Review: Presuppositional Apologetics: Seemingly Pedestrian, but Actually Powerful
Summary: 4 Stars
A brief look at the essence of presuppositional apologetics may make one think that this approach will not go too far since those who have a different presupposition will most likely immediately say, "Well, you have your own presupposition and I have mine. End of the story. Good bye!" Another reason why one might think twice before applying this apologetic method is considering the circular nature, narrow and broad, of the presuppositional arguments. Yet another critique that is covered also in the Appendix from the so-called Ligoniers Group by Sproul, Gestner and Lindsey says presuppositional apologetics is irrational. In answering these objections, first, instead of stopping at the conclusion that each one has his or her own presupposition, even though it might be true, further steps need to be taken, which are the meat of this book. These steps involve laying out the arguments why a biblical presupposition is the most rational and corresponds to the truth of the realities we face everyday in the world, which Prof. Frame divides into three sections; the proofs, the defense and the offense; the latter involves exposing the irrationality and inconsistencies of non-biblical presuppositions resulting from the fallen human nature that resists divine revelation in conscience, nature, universe and the Scriptures and so consequently, embraces an autonomous self presupposition. In answering the charge of circularity, Prof. Frame correctly responds that every argument, even that given by classical or traditional apologetics, in the end is inevitably circular, though it may not be explicit due to the broadly circular nature of it. It eventually returns to a fundamental assumption or believe that one embraces; an ultimate presupposition, a basic heart commitment or an ultimate trust, as Prof. Frame calls it (p. 6).
These answers to the first two objections themselves to me are adequate to cover the Ligoniers authors' charge of irrationality as well. But Prof. Frame goes extra miles by exposing the weaknesses of evidentialism, particularly that promoted by the Ligoniers authors. The one that is most alarming is the argument of neutrality, the implied denial of the natural hostility toward God of the natural men, "the lack of seriousness in the application of the doctrine of depravity to apologetics" (p.235), considering these authors are modern day proponents of Reformed Theology. Prof. Frame rightly asks, "Seriously now, is this [the idea of natural men being sincere seekers after truth] a doctrine of depravity worthy of Calvinists?" (p.235).
What Prof. Frame is promoting in this book is a biblical presupposition as both apologetic and evangelistic methods since he has a high view of the Scriptures as inerrant, inspired and infallible divine revelations. Despite robust and compelling arguments to support the case for presuppositional apologetics, however, it doesn't mean that it has all the answers, including the answer to the problem of evil. None of the apologetic methods does. Nevertheless it teaches the right response and attitude toward the problem of evil, again, on the basis of biblical presupposition. Here is what Prof. Frame writes,
"My own verdict is that we are unlikely to find complete answers to all these questions (the problem of evil, pain and suffering) - answers which are not subject to further questions. But I do think we can provide answers in another sense. If what you want is encouragement to go on believing in the midst of suffering, Scripture provides that, and provides it abundantly (the best argument being the account of Job's interview with God). If you want help to go on trusting God despite unexplained evil, yes, we can help" (p.152).
At first, presuppositional apologetics may seem pedestrian or even boring, but upon a deeper study, it is a more powerful argument than any apologetic methods. I am not saying it is more effective, but it is more powerful. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the apologetic method, whether it be used as a defense of the Christian faith or simultaneously as for an evangelistic purpose, does not depend on human effort or the type of approach one employs, but on divine influence. In other words, it is God who eventually makes the call how effective He would cause a particular apologetic endeavor to be; whether to the one "the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life" (2 Cor 2:16).
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