Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (book) is widely acknowledged as William Lane Craig's signature book. In 1994, Craig published his first version of the book. Reasonable Faith is intended primarily to serve as a textbook for seminary level courses on Christian apologetics; the book began as a set of lectures for Craig's own class on apologetics.
| File:Reasonable Faith.JPG 3rd Edition | |
| Author | William Lane Craig |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Apologetics |
| Publisher | Crossway Books |
Publication date | 2008 |
| Pages | 415 |
In 2008, Craig released the Third Edition of Reasonable Faith, which featured mild revisions to the previous version. This updated edition builds a positive case for Christianity by applying the latest thought to core theological themes. Key sections in the third edition have been updated to reflect the latest developments in astrophysics, philosophy, probability calculus, the arguments for the existence of God, and Reformed epistemology. Craig's approach gives careful attention to crucial questions and concerns, including: the relationship of faith and reason, the existence of God, the problems of historical knowledge and miracles, the personal claims of Christ, and the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus.[1]
An introductory primer to Reasonable Faith is On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision, which is written at an easier level and does not go into any of the concepts presented in Reasonable Faith as deeply.
Contents
William Lane Craig structured Reasonable Faith around the loci communes of systematic theology, and some of the most frequently discussed today include de Scriptura sacra (doctrine of Scripture), de creatione (doctrine of creation), de peccato (doctrine of sin), de Christo (Christology), de gratia (soteriology), de ecclesia (ecclesiology), and de novisssimus (eschatology). For every topic, Craig first outlines the historical background of the issue in question to see how past thinkers have dealt with it. Second, he presents and defends his personal views on the topic, seeking to develop a Christian apologetic on the point. Third, he shares some thoughts and personal experiences on applying this material in evangelism. Finally, he provides bibliographical information on the literature cited or recommended for future reading.
Part One: De Fide
- How Do I Know Christianity is True?
Part Two: De Homine
- The Absurdity of Life without God
Part Three: De Deo
- The Existence of God (1)
- The Existence of God (2)
Part Four: De Creatione
- The Problem of Historical Knowledge
- The Problem of Miracles
Part Five: De Christo
- The Self-Understanding of Jesus
- The Resurrection of Jesus