Jerusalem and Athens

In Jerusalem and Athens, P&R presents critical discussions on the philosophy and apologetics of Cornelius Van Til.

Edited by E. R. Geehan, this book is an academic introduction to the thinking of author and apologist Cornelius Van Til, professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. Presented as a festschrift, these 25 critical essays are profound. Van Til’s responses are recorded here, making for an educational and sharpening read. 

A Christ-Centered Apologetic

Van Til offers his own essay to open the book by summarizing his main beliefs. He writes on the self-attesting Christ of Scripture, and what it means to have a Christ-centered apologetic. He is clear and convincing, and I found reading his writing to be inspiring.

I learned much about the world of academic apologetics after reading this book. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes’ essay on crucial biblical passages for Christian apologetics includes the biblical doctrine of creation, the doctrine of the fall, the testimony to the existence of God, the total and ultimate incapacitation of man through sin, salvation, by grace, through faith, and eschatology.

Critical Christian Thinking

I was pleased to read an essay by J. I. Packer, on biblical authority, hermeneutics, and inerrancy. Reading these defenses strengthened my faith and made me want to learn more. I found Van Til’s responses to critical essays to be fascinating. I was challenged to be thoughtful and engaging when faced with criticism and feedback. 

This book introduced me the works and apologetics of Cornelius Van Til. It testifies to a man who thought and taught the depths and wonders of God. It is a great witness to critical Christian thinking that influences the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I received a media copy of Jerusalem and Athens and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.