Digital Logos Edition
From the classroom to mainstream media, Christians regularly find their fundamental beliefs discounted by opponents who consider faith to be incompatible with reason. But in this apologetics primer, the late R. C. Sproul sets forth the core claims of faith to reveal just how rational Christianity truly is. Surveying the history and fundamentals of apologetics, this book demonstrates how reason and scientific inquiry actually support Christianity’s claims—thus equipping believers to defend the existence of God and the Bible’s authority.
“If we gain a correct understanding of the content (notitia) and assent to its truth (assensus), however, this does not add up to saving faith. The devil knows the truth about Christ, yet he hates him. Notitia and assensus are necessary conditions for saving faith (we can’t have saving faith without them), but they are not sufficient to save us.” (Page 24)
“The law of causality does not require that everything have a cause, only that every effect must have a cause.” (Page 51)
“The three main levels of faith, they said, were notitia (sometimes called the notei), assensus, and fiducia.” (Page 22)
“Second, the charge of atheism was leveled against the early church, because of the Christians’ refusal to worship the pantheon of Roman gods.” (Page 15)
“The apostle clearly expects that one outcome of apologetics is that the enemies of Christ are put to shame” (Page 17)
R.C. Sproul (1939-2017) was a respected teacher, theologian, and pastor. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries where he serves as executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Sproul held degrees from Westminster College, Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam, and Whitefield Theological Seminary. OVer his career, he taught at several colleges and seminaries including Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary, and served as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida. Sproul’s teaching can be heard regularly on the “Renewing Your Mind” radio broadcast which plays in over 40 countries.
Sproul wrote over 70 books and numerous articles including the classic The Holiness of God, exegetical works in the R.C. Sproul Exposition Collection, and several theological articles in Tabletalk magazine.