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Summary: Great book, Very helpful, Very logical
Review: This is a great book. Even though it is an encyclopedia it is wonderful to just browse. The author is one of the most respected Christian apologists. The articles are very helpful, logical, and well presented. One minor editing flaw - names don't always include the date of birth and death. Also, it would help to have a stronger topical index. I couldn't find the Divine Command Theory of Ethics in the index even though it is discussed under "Essentialism." But these are minor defects in one of the most useful works on Apologetics ever produced. For a consideration of non-foundationalist approaches to Apologetics, I highly recommed "Reason For the Hope Within" also available from Amazon.com
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Summary: An excellent, essential, user-friendly tool for everyone!
Review: Norman Geisler has provided another fine contribution which should be on the book shelf of every Christian who takes his/her faith seriously. Whether you are a baby Christian in need of some basic answers, a seminary student, or a seminary professor, this book is accessible and applicable to a wide audience. The article on the problem of evil was an improvement over Geisler's rather poor treatment of the subject in his book, "When Skeptics Ask". Honestly, I've always been puzzled by Geisler's somewhat inconsistent, good/bad/good treatment (book to book, lecture to lecture) of the problem of evil. The first time I remember hearing about Geisler was in one of my classes at Biola University. Geisler's book, "The Roots of Evil" was one of my text books. His treatment of the problem of evil was good. Throughout the years I've read many of Geisler's books, including, "Philosophy of Religion" wherein Geisler, once again did justice to the subject of evil. It's difficult to suggest just a few essential books by Geisler since he's written so many, but I will go ahead and suggest at least 3 books any serious student of Christianity should have on the shelf: 1) "Christian Apologetics". This is a fine work which demonstrates the failures of different world views and tests for truth, while advancing the valid tests for truth and the superiority of theism. Still, I have a few qualifications. Geisler does a less-than-adequate job of carefully distinguishing between fact and value statements in the field of ethics. Also, the book fluctuates between simple writing in some chapters to more difficult writing in other chapters (it should be just a little more consistent as a user-friendly tool). 2) "Philosophy of Religion". Though it may be a bit difficult for some new Christians this book is a fine handmaiden to "Christian Apologetics". Don't assume this book rehashes the material in "Christian Apologetics". Both of these books should be read as one. They each cover different areas, neither of which should be neglected. 3) "Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics". Don't worry, you won't be too redundant by rounding out the other two titles with the Encyclopedia. The fact is, this mature child of his previous works, fills in the details missing from my first two recommendations. Thank you so much for your contribution to the faith, Dr. Geisler.
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Summary: Culmination of Anglosaxon Christian Thought
Review: Culmination of Anglosaxon Christian ThoughtThis book contains very clear and sound expositions and evalutations of all kinds of fundamental topics that are most vital for Christianity. The book is far from reaching the size of the 5 volumes of the Catholic apologetics dictionary produced by the French thomistic apologetics in the twenties, but it provides a coherent, up-to-date (Derrida...) system, a real rock needed by any serious Christian. Geisler is committed to defending Christianity and all its vital elements, not a special group (e. g. protestants), so this is a must book for Christians from all denominations. Yet with its honest, balanced, yet negatively critical articles on the neocalvinist (presuppositionalist) fundamentalists (Dooyeweerd, Van Til, Schaeffer, Frame), it is more directed towards the evangelical world which has been badly influenced by neocalvinism. As I find neocalvinism (presup.) utterly absurd, I find such articles a waste of space, but I guess this may be needed due to the influence of neocalvinism in the U.S., and will be very beneficial for those influenced by these doctrines. This is yet somewhat of a pity given that the encyclopedia does not contain all one could wish (e. g. arguments for the existence of the soul or a complete Christian view encompassing all areas). A few articles are not so well handled such as the one on the "heathen" (unevangelized) where the problems are not addressed (contradiction with the justice of God, which has no favoritism, making the problem of evil intractable) and are the less given an answer (Geisler could have discussed the answer of soft-inclusivism, that is God attributing His grace or not at the last judgement on the basis of whatever light the unevangelized received, such as their moral conscience, etc.) but instead the views of the reformers are discussed, which is of no apologetics use. Also I did not like Geisler citing a few times Kenny's terribly bad book on the five ways (where "motus" is interpreted as motion instead of change, etc.), whereas there are much better books on this. This is the first time that I see Geisler citing Kenny. God be thank he did not follow Kenny, yet could have given more space to the five ways, I had the impression he was somewhat less confident, but this is very subjective. Well besides these minor details, this is really one of the best books I ever bought, I really recommend it to all Christians or those interested in Christianity. It is a treasure, culmination of Anglosaxon Christian thought at the end of the 2nd millenium, an excellent sign for the next millenium. I pray that this book will be extremely influential.
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Summary: Essential for apologetics today
Review: I have read many of Geisler's books and refer to them often. He is on top of his craft. Anyone who is interested in defending Christian theism and understanding opposing worldviews must read Geisler's work, especially this new volume.
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Summary: This Book is a must own for EVERY Christian.
Review: God commands every one of us to be always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Pet. 3:15) and to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:5). Dr. Geisler's Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics is an outstanding resource for Christians everywhere. Dr. Geisler covers every major topic in Christian apologetics from the resurrection, to the incarnation, to the claims of Jesus, to the trinity, to the arguments against Christianity posited by atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and cultist. Every Christian who wants to love God with their mind should own this book.
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Summary: Essential for Every Christian Apologist
Review: I received my copy of the book yesterday (2/8/99). I can confidently say that this is one encyclopedia that merits the reading of every page. All of the key thinkers, Christian and non-Christian, are covered as well as the key issues (proofs & evidences) related to defending the Christian faith. The thoughts of Augustine, Aquinas, Kant, Kierkegaard, Pascal, Hume, Nietzsche, Darwin and many more are discussed. There are also interesting articles on such issues as infant and heathen salvation. The fundamental laws of thought and science (such as logic & causality) are given thorough treatment, and all of the major types of, and trends in, contemporary Christian apologetics are covered. After I've read the complete text, I'll probably give a second, more informed, review. - Brad Clark
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Summary: Geisler's Magnum Opus
Review: I am a student of Dr. Geisler's at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Knowing Dr. Geisler personally I have had the opportunity to see the manuscripts for this book while he was in the process of putting it together. This book is the most exhaustive text on apologetics ever written. Geisler covers everything you can possibly imagine. No stone is left unturned. This book is 40+ years of research, teaching and writing in the field of apologetics by a man who is recognized as one of the (if not the) greatest apologists of this century. I know this will be an exellent book because I have drooled over the unpublished manuscripts and waited patiently for it to be published.
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Summary: Worth the prise
Review: Theres not much to add to the reviews already here except that I heard Mr. Geisler on "the Bible answer man" and was very impressed by his command of scripture, firm grasp on a huge amount of subjects and his christian character. After hearing him on the radio I set my mind on getting this resource. The prise is a bit intimidating but I found it well worth the money. A wide range of topics are covered here. I did have some complaints though. First, this is an "encyclopedia" and as such topics should be easier to locate. I have a hard time finding specific topics. Secondly, I also would have liked to have seen this work written by several leading apologists as opposed to one. Mr. Geisler did an excellent job but there are others who contribution would have complimented his articles. Overall, this is a great book but not exhaustive. I would also suggest Peter Kreefts "Handbook for Christian Apologetics".
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Summary: The Whole Kit & Caboodle
Review: This book covers every subject dealing with apologetics that I could ever imagine: history of, Biblical documents, brief biographies & summaries of Christian apologists and atheist critics, works of philosophers (Hume, Kant,etc), science & the Bible, alleged biblical errors, cults, other religions, historicity of the the Bible, relationship of faith & reason, etc. The articles are presented in alphabetical order with plenty of cross references to catch related articles. There is an article index at the back of the book. There is also an index of biblical & apocraphyl scriptures used and on what page these verses are mentioned. Articles range from a few paragraphs to several pages. However, depending on the topic of interest, with related articles a person would have a chapter's worth of material. Each article ends with a list of sources for that article. The bibliography for this book is very large. Dr. Geisler has gathered and summarized a vast amount of material. Although this book is mainly a reference book, it is organized & written in a fashion that one could easily get as much from this as if reading a standard book on apologetics... actually more so. I highly recommend this book to pastors, youth leaders, seminary students, and Christians who want to learn about & defend the Christian faith.
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Summary: Norm Geisler should be commended
Review: Norm Geisler's work the "Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics" is a great resource for those who want an intermediate treatment of apologetics. This book does a great job of being fair, thorough, and straight to the point. Said to be his "magnum opus" Norm treats issues within Christianity such as theology, philosophy, theodicy, as well as breif bios of people throughout the history of Christianity that have made an impact on Christian thought. He also gives a good treatment on those key peoples who have had antithetical thought to Orthodoxy, as well as Christian thought within philosophy.
Overall, a great read if your a higher level reader who can tread through tough books. This book, although a reference tool, is also great for listing resources that you can delve further into, if you wish to go in depth on any particular subject. Go Norm!
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