Rating: 
Summary: One of a kind resource for the apologetics enthusiast
Review: I am not aware of another resource that approaches the breadth and depth of Christian apologetics topics found here. I use this book all the time and find the articles concise, informative and insightful. If you are really into Christian apologetics, you have found a book you definitely need.
Many of the articles refer to one another so it is possible to start in one area of interest and be led to other topics that provide further depth. This is especially true in the areas of epistemology, arguments and evidence for God's existence, and the thoughts of most famous philosophers throughout history. As you read through the chains of articles, Dr. Geisler's method as a classical apologist comes through effectively. He frequently refers to the use of evidence combined with reason as being sufficient to prove that God exists (there are other aspects to classical apologetics, but this is a big one). For example, in his article about Gordon Clark (famous presuppositional apologist whose methods were very different from the classical method), Geisler writes: "Logic...tells what could be true; not what is true. To know what is really true, sooner or later one must touch base with the external world. This is what classical apologetics does." p153
The strength of this book is Dr. Geisler's extensive knowledge of philosophy/worldviews and how they interact with world religions, especially Christianity, through the ages. There is a good article on Islam and a slighter one on Hinduism. His writing style is very clear provided you have some background to approach the material being discussed. This is not a shortcoming of his book, it's just the nature of the content in all intermediate/advanced apologetic books.
There are a few things this book is not, that might reasonably be expected. It does not do much to address pseudo-Christian cults (there are lots of them). For example, there are no articles under "Mormonism", "Joseph Smith", "Latter Day Saints", "Jehovah's Witnesses", "WatchTower Society", etc. Unfortunately, the publisher's back cover on the book (which serves as the only preface) indicates that it could be used in counter-cult apologetics. I do not believe it is well suited to that specialized task, though it is generally useful for many apologetics ministries. Dr. Geisler has a book called "When Cultics Ask", but I am not familiar with it. "Fast Facts on False Teachings" by Ron Carlson is useful for basic counter cult information. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics also does not directly address many ethical apologetics topics. There are no articles specifically for: abortion, euthanasia, gambling, etc.
This book may not be useful to you if you are not interested in deeply pursuing a variety of apologetics topics. If you are looking for more down-to-earth, conversational style responses in everyday, apologetic/evangelistic encounters try these authors: Paul Copan, Ken Boa, Paul Little, Cliffe Knechtle.
This is a must have resource for those who are studying apologetics broadly and deeply, especially as it intersects with philosophy, world religions and some scientific issues. There are good articles on Hume, Aquinas, Muhammad, Pascal, Darwin and many others. Dr. Geisler has done us a great service by distilling his gifted lifetime of work/knowledge in this way.
Rating: 
Summary: Give him credit, he attempted the impossible
Review: Before I go any further I will state my background and possible presuppositions concerning the book. I am reformed, broadly pressuppositional in apologetics, and non dispensational in eschatology; therefore, I understand that Dr Geisler and I will probably not see eye to eye on some issues.The book is a handy reference despite one's outlook in this area. He attempted the impossible and nearly succeeded. I agree with others that he should have incorporated other scholars to help. Here are the faults that I have with the book: He intends to view most major theologians of the past as *classical* in outlook, Calvin being the major example. Even more ironic is the fact that given his (Geisler) "cold neutrality" towards the Reformed faith, he warmly reivewed Reformed scholars who happened to employ a Classical outlook on apologetics (Machen, Warfield, etc.). Now don't get me wrong, those were good articles that he did. The last problem I have with the book is his treatment of Van Til. Some legitimate criticisms of VT maybe employed (although I certainly wouldn't try) but Geisler gives several columns in praise of VT and 4 pages, double columned in critiquing VT. He even uses John Robbins as a legitimate source on VT (this is nothing against Mr. Robbins, it just should be noted that he is antagonistic towards VT). He also misrepresents Jonathan Edwards.
The Good aspects of the book: Geisler writes with logical precision. He answers most challenges to the faith, and he spends OVER 40 PAGES, DOUBLE COLUMNED in defense of miracles. Obtain a copy of this volume if only for that! Despite my above criticisms of this book, I use it every day and would gladly recommend it to others
Rating: 
Summary: Generally Excellent, Yet Ultimately Unblanaced and Biased
Review: Normal Geisler is an apologetics juggernaut, there's no doubt about it. He has lucid and erudite espositions on many of the key topics in Christian Apologetics and I found his critiques on various philosophers (Kant, Hume, Sartre, Russel etc...) to be the highlight of this book. But if this book is supposed to represent the last word in Christian Apologetics, then I think many Christians are getting duped. This is the comprehensive, systematic exposition of a Thomistic philosopher, who is an epistemic foundationalist (evidentialist)and a 4 point Arminian/"Moderate Calvinist" (See "Chosen But Free" by Norman Geisler). As a result he misrepresents and dismisses the reformed apologetics (presuppositional apologetics) of Van Til and Plantinga and when I say misrepresents I mean seriously misrepresents. This is not a personal attack on Geisler, nor am I blaming his misrepresentation on his arminianism (even Calvinistic Philosophers have misrepresented Presuppositional Apoloetics see "Classical Apologetics" by R.C. Sproul). I just wish that Baker would have coalesced a group of scholars for this work who come from different apologetic approaches, raher than simply put it into the hands of a single philosopher with a single set of presuppositions. This is not to say that Geisler has not effectively defended Theism, I think he has done so and quite well. But I think some would inquire as to whether or not he has defended the "Christian Faith." In other words, I (personally) think that at the foundation of his apologetics is a flawed theology which inevitably results in a flawed approach.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I hoped it would be
Review: Though it is obvious the author put a lot of time into writing this, the subjects are not intuitive - that is, they are not the categories one would typically wonder about and look up. At least, the ones I wanted to find were not there - such as social subjects and how that relates to the Bible, etc. Further, each subject is written in a rambling style that doesn't seem (at the end of each) to reach a summarized conclusion of any kind. This was a lot of money to spend on a book that is so loosely created.
Rating:
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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