Peter Kreeft & Ronald K. Tacelli, “Handbook of Christian Apologetics”

This book, published by InterVarsity Press, was written in 1994 by two Catholic philosophy professors at Boston College. I hasten to add that the arguments made here should be welcomed by all Christians, not just Catholics, and indeed the first chapter says explicitly that the book embraces “mere Christianity” (12, 24-25). It is is a … [Read more…]

James Como, “C.S. Lewis: A Very Short Introduction”

This short, 134-page book (and that includes references, index, etc.) is part of an Oxford University Press series of “very short introductions” that aim to provide “a stimulating and accessible way into a new subject.” The author’s impressive credentials are laid out on the book jacket: James Como is Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric and Public … [Read more…]

Why Aren’t You a Christian?

I’ve listed below what I bet are the responses most likely to be given to the question, “Why aren’t you a Christian?,” followed by my brief answers to those responses. “Because the Bible is not reliable.” Actually it is, especially the historicity of the Gospels, which tell us about the life and death and Resurrection … [Read more…]

The “Plus” in “Law Plus”

Introduction Elsewhere on this blogsite, I have a post on “What Does Jesus Want?” that has, as one item on the list, that we are to follow the rules laid out in the Old Testament unless they are superseded by something in the New Testament. And, I then continue, it’s not enough just to follow … [Read more…]

“Put on the Full Armor of God …”

Paul’s paean to love in I Corinthians 13 is his most famous extended passage, I’m sure, but I also bet that second place goes to his “Put on the full armor of God” exhortation in Ephesians 6. Here it is: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.11 Put on the full armor … [Read more…]

Jesus’ Prayer Parables

My NIV study Bible lists, among “The Parables of Jesus,” two “About Prayer”: “The Friend at Midnight” (Luke 11:5-8) and “The Unjust Judge” (Luke 18:1-8). I’ve set them out below, along with immediately subsequent verses for each, since they also seemed relevant to the parables. This is an important area, and we’ll see that Jesus’ … [Read more…]