Late September 2012 Presuppositional Apologetics Links

Here are things around the internet that might interests those who are into Presuppositional apologetics that’s rounded up from the end of this month.  We have just completed our marathon series on our blog on Dispensational Presuppositionalists and you can see that this stream of Presuppositionalists are included here.

1.) Fallacies Everywhere: What Should a Christian Do?

2.) Concerning Presuppositional Epistemology and Apologetics

3.) Presuppositional Dispensationalism Part I

4.) Presuppositional Dispensationalism Part II

5.) Review of John Frame’s The Doctrine of the Word of God 

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Reviews of Biblical Apologetics by Clifford McManis

As readers might have remembered from this current series on Dispensational Presuppositionalists, George Zemek has recommended this book in his interview.

You can access the website for this book by clicking HERE.  The author, Dr. Cliff McManis is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary.

To order the book on Amazon click HERE.

I have not yet read the book but here are three reviews:

1.) Clifford McManis’ Biblical Apologetics: Advancing & Defending the Gospel of Christ: Review

2.) Choosing Hats Review

3.) Fred Butler’s Review 

4.) A Review of Clifford McManis’ Biblical Apologetics (2012) NEW!

5.) Ben Holloway’s Review  NEW!

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Presuppositional apologetics articles in Grace Theological Journal

Here are articles related to Presuppositional apologetics published by Grace Theological Seminary from their now defunct journal.  They are in PDF format.  These are gems from a generally Dispensational publication.

1.) James M. Grier, “The apologetical value of the self-witness of scripture,” Grace Theological Journal 1.1 (Spring 1980): 71-76.

2.) Donald B. DeYoung, & John C. Whitcomb, “The origin of the universe,” Grace Theological Journal 1.2 (Fall 1980): 149-161.

3.) David L. Turner, “Cornelius Van Til and Romans 1:18-21: a study in the epistemology of presuppositional apologetics,” Grace Theological Journal 2.1 (Spring 1981): 45-58.

4.) George J. Zemek, Jr., “Classical Apologetics: A Rational Defense – A Review Article,” Grace Theological Journal 7.1 (Spring 1986): 111-123.

5.) Stephen R. Spencer, “Fideism and Presuppositionalism,” Grace Theological Journal 8.1 (Spring 1987): 89-99.

6.) Stephen R. Spencer, “Is natural theology biblical,” Grace Theological Journal 9.1 (Spring 1988): 59-72.

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Interview with a Dispensational Presuppositionalist: Andrew Rappaport

For our marathon series on Presuppositional apologetics from the Dispensationalists camp, we have highlighted some important thesis defending Presuppostional apologetics methodology exegetically that are out there so that the larger community of Christian apologists might be aware of them.  We have also interviewed those who are involved in various Dispensational seminaries or educational institute.  This morning’s interview focus on Andrew Rappaport of Striving for Eternity ministries, who have taken Presuppositional apologetics to the streets (sometimes literally) by taking it out there and applying it during evangelism.  His website can be viewed by clicking HERE.

1.) Describe your current ministry to the Lord.

The current ministry of the Lord’s in my life is to be public speaking at churches for conferences and Sunday pulpits, also writing two books, one on the Deity of Christ and the other on evangelism.

 2.) How did you first became acquainted with Presuppositional apologetics?  Who was your big influence?

Seminary was where I first heard and was taught about presuppositional apologetics from my professors. It is this simple, there are two presuppositions: there is a God and He has spoken.

3.) What would you consider is the strength of Presuppositionalism?

It starts and ends with the only explanation for reason itself. If some rejects the Scripture and attempts to use the world to argue for God they have rejected the only source of truth. The presupposition apologetic defends God from His Word not the world.

4.) Describe an experience you have in employing Presuppositional apologetics.

Once at Newport Beach, CA I had two young men that told me that they do not believe in anything that they cannot prove by science. I asked the young man where he got his ability to reason. He told me that he studies. I than explained that I wanted to know where the ability came from for humans to be able to reason, not how they use that ability. He stop talking and said, “I do not know”. I stated that I do know that and that the ability to reason comes from God. He friend said, “you are powned”. Which in the vernacular means that he lost the debate, “He is owned”. This fact shut the one young man’s mouth and I was than able to explain that the reason God gave us an ability to reason is so that we can know Him and know our need to get right with Him.

5.) Some see Presuppositional apologetics as being the apologetics method of Covenantal theology only, give it’s root.  Do you think Presuppositional apologetics is compatible with Calvinistic Dispensationalism, and if so, explain.

No. It is a Biblical method that a normal interpretation of Romans 1 provides thus neither dispensationalism nor covenantalism can lay claim alone to it.

6.) You have taken apologetics to the streets so to speak in the area of open air preaching and actual application in evangelism.  Any pointers to the readers?

Every week. The thing is to not get into long arguments. They know God exists. State it and move to the gospel. Remember that the purpose of apologetics is the shut the mouth of the ignore not to win a debate. We use the apologetic to shut their mouth to get to the gospel.

7.) Books you recommend?

The Ultimate Proof of Create by Jason Lisle

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Thesis on Presuppositional Apologetics: Psalm 19 and Presuppositional Apologetics by Brian Rickett

Here is another ThM. thesis written for The Master’s Seminary by a Calvinistic Dispensational Presuppositionalist that has done work on the exegetical support for Presuppositional apologetics as formulated by Cornelius Van Til.  Brian Rickett has looked at Psalm 19 to draw out it’s implications for apologetics.  One of his chapter also tackle an objection against Presuppositionalism by the Dispensationalist Bruce A. Demarest, most well known for his book “The Cross and Salvation.”

Here’s the abstract:

And the table of contents:

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Interview with a Calvinistic Dispensational Presuppositionalist: Dr. Paul Martin Henebury

Today’s interview with a Calvinistic Dispensational Presuppositionalist is with Dr. Paul Henebury, whom some might know him on the internet as Dr. Reluctant, who blogs here, and runs the Veritas School of Theology (not any way affliated with our blog, in case you are wondering about the name).  He took some time to answer some of our questions, in which we are grateful for!

1.) Describe your current ministry to the Lord.

I run a small online theological school/seminary: Veritas School of Theology
I also preach and give presentations on many theological and apologetic topics.

2.) How did you first became acquainted with Presuppositional apologetics?  Who was your big influence?

Answering the first part of the question first, my biggest influenece was undoubtedly Cornelius Van Til.  I first encountered him back in the mid-90’s when a fellow student at London Theological Seminary asked me what “chokmatic” meant (it is derived from “chokmah”- Hebrew for “wisdom”).  The first book I read by or about Van Til was John Frame’s Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of His Thought.

3.) Describe how you introduced Presuppositionalism to others.  Do you think it is difficult to introduce Presuppositionalism to others?I believe the approach is intuitive for Christians in as much as they want to stand on the Word of God, not question it.  However, just as in the hermeneutical realm, so in the apologetic realm, reason can take over and begin dictating what can and cannot be so.  The primary difficulty is getting people to listen to the Bible’s depiction of the world and the servant nature of human reason.  Quite simply, certain forms of reasoning are out of bounds for the Christian.  Which forms?  Any employment of our reason which seeks independence from God: which starts from ourselves and not the Lord.

4.) How did the Seminary you teach at first reacted to the introduction of Presuppositionalism?I actually introduced Van Tilian Presuppositionalism to the Seminary I used to teach at and they were very responsive.  After talking it over with the President of the Seminary, he agreed that I could put on a four-day 30 hour Intensive and see who would sign up for it.  It was the most successful Intensive than any previous one!After I left I listened to a presentation from the chap who took over from me and his material was definitely more Clarkian (working from the Bible as an hypothesis).

5.) Some see Presuppositional apologetics as being the apologetics method of Covenantal theology only, give it’s root.  Do you think Presuppositional apologetics is compatible with Calvinistic Dispensationalism, and if so, explain.Van Til himself, of course, believed his apologetics was “Reformed.”  I agree here with Frame that this isn’t really the case.  E.g., Van Til’s view of Arminianism wasn’t always accurate, so he tended to ascribe properties to the “Arminian God” which Arminius himself would not have recognized.  I see nothing at all in this apologetic that is inimicable with other theological systems with a strong view of God’s Sovereignty and the inspiration of Scripture; Dispensationalism included.  In fact, the exegetical basis for presuppositional apologetics fits hand-in-glove with Dispensationalim.  All Dispensationalists ought to be presuppositional, but (as I have said many times), Dispensationalists tend to be quite myopic when it comes to areas beyond ecclesiology and eschatology.  That is why they have followed in the way of Natural Theology rather than led the way in Revelational Epistemology.Van Til spoke often of unsaved man as a “covenant-breaker,” having in mind the Reformed covenant of works.  But man in revolt (to use Emil Brunner’s term) does the job better I think, as it depicts mankind as independent in his thinking as well as his acting.

6.) What are some links to materials you have written on presuppositionalism?

I have written some articles, book reviews, and done some blog posts.  You can find some grouped together here and here.
Included there is a debate I did with an atheist.  I generally do not debate people unless they seem sincere.  The Bible depicts apologetics more as an answer than an assault on other positions.  I feel we must always have “a reason for our hope” but we should not be set on hunting for opponents.

7.) For those who wish to make a contribution towards advancing Presuppositionalism, what would you like to see a thesis written on?

Well, the hermeneutical basis for presuppositionalism and the biblical worldview for one.  Another would be the relationship between presuppositionalism and corroborative evidence.  Having mentioned Brunner, a  third would be an exploration of his “Erastics” and its use within presuppositionalism.

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Grace Life Sermons Related to Presuppositional Apologetics

As part of our marathon focusing on Dispensational Presuppositionalists and since tonight it’s the Lord’s Day I thought it’s appropriate to share two messages that has a bit to do with Presuppositional apologetics as it is taught in Grace Life, a preaching ministry at Grace Community Church.

God’s Word to Atheist (Psalm 14) by Phil Johnson

Encountering the Living God (1 Samuel 5-6) by Fred Butler

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Interview with a Dispensational Presuppositionalist: Dr. Christopher Cone of Tyndale Theological Seminary

Dr. Christopher Cone is the President of Tyndale Theological Seminary.  It turns out that he is a Dispensationalist and also Presuppostional in his apologetics!  From the faculty page of the seminary’s website, one finds his education background listed (with three doctorates):

Undergraduate Studies, Moody Bible Institute
BBS, Tyndale Biblical Institute
MBS, Scofield Graduate School
ThD, Scofield Graduate School
MEd, Regent University
PhD, Trinity School of Apologetics & Theology (India)
PhD, University of North Texas

Dr. Cone has written books and articles that would interests those who are into theological method, hermeneutics and Christian epistemology.  I plan to review one of his book, Prolegomena on Biblical Hermeneutics and Method in the near future (hopefully before this year ends–and I can’t help it, before the Tribulation =p).  One of his doctoral dissertation has the most interesting of titles:Dissertation: Prolegomena: A Survey and Introduction to Method in Theology, Beginning with Presuppositional Epistemology and Resulting in Normative Dispensational Theology.  That definitely interests me as I enjoy the relationship between theological method, epistemology, hermeneutics, Presuppositionalism and eschatology.

He also blogs at his personal website so be sure to check him out.

1.) Describe your current ministry to the Lord.

Well, hmmm…He keeps me busy, that’s for sure. First, he has given me a wonderful bride, partner, and friend. We try to honor Him together. Then we have two amazing daughters who we enjoy teaching and watching them grow in godliness. Also, for nearly the last seven years I have been serving as President of Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute (www.tyndale.edu). The school is about twenty-five years old, and is committed to preparing people to learn, do, and teach His word. Because of our operational model, I spend little to no time with fundraising, and instead am able to focus on developing people, writing, and classroom teaching. I am thankful for the freedom I have in that role, and am especially thankful for the many faithful men and women who labor so diligently at Tyndale. I am also blessed to serve as a pastor, along with two other godly men, of Tyndale Bible Church in Hurst, Texas. We are a small local body, casual in alot of ways, but very serious in how we handle the word of God (teaching verse by verse).

2.) How did you first became acquainted with Presuppositional apologetics?  Who was your big influence?

I was blessed to have been raised by parents who taught me to love the Lord and to diligently study His word. So from an early age, and by applying a grammaticalhistorical hermeneutic (without realizing there was even such a thing, of course) I was able to arrive at a few important theological conclusions. First, I became convinced that God, as the Creator was completely sovereign, and that there was nothing out of His control.  Second, I perceived that there were different economies in the outworking of God’s plan, and that even though the way of justification has always been the same in every economy (always by faith in Him), I could see that there were some key distinctions – for example, between Israel and the church, between law then and law now, and between covenants God made with Israel and promises God made to everybody else.  So without really understanding the full implications, I was basically dispensational in my understanding before I understood that there was a thing called “dispensationalism.”  Even though there are a few areas that I believe dispensationalism has gotten things wrong, overall, I am comfortable with the term.  Third, I understood that thinking properly about God was really the basis of wisdom.  Romans 1-3 was clear enough that our problems are not merely mental problems, but they are spiritual problems that manifest themselves in epistemologic (and every other kind of) rebellion against God. For better or worse, early on I didn’t pay much attention to apologetics as a discipline, for two basic reasons: first, I leaned on the sufficiency of Scripture and felt like if I knew His word, I would be prepared; second, I was uncomfortable with (classical) apologetics’ appeal to the fallen mind, not seeing that as entirely consistent with what I was reading in Scripture.  Much later, a good friend introduced me to Cornelius Van Til. Through Van Til I discovered other presuppositional thinkers, but primarily in Van Til’s writings I found much more than presuppositional apologetics – I found the roots of a Biblical epistemology. Though there are many aspects of Van Til’s understanding that I would disagree with, he remains a key early influence in my process of working through a Biblical model for epistemology.

3.) How many years have you been teaching apologetics, theology and the Bible?

God in His sense of humor has utilized me in teaching His word most of my life – even as a kid. But it wasn’t until 1997 that I fell in love with the seminary classroom format.  Teaching at Tyndale and also at Southern Bible Institute (Dallas), I was able to see the broad impact that could be had there. For example, I might be teaching a class with forty pastors in it. Those forty pastors would go out and teach thousands of others.  Great responsibility there for sure…

4.) I am fascinated with your doctoral dissertation through the Trinity School of Theology as it touches on Presuppositional apologetics and Dispensationalism. Can you tell us a little about what it’s about?

Well, that dissertation was titled Prolegomena: A Survey and Introduction to Method in Theology Beginning With Presuppositional Epistemology and Resulting in Normative Dispensational Theology. The project was the fruit of years of research and teaching in the areas of epistemology, hermeneutics, and theological method. In observing the connection between each discipline and their interdependence, it seemed reasonable that we should develop our theology with consistency from the ground up, rather than appealing partially to various traditions that are sometimes mutually exclusive.  In doing that work I recognized that presuppositionalism was more epistemology than apologetics, and should have a foundational role in theological method.  That work became the textbook that is now titled, Prolegomena on Biblical Hermeneutics and Method, and is pretty foundational in Tyndale’s curriculum. Tyndale and other schools use it as a hermeneutics text, but I think it is equally valuable for its emphasis on presuppositional epistemology.

5.) What led you to write your doctoral dissertation on Presuppositional apologetics?

As one who generally draws dispensational conclusions, I have observed that a good number of dispensational thinkers have built on foundations of other traditions, and often those traditions are not compatible with dispensational thought. I believed it was important for us to do our own work, and to be transparent about our methods and patterns of thought. By doing this kind of “self-examination,” we would be better able to identify inconsistencies and problems in dispensationalism.

6.) Are there other Dispensational Presuppositionalists or institution that advocate it from a Dispensational perspective that you are aware of?

Certainly. Probably the best known and most impactful is Dr. John Whitcomb and his associated ministries. He has been teaching preuppositionalism with such simplicity for many many years. His is a fine example of speaking the truth in love. There are many other dispensational thinkers, I would expect who would lean toward presuppositionalism, because it is both necessary for and most consistent with dispensational thought. But Dr. Whitcomb is a dear and faithful example, to be sure.

7.) Tell us about your book on Ecclesiastes, and how it touches on worldview and Christian apologetics.

Midway through my Ph.D studies in philosophy (University of North Texas), I was teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes at Tyndale Bible Church, and at the same time was teaching philosophy at UNT. I had never before considered those two disciplines concurrently, and in so doing I realized that Solomon was answering every philosophical system that would come after him. I couldn’t resist the temptation write this book, which is an odd admixture of expositional commentary on Ecclesiastes and introduction to philosophy. Essentially the book is an introduction to philosophy through the critical perspective of Solomon. The punchline is that Solomonic epistemology is presuppositional, that the other systems represented (primary readings are included in the book) are incompatible with the Biblical framework, and that in Solomon’s estimation, God’s way is just…well, better. Lots better.

8.) For those who wish to make a contribution towards advancing Presuppositionalism, what would you like to see a thesis written on? 

I would like to see us focus more on presuppositionalism as an epistemology rather than as an apologetic. The scope of apologetics – at least Biblically defined –is very limited (e.g., 1 Pet 3:15), and sometimes it seems like we are halfheartedly doing philosophy in the name of apologetics. This “partial” work engages some areas of philosophy, but not others. In some ways, secular philosophy is more transparent and consistent in that it engages across disciplinary boundaries for a more comprehensive approach. Its time we put on our big boy pants, and move beyond apologetic boundaries. I believe the Bible presents a superior comprehensive approach, and I would like for us to engage every area of philosophy on the grounds of Biblical epistemology.

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Thesis: Jesus the Presuppositional Apologist: Implications for apologetics from Luke 20

Here is a ThM. thesis attempting to defend Presuppositionalism exegetically by a Dispensational Calvinistic Presuppositionalist.

The TREN page for this is here.

Below is the abstract.

 

The table of content.

The thesis is an attempt to give some Scriptural support in terms of the tactics that Presuppositionalism uses by observing how did Jesus engage in apologetics in Luke 20, which was Jesus’ intense debate during the last week of His life.

 

 

 

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Interview with a Calvinistic Dispensational Presuppositionalist: George Zemek

<Note: By being interviewed here on Veritas Domain, readers must understand that Dr. George Zemek does not necessarily endorse or have any association with the conviction of this blog, the opinions of individual contributors of this blog nor an endorsement or association of any other external links and resources provided here on Veritas Domain.>

In yesterday’s post, we shared an important doctoral dissertation defending Van Til’s apologetics exegetically by George Zemek.  Dr. Zemek has been kind enough to answer briefly some of the questions we have for him.  He holds an MDiv, ThM and ThD all from Grace Theological Seminary.  Currently he is the academic dean at The Expositor’s Seminary, which webpage has the following biographical information about him:

Dr. Zemek is the Academic Dean of The Expositors Seminary. In 1975, he began his teaching career in the Greek department at Grace College. During that period he also served as a part-time instructor in the Homiletics department of the seminary. From 1977 to 1988, Dr. Zemek was a full-time professor of biblical languages, theology, and apologetics, serving also as Grace Seminary’s Director of Doctoral Studies from 1985-1988. Beginning in 1988, he taught the biblical languages, apologetic methodology, and theology, for six years at The Master’s Seminary in Sun Valley, California. In 1994, Dr. Zemek became the founding Pastor-Teacher and professor, respectively, of Grace Bible Church and The Ministry Training Center in Brandon, Florida. From 2000 – 2009 he served as the Dean of The Ministry Training Center at The Bible Church of Little Rock in Arkansas, where he also served as an elder and Pastor to Seniors and Shut-ins. Beginning in the fall of 2009 he moved to the Jupiter campus of the seminary to serve full-time as Academic Dean, Professor, and Scholar-in-Residence of The Expositors Seminary. He and his wife Judy have been married for over 40 years and currently reside in Jupiter.

The following questions are in bold, with Dr. Zemek’s answer in normal font.

1.) Describe your current ministry to the Lord.

I am currently serving as Academic Dean and Resident Scholar at The Expositors Seminary on the hub campus of Grace Immanuel Bible Church where I also minister as one of the elders.

2.) How did you first became acquainted with Presuppositional apologetics?  Who was your big influence?

As background, I need to briefly give you a bit of data pertaining to your questions 2 and 6. Probably my greatest prompter of interest in presuppositionalism was Dr. John C. Whitcomb, Jr. in a Grace Seminary course on Evidences and Apologetics. 

3.) I believe that your dissertation should be known by the greater community of believers who practice Presuppositional apologetics, especially in harnessing exegetical support for this school of apologetics.  What led you to write your doctoral dissertation on Presuppositional apologetics?

We read quite a few of Van Til’s works which I enjoyed but found them to be a bit too philosophical. So I started to think about the best way to “defend” presuppositionalism and came to the conclusion that it was to rely exclusively on the self-authenticating, all sufficient Word as wielded by the Spirit who gave it and supernaturally effectuates it.

4.) How many years have you been teaching apologetics and theology?

I also taught my course in “Christian Apologetical Methodology” at Grace Seminary until 1988, then at The Master’s Seminary from 1988-1994, at ministry training centers in two churches from 1994-2007, and now at The Expositors Seminary. In answer to your question, I’ve been teaching theology for nearly 40 years and apologetical methodology a good share of that time also.

5.) Some see Presuppositional apologetics as being the apologetics method of Covenantal theology only, give it’s root.  Do you think Presuppositional apologetics is compatible with Calvinistic Dispensationalism, and if so, explain.

It may seem historically and traditionally shocking, but I don’t see any necessary connection between Covenantal theologies and Dispensational theologies with respectively presuppositionalist or verificationalist methodologies. For example, consider Sproule, Gerstner, and Lindsey’s Classical Apologetics and my review of it in the Grace Theological Journal, 7:1 (Spring 1986). They jump track with their Reformed theological heritage when it comes to apologetical methodology.

 To me what constitutes an exegetical theological presuppositionalist is one who consistently applies the doctrines of God’s sovereign grace to his apologetical methodology; hence, my dissertation, Exegetical and Theological Bases for a Consistently Presuppostitional Approach to Apologetics; and two of my books, A Biblical Theology of the Doctrines of Sovereign Grace: Exegetical Considerations of Key Anthropological, Hamartiological and Soteriological Terms and Motifs, and Doing God’s Business God’s Way: A Biblical Theology of Ministry.

6.) Did others at Grace Theological Seminary at one time taught or subscribed to Presuppositional apologetics?

Years before I wrote my dissertation Charles Horne had written one at Grace Seminary that also defended presuppositionalism; however, he took a different tack.

7.) For those who wish to make a contribution towards advancing Presuppositionalism, what would you like to see a thesis written on?

I don’t think it’s possible to over-emphasize the noetic effects of sin on man’s inability to process spiritual realities (e.g., Rom 1:28; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 4:17-18; etc). Also, the last word has not been written on the perspicuity of general revelation (Rom 1:20) yet in view of the impossibility of it becoming salvific because of the characteristic and habitual suppression of it by mankind (Rom 1:18). In another area, the significance of the Testimonium Spiritus Sancti Internumalong with the Reformation Solas screams against those who would detour when it comes to apologetical methodology. This truth is the only means of overcoming the probability plague of all verificationalist systems (their arguments can never rise to the level of certitude).

Before I forget, I want to apprise you of a recently released volume from the pen of a former student, Biblical Apologetics, by Clifford McManis—it’s a must read!

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Dissertation supporting Presuppositional Apologetics: Exegetical and Theological Bases for a Consistently Presuppositional Approach to Apologetics by George J. Zemek Jr.

As I have said previously before here on Veritas Domain, I think the biggest contribution that Calvinistic Dispensationalists have made towards Presuppositional apologetics has been the exegetical project to establish the exegetical underpinning for this apologetic methodology.  This being the case, I hope that the doctoral dissertation that I’m bringing readers attention to would allow the larger world of Presuppositionalists (many who are more Covenantal in their theology) to be aware of this contribution.  I do believe that this dissertation is a little known treasure for the cause of Presuppositional apologetics.

This dissertation was written in 1982 by a doctoral student of Theology at Grace Theological Seminary, titled, Presuppositional Apologetics: Exegetical and Theological Bases for a Consistently Presuppositional Approach to Apologetics.  The student, George Zemek, has gone on to teach in various setting in theological education from various Bible institutes, The Master’s Seminary and eventually where he is at now, The Expositor’s Seminary.  Of course throughout this time he has also taught Presuppositional apologetics to many believers.

If you would like to track down this thesis at the nearest theological library near you, click on this link to World Cat, of if you want to get a hard copy for yourself, it’s available through Theological Research Exchange Network.

Here is the binding that shows the title:

Below is the abstract.  As you can see, George Zemek is interested in defending exegetically a distinctively Van Tillian approach towards apologetics.

Note the table of contents begins with an introductory chapter, then one on an epistemological life line followed by the third chapter on hamartiological complication.

Then a chapter on Soteriological Theocentricity…

Efficient Provision and Theological Reflections

Followed by a Summary-Conclusion and appendixes.

If the chapters interests you, and you are into Presuppositional apologetics, I think the sub-sections within each chapter should also heighten your curiosity!

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John Frame on Dispensational Successors to Van Til

As it was previously announced, beginning today on September 17th, 2012 is the kickoff for our blog’s marathon series focusing on Calvinistic Dispensationalists who are Presuppositional in their apologetics.  The desire for this marathon series began when I noticed that there is a stream of Dispensationalists who subscribed to Van Til’s apologetics, though it seems that very little is mentioned about this camp of Presuppositionalists by others who are more Covenantal in their theology.  The only exception to this that I have been able to find in the literature is from John Frame, who in his chapter on “Van Til’s Successors,” in his work Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of his Thoughts he wrote the following:

Van Til’s influence has been felt beyond his basic Reformed constituency.  Some dispensational theologians have been attracted to his ideas. John C. Whitcomb taught Van Tillian apologetics for many years at Grace Theological Seminary.  At Dallas Theological Seminary, Stephen Spencer taught from a Van Tillian perspective courses that were taught by Norman Geilser, an evangelical Thomist. (Page 394-395)

That statement was published in 1995 which was 17 years ago.  I think that much more can be said about Dispensational Van Tillians after all these years with more than one paragraph.  Nevertheless I am thankful that John Frame has brought the attention to his readers that there is some kind of Van Tillian influence among some circles of Dispensationalists.  Lord willing, I hope in the future that either I or someone else would write some kind of brief historical theology delineating how Van Til’s idea made it’s impact within Dispensational circles.  But for now, I think this marathon series would suffice for the time being!

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Book Review and Free PDF: Profiting from the Word of God by A.W. Pink

Spiritually uplifting book. Challenges the readers to profit from the Word of God. The running theme is that the reading of the Word of God ought to change our lives, and that reading the Bible should not just be an academic exercise to add more intellectual contents to our minds. I would say this is probably my favorite work by Pink. Some of the points he made include the observation that a profitable reading of the Word of God ought to make us hate sin more, love Him more and desire to be obedient.

You can read the PDF of this book by clicking HERE.

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Presuppositional apologetics links: Mid-September 2012

Here are the links around the internet that would be of interests to those who appreciate Worldview/Presuppositional/Van Tillian apologetics.  Enjoy!  If there are other links feel free to share!

1.) Understanding Worldviews: Or Why You are More than a ‘Liberal’ or a ‘Conservative’

2.) Atheists and the Obvious

3.) The Recent Rise of Covenantal Apologetics Part 8: The Internet

4.) Passion in Apologetics

5.) Trust the Great Logos and Avoid Impure Religion

6.) Believing Contradictions

7.) Will Bill Nye Publicly Debate an Answers in Genesis Scientists?

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Is Evolution Scientific? By Greg Bahnsen

Two part apologetics lecture by Greg Bahnsen.  It’s incredible to consider how much Dr. Bahnsen produced in terms of apologetics lectures, articles and books in his short life.  May this be a blessing.

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