There is a new apologetics book released this summer entitled “Understanding Christian Apologetics: Five Methods for Defending the Faith”. It examines five different methods defended by five different authors for doing apologetics: Classical, Evidential, Presuppositional, Cultural, and Ecclesial. Critiques are also offered for each method. I’m halfway through and it’s a good read for anyone seeking to understand and contrast these methods.

I must emphasize again that there is no “magic bullet”, no method and no argument that wins everytime. This is why an effective apologist must be familiar with multiple methods and arguments. As I’ve said before, apologetics is part science (knowing the methods and arguments) but mostly an art (knowing when and how to wield them). All of these methods are in my quiver. My apologetics toolbox includes:

• Ecclesial apologetics as a testimony (Matt 5:16)
• Cultural apologetics to impact the culture (Acts 17)
• Confessional apologetics to declare the power of the resurrected Christ (Eph 1:18-20)
• Classical apologetics to unmask the suppression of truth by unbelievers & strengthen believers (Rom 1:18-23)
• Evidential apologetics (including juridical) for credibility of the faith (1 Pet 3:15)
• Historical apologetics for argue for the truth of Christianity (1 Cor 15:3-8)
• Transcendental apologetics to drive competing worldviews to their destructive conclusion (2 Cor 10:4-5)
• Expository apologetics knowing what you believe and why, communicating the gospel in a natural, winsome manner