Confident in conversation

The Command of 1 Peter 3 v 15-16 seems reasonable enough:

always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…

But the reality, at least for me is always a little more flustered. My problem is that often I have too many answers - attacking the question from different sides! Where do I start?

That's where Chris Sinkinson's latest book is a real God-send (via IVP!). Confident Christianity is a breezy survey of the many faces of apologetics that makes real sense of all the competing approaches that we are offered. The concise chapters look at and compares the various merits of different approaches to how we answer questions, and applies them to some key questions that are raised.

I loved the helpful chapters overviewing Philosophy, Archaeology and "presuppositional apologetics". It put together for me (for the first time), the different ways these arguments can be helpful, and, crucially, when they are best deployed. The tone throughout is not judgmental over any particular approach, but seeks to ark the thinking Christian with a better understanding of how arguments work, and how to use them to lead people to Christ. It is robust and scholarly, but very accessible and applied.

And Chris understands the limits of apologetics. Because no-one can ever be argued into the Kingdom of God. But careful and caring answers are of real value in removing roadblocks to faith, in our own lives as well as in others. A right rivetting read. Check back later for a great deal ...