Review of ‘The Gospel After Christendom’ | Chad Ragsdale

Click here to read the full article at RENEW.org: https://renew.org/review-of-the-gospel-after-christendom/  This is an audio version of a written Article from RENEW.org Check out other great articles on RENEW.org here: https://renew.org/articles/ I begin every semester of teaching my undergraduate apologetics class with a unit on “meta apologetics.” That’s a fancy-sounding phrase, but it simply refers to the study of the nature of apologetics. In other words, before launching into apologetic answers and arguments, time needs to be given to careful reflection on the nature of apologetics itself. In this unit, we discuss topics like the biblical justification for apologetics, the history of apologetics, the relationship between apologetics and other disciplines like theology, and the underlying assumptions of apologetics. I also introduce students to various strategies and approaches to apologetics including evidential, presuppositional, and existential apologetics. The point that I always make when discussing these different approaches is that strategy is always dependent on context. Apologetics done well and effectively must be deeply contextual. It requires that we actively listen to the questions and concerns of the skeptic before offering a response. Further, it requires that we are sensitive to the cultural context in which the skeptic lives. The aspiring apologist who has read a handful of books or watched a few YouTube videos can produce some fine-sounding arguments, but if she hasn’t taken the time to understand the context in which the defense of the gospel is taking place, all her arguments will land with the effectiveness of dissonant gibberish. Listen for more... Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Join RENEW.org at one of our upcoming events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW