Handbook of Christian Apologetics — Not What It May Seem

May 30, 2007

Book Warning: ‘Handbook of Christian Apologetics‘ — Not what you may think.

The book, ‘Handbook of Christian Apologetics’ is said to categorize and summarize all major arguments for all the major Christian teachings. But be warned, this book is authored by two very dedicated Roman Catholics (Peter Kreeft & Ronald K. Tacelli). Of special interest in this volume is the unbiblical treatment of the doctrine of justification (salvation).

This book is published by InterVarsity Press (IVP), a division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). Most would categorize IVCF as evangelical in nature. However, after further investigation, it is very clear that IVCF and its publishing arm are decidedly ecumenical. IVP describes itself as “Broadly Evangelical”

As a division of an interdenominational ministry, InterVarsity Press does not emphasize or exclusively advocate positions of one denomination, theology or interest-group over another. Rather, recognizing that Christians equally committed to the Bible disagree on various topics, we publish across a range of evangelical positions. This intentional openness arises historically out of taking seriously InterVarsity‘s mission field—the university—which embodies a spirit of liberality that has traditionally characterized the search for truth while also encouraging sound reasoning and fair persuasion. In the case of InterVarsity Press, the Bible remains our standard while we humbly acknowledge our human limitations in understanding and applying it.

Notice this information on a past conference:

Exploring Common Ground II
Dates: Mar 5, 2004 - Mar 7, 2004
Hosted by: IVCF and the University Ministry Depts. of Lewis University and the University of San Diego

From the conference brochure:

“Over the past several years, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Catholic campus ministries at several Catholic universities have developed partnerships in ministry, with great benefits to both. In 2002, two schools with formal cooperative relationships joined in a conference to learn more from each other — Exploring the Common Ground.

“In 2004, Exploring Common Ground II: The Gifts We Bring to the Table will seek to foster increased understanding among Catholic campus ministries and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The conference will include nationally recognized speakers who will discuss historical, theoretical, theological, and practical issues in partnership. In addition, there will be a variety of prayer experiences, Bible study, small group discussions, and comments from current and former InterVarsity students who will speak about their experiences on Catholic campuses. Through all, we seek to recognize the gifts of the Lord and to share them with each other.”

This book is just one more testament to the level of deception in the Church. By the title alone, 99.99 % of all considering the purchase of this book would never have any reason to question its biblical accuracy. What’s more, one would never have any knowledge the authors where Roman Catholic. In most cases, this type of deception is intentional. God is raising up ministries like ours and others to help true Christians be more informed of the deception making its way into the Church.

Peter Kreeft

About the Author

Peter J. Kreeft (Ph.D., Fordham University) is professor of philosophy at Boston College where he has taught since 1965. A popular lecturer, he has also taught at many other colleges, seminaries and educational institutions in the eastern United States. Kreeft has written more than forty books, including The Best Things in Life, The Journey, How to Win the Culture Wars and with Ronald Tacelli Handbook of Christian Apologetics.

Ronald K. Tacelli

About the Author

Tacelli, S.J., is associate professor of philosphy at Boston College and has published articles in the Public Affairs Quarterly and Dowside Review.

Links of Interest:

http://www.sxws.com/cwrc-rz/thlarchive/thla-016.php

http://www.cwrc-rz.org/articles/article-001.php

http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/09/rome_hasnat_cha.html

Posted in Books, Doctrine, Catholicism, Ecumenism