Persuasive Apologetics

Book excerpt: We cannot love others well without speaking the truth Loving our neighbors well includes engaging in robust conversations that destabilize false belief systems. In addressing the mind, will, and emotions of actual, complex people, Christian believers must develop various approaches to meet diverse personalities and multiple connection points. In Persuasive Apologetics, pastor and professor Jeffrey M. Robinson explores what's below the surface of intellectual-sounding objections to Christianity. He shows what it means to contend for the truth through real-life examples of communicating with those who hold differing beliefs. Robinson covers foundational and practical issues, such as • the importance of demeanor in being persuasive • various apologetic approaches • the influence of worldview presuppositions • using undercutting defeaters to expose faulty thinking • causes of nonbelief • the historical Jesus compared with figureheads of competing belief systems • the hope that Jesus offers Persuasive Apologetics will challenge serious seekers to peel back the layers of skeptical arguments and equip committed Christians looking to hone their apologetics skills.