Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
Below is a comprehensive summary of Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig, a central work in contemporary Christian apologetics. This book is both an academic and devotional resource, blending rigorous philosophical argumentation with theological reflection.
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
Author: William Lane Craig
First Published: 1994 (revised editions followed)
Focus: Christian apologetics rooted in classical theism, philosophy, historical analysis, and biblical theology.
Purpose of the Book
William Lane Craig, a prominent Christian philosopher and theologian, wrote Reasonable Faith to equip believers with a rational foundation for the Christian faith. He argues that faith and reason are not enemies—faith can and should be supported by solid evidence and thoughtful reflection.
Craig combines his academic expertise in philosophy and theology with a pastoral heart, aiming the book at both students of apologetics and committed believers who seek to strengthen their trust in Christianity intellectually and spiritually.
Structure and Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Faith and Reason
Craig introduces the tension historically perceived between faith and reason. He critiques the view that faith is irrational and offers a model where faith is rooted in personal experience (via the inner witness of the Holy Spirit), while reason supports and defends that faith through arguments and evidence.
He proposes a two-tiered model:
1. The Existence of God
Craig defends the rationality of belief in God using several classical arguments:
Craig interacts with critics like David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and contemporary atheists, and makes a case that theism is more plausible than atheism based on reasoned analysis.
2. The Problem of Historical Knowledge
Craig addresses the skepticism surrounding historical knowledge, especially the historical reliability of the New Testament. He argues that:
3. The Problem of Miracles
Here, Craig examines objections to miracles, notably those raised by David Hume.
He responds that:
4. The Self-Understanding of Jesus
Craig examines the identity claims of Jesus, arguing that:
5. The Resurrection of Jesus
This is one of the central chapters in Craig’s apologetic method.
He builds a historical case for the resurrection based on three key facts:
Craig defends the historicity of these events and argues that the best explanation is that God raised Jesus from the dead, affirming His divine claims.
6. The Nature of Apologetics
Craig distinguishes between offensive (positive) and defensive apologetics:
7. The Absurdity of Life Without God
Craig ends the book by arguing that if God does not exist, then life is ultimately:
He contends that only theism provides a coherent framework for meaning, value, and purpose in life.
Core Themes and Takeaways
Impact of the Book
Reasonable Faith is considered one of the most influential Christian apologetics texts of the modern era. It is used widely in seminaries, universities, and churches. Craig’s combination of academic rigor and evangelistic passion has made the book accessible to both laypeople and scholars.