Reviewed by: G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing major at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

Introduction

Title: Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World

Author: Paul M. Gould

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: November 6, 2018

Format: Paperback (with accompanying DVD)

Length: 240 pages

OVERVIEW

When someone mentions “apologetics,” many people think only about debates and reasoned arguments for the faith. However, the study of apologetics can go much deeper. Paul M. Gould shows how apologetics applies to using the imagination as well as reason to draw people toward Christianity. He considers Western culture’s key barriers to Christianity and how Christians can overcome these barriers to present their faith in compelling ways.

While many scholars have covered some aspects of how cultural apologetics works, Gould gives perhaps the most comprehensive view. He draws on a wide range of classic and contemporary writers, from Richard Niebuhr to Andy Crouch, to show how appealing to both truth and beauty creates a compelling invitation to faith. On top of that, his writing style gives enough details to satisfy academics and also communicates in a way that laymen can understand.

The accompanying DVD features Gould covering essentially the same material in lecture format, with some extra illustrations and a handy introduction on why philosophy is important. Audiences who prefer audio books will find it very helpful.

All told, this is probably the best introductory resource people can get on cultural apologetics.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Western Christians trying to understand how to reach non-Christians. Christians interested in working in creative or academic fields.

Christian Impact

Anyone interested in understanding their culture better so they can better share their faith should consider this book.

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