The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics

(Hardback)

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Even after Christendom, our culture is fertile ground for gospel renewal.We need apologetics for the whole church tailored to this moment.

Since the fall of Christendom, Christians in Western countries can no longer assume their neighbors share basic familiarity with the Bible or even a sense for God. We now face a strange mixture of apathy and antagonism toward the gospel. Some people view Christianity as yesterday's news. For others, it's the source of today's problems. Lately, though, more and more are open to the idea that Christianity may be tomorrow's hope.

Amid these confusing and conflicting shifts, we need apologetics for the whole church and not just for those who enjoy arguing. Cultural apologetics can help uncover opportunities to proclaim the gospel as the only way to fulfill longings for truth, beauty, and goodness. Churches that embrace this approach can be strengthened and renewed as they demonstrate an appealing and convicting way of life that stands out in the world.

In The Gospel after Christendom, scholars and practitioners from the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics define cultural apologetics, explain its biblical and historical grounding, and demonstrate its importance for the church today. Their diverse viewpoints, united in the gospel, offer a balanced approach that can guide Christians to share the Good News with their neighbors in this challenging but exciting time.

With contributions from:

• Sam Chan
• Joshua D. Chatraw
• James P. Eglinton
• Skyler R. Flowers
• Rachel Gilson
• Collin Hansen
• Rebecca McLaughlin
• Ivan Mesa
• Alan Noble
• Gavin Ortlund
• Derek Rishmawy
• Daniel Strange
• Bob Thune
• Christopher Watkin
• Trevin Wax

Reviews

'Apologetics has perennially endeavored to persuade about the Christian hope. The best approach has been Cultural apologetics, meaning recognizing whole persons, their history, and their circumstances. This anthology introduces us in a superb manner to the need for the vindication of the Christian faith in a post-Christendom world. It a must-read for anyone concerned to explain the faith to outsiders and insiders alike in these perplexing times.' * William Edgar, professor emeritus of apologetics, Westminster Seminary *
'Christian witness requires, among other spiritual capacities, a kind of biliteracy. We must be fluent in the truth of the Scriptures and in our cultural contexts. The Gospel After Christendom is an essential primer in this fluency that enables powerful gospel proclamation, and I highly recommend its collected wisdom.' * Jen Pollock Michel, author and speaker *
'Cultural apologetics is not new; it retrieves a historic, holistic, and hopeful approach to Christian witness. This volume helps us reckon with the cross-pressures of our secular age, its apathy and activism, hubris and despair. These authors show us how to listen more carefully and testify more convincingly to the beauty, goodness, and truth that is found in Christ alone.' * Justin Ariel Bailey, dean of chapel and professor of theology, Dordt University *
'For many of us, the word apologetics started to leave a bad taste in our mouths, since it too often reflected Enlightenment assumptions and sensibilities while also generating a tone and attitude that seemed more combative than loving, more arrogant than thoughtful. Our apologetics must be holistic (head, hands, and heart), culturally informed, and gospel saturated. Consequently, I am especially thankful for this volume, which is both substantive and generous in content and tone. There is much here for all of us as we seek to give a reason for the hope that lies within us.' * Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College *
'In an increasingly unpredictable world, which throws up phenomena from 'culture wars' to 'vibe shifts,' Christians need more than ever to understand the deep currents at work in our culture. The Gospel After Christendom explains what cultural apologetics is, the various ways in which it can be pursued, and the kinds of big questions that it can address. Readers will find elucidating, encouraging, and helpful chapters from experts in a variety of areas who are continuing the legacy of Tim Keller in understanding, and speaking the gospel into, our cultural moment.' * Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, associate professor of history at Australian Catholic University and author of Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age *
'It's no secret that Christianity has receded significantly in the West. So what does faithful witness look like in this age Collin Hansen, Skyler Flowers, and Ivan Mesa convene the brightest Christian minds to offer theologically rich, biblically faithful, and pastorally wise direction to help God's people discern the times. Neither cynical nor naive, this resource will both encourage and challenge any believer who earnestly desires revival and gospel advance. Every pastor should have this book on his shelf.' * Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Seminary, author of several books, including, The Dignity Revolution, Agents of Grace, and the forthcoming In Defense of Christian Patriotism *
'Just like the weather, culture is changing rapidly, and Christians are quickly discovering how challenging it is to navigate the emerging cultural climate. The Gospel After Christendom is an excellent resource to help them chart a way forward. Drawing from a diverse group of Christian thinkers, it not only frames the key issues but also offers practical wisdom for cultural engagement. I encourage pastors and Christian leaders to pick up a copy and explore how Christianity can thoughtfully and faithfully engage in cultural apologetics.' * Stephen O. Presley, Ph.D., associate professor of Church History *
'The label may be relatively new, but from the time Paul first set foot in Athens, if not before, Christians have engaged in cultural apologetics. It is perennially necessary, but especially important for the church's witness in the West today. This book helpfully covers the what, why, how, and where of cultural apologetics with material that is fresh, insightful, and eminently practical.' * James N. Anderson, Carl W. McMurray Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte *
'This book is a marvelous primer in an age-old practice with a catchy new name: cultural apologetics. It takes us behind the arguments and proofs often debated by those assessing the intellectual merits of Christianity and explores the more basic, instinctual, imaginative, and affective lives of those seeking goodness, truth, and beauty. It offers a witness designed not merely for the head but for the heart and hands as well--helping us address the inclinations and assumptions of our post- Christian age and reorient our loves in the way of Jesus Christ.' * Douglas A. Sweeney, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University *
'What an outstanding guide to the practice of cultural apologetics! The Gospel After Christendom equips church leaders to live as wise cultural climatologists, adapting their witness to the unchanging glories of Jesus to face the challenges of ever- changing cultural contexts. The authors are well aware of the challenges of our current moment, but they do not give in to pessimism or panic. The result is a resource that is clear and yet kind, uncompromising but still meek, concerned with current challenges and still rich with hope.' * Timothy Paul Jones, PhD, C. Edwin Gheens Professor of Christian Family Ministry and chair of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *

Author Bio

Collin Hansen serves as vice president of content and editor in chief for The Gospel Coalition. He hosts the Gospelbound podcast and has written and edited many books. He earned an MDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an undergraduate degree in journalism and history from Northwestern University. He is an adjunct professor of apologetics and co-chair of the advisory board at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.