Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction Paperback – February 1, 1994

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A brief look at the essence of presuppositional apologetics may make one think that this approach will not go too far since those who have a different presupposition will most likely immediately say, "Well, you have your own presupposition and I have mine. End of the story. Good bye!" Another reason why one might think twice before applying this apologetic method is considering the circular nature, narrow and broad, of the presuppositional arguments. Yet another critique that is covered also in the Appendix from the so-called Ligoniers Group by Sproul, Gestner and Lindsey says presuppositional apologetics is irrational. In answering these objections, first, instead of stopping at the conclusion that each one has his or her own presupposition, even though it might be true, further steps need to be taken, which are the meat of this book. These steps involve laying out the arguments why a biblical presupposition is the most rational and corresponds to the truth of the realities we face everyday in the world, which Prof. Frame divides into three sections; the proofs, the defense and the offense; the latter involves exposing the irrationality and inconsistencies of non-biblical presuppositions resulting from the fallen human nature that resists divine revelation in conscience, nature, universe and the Scriptures and so consequently, embraces an autonomous self presupposition. In answering the charge of circularity, Prof. Frame correctly responds that every argument, even that given by classical or traditional apologetics, in the end is inevitably circular, though it may not be explicit due to the broadly circular nature of it. It eventually returns to a fundamental assumption or believe that one embraces; an ultimate presupposition, a basic heart commitment or an ultimate trust, as Prof. Frame calls it (p. 6).These answers to the first two objections themselves to me are adequate to cover the Ligoniers authors' charge of irrationality as well. But Prof. Frame goes extra miles by exposing the weaknesses of evidentialism, particularly that promoted by the Ligoniers authors. The one that is most alarming is the argument of neutrality, the implied denial of the natural hostility toward God of the natural men, "the lack of seriousness in the application of the doctrine of depravity to apologetics" (p.235), considering these authors are modern day proponents of Reformed Theology. Prof. Frame rightly asks, "Seriously now, is this [the idea of natural men being sincere seekers after truth] a doctrine of depravity worthy of Calvinists?" (p.235).What Prof. Frame is promoting in this book is a biblical presupposition as both apologetic and evangelistic methods since he has a high view of the Scriptures as inerrant, inspired and infallible divine revelations. Despite robust and compelling arguments to support the case for presuppositional apologetics, however, it doesn't mean that it has all the answers, including the answer to the problem of evil. None of the apologetic methods does. Nevertheless it teaches the right response and attitude toward the problem of evil, again, on the basis of biblical presupposition. Here is what Prof. Frame writes,"My own verdict is that we are unlikely to find complete answers to all these questions (the problem of evil, pain and suffering) - answers which are not subject to further questions. But I do think we can provide answers in another sense. If what you want is encouragement to go on believing in the midst of suffering, Scripture provides that, and provides it abundantly (the best argument being the account of Job's interview with God). If you want help to go on trusting God despite unexplained evil, yes, we can help" (p.152).At first, presuppositional apologetics may seem pedestrian or even boring, but upon a deeper study, it is a more powerful argument than any apologetic methods. I am not saying it is more effective, but it is more powerful. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the apologetic method, whether it be used as a defense of the Christian faith or simultaneously as for an evangelistic purpose, does not depend on human effort or the type of approach one employs, but on divine influence. In other words, it is God who eventually makes the call how effective He would cause a particular apologetic endeavor to be; whether to the one "the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life" (2 Cor 2:16).

Professor Frame introduction to Apologetics has attempted to pull off the near impossible: appeal to the in depth theological student and the general Christian reader. He nearly pulls it off. His ultimate goal, providing reasons for thinking and explaining the reasons of a Christian's hope is done well enough. The general reader who is not as familiar with debates within the apologetic community or in some of the philosophical and theological concerns may find some of the material hard to follow.The nine chapters of this 200+ page book can be divided into three sections: a Christian theory of knowledge, historical and contemporary views of the apologetic method and topics in apologetics. Frame is a presuppositional apologist. That is, he is not neutral, nor does he believe anyone else is neutral in how they understand reality, or the Christian faith. Particularly Frame's view, that men are unable to understand, much less accept the Christian faith without an external, supernatural change in their life.The book makes the claim that it aims to clarify the relationship of reason, proofs and evidence to faith, biblical evidence and the lordship of Christ. Frame does this without relying on circular reasoning, and by showing that faith is reasonable and with evidence from the pages of scripture.For the general reader, even among the evangelical community, Frame's work will encourage and challenge them to see just how much personal autonomy in life compares to an understanding of divine sovereignty. Frame's argues that the Biblical position that nature and specifically the Bible are sufficient in of themselves to bear testimony about the work of God are only obscured by the direct denial of their affects.Of particular importance in this book, is just how Frame emphasizes the importance of mystery and faith in aspects of the Christian believer. Understanding that academic thought can often be severely limited by the autonomy of the individual, Frame is comfortable saying that at times we just don't know. His explanation of the mysteries of sovereignty are particularly helpful in regards to his discussion on the problem of evil, atheistic relativism and idolatrous rationalism.If the general reader can get past debates that seem unfamiliar to them, they can benefit greatly by understanding the breadth and depth of Christian apologetic thinking. The lay leader, the teacher, or even someone just wanting to be more educated about the Christian faith will find Frame's discussion on Apologetics as Offense, Defense and Proof quite useful.

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John Frame does an excellent job of taking you through the thought process to defend one's faith. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing the mechanics of presuppositional appologetics. Some books on the matter instruct on a, "if they say 'A', you should say, 'B'" However, if you want to be your own thinking person, frame is a good place to start. I can't say i nessesarily agree with him on his criticisim of the transadental method, but again, for a beginner on the matter, Frame is a good place to start.