A few apologetics resources
The following are a few resources to begin with that can aid in the search for a deeper look into the validity of the Bible (and other Christian claims). I have read some of these, and referenced some, and others have been suggested to me. These are just a few basics...there are many out there. F.F. Bruce is a renowned, thorough, and researched Biblical scholar. Try searching online or in bookstores with the keyword search for "apologetics" or "Christian apologetics." Apologetics comes from the Greek apologia, and it essentially means "defense" or defending. So, in general, Christian apologetics sets out not only to defend Christian beliefs, but to answer critiques as well.
Here are a few basic read resources:
Josh McDowell (his "Evidence..." books--there are several)
Lee Strobel ("The Case for..." books--there are several here too. Like "The Case for faith," etc.)
Michael Green
More advanced research resources:
Kreeft and Tacelli's "Handbook of Christian Apologetics" (IVP, 1994)
***F.F. Bruce "The Canon of Scripture"***
Let me know if anyone would like more!
posted by Ash at 5:22 PM
3 Comments:
Ash,
I really appreciate your taking the time to post this. I don't currently have a blog, just a profile (I don't have alot of time, and my computer skills are mainly limited to power point, medical literature searches, and email). I plan to check out some of these books after I am done with boards (studying is currently taking most of my reading time). :)
My story is this, if you're interested - I was athiest for most of my life then became agnostic during college. I was studing science, and I figured, rationally, there is no proof of God either way so being agnostic made more sense. During this time I studied different religions in my spare time because I wanted to understand why people needed to have religion. I did get an understanding of how different religions came about and how they helped the group of people that developed them.
During my studies of human biology, I came to realize how amazing and complex the human body is, especially on a cellular level. I came to the conclusion that there is no way life just *happened*. I then believed there was a God out there but I didn't have any concept of who or what that God might be. I then spent a lot of time researching ancient religions (I figured the oldest one was probably closest to the truth).
In all my time I spent studying religions and even practising some of them, I didn't have faith in any of it. In medical school I really started praying for God to reveal himself to me, to help me find him somehow (I was not praying to Jesus, or even a Christian concept of God, just "God", whatever he/she was. I went to worship services of different religions. My conversion experience occured during a worship service in a bible church. It was there I was given faith and so I continue to follow Christianity. If the experience of receiving faith had occured during another worship service, I would have followed that religion instead.
Later on I came to an impass with my literalist friends - I had too much knowledge to look at things the same way they did, but I would not argue with them because I still think the worst thing you can do is try to mess with someones' faith. God works with people in his own way and I think you just have to leave it at that. Anyway, I had to move on from them but still keep my faith, which was difficult. I ended up joining a Lutheran church and going through affirmation (similar to Catholic confirmation).
I met my husband, who is Catholic, here in Tx. I said I would consider converting when we had children, and that is what I did. I really enjoyed the RCIA classes, and the priest we talked to was very knowledgable, kind, and down to earth. I consider myself a Christian, practicing Catholicism, and in a broader sense just a human being who, like the rest of us, is trying to do the best they can in an imperfect world. I don't judge any one else for seeing God in a different way because 1) it isn't my job anyway and 2) I spent enough of my time as a non-christian to understand.
Anyway, it is a pleasure to "meet" you and again, thank you so much for the resources. It is part of my nature as a scientist to try to find the truth, and I will enjoy reading works from knowledgable people who have still kept their faith. God bless!
Pathmom1,
Wow, thank you for sharing some of your story with me (and whoever else reads this blog)! :) I understand the busyness of life...and I hope your boards go well (talk about intense!).
Yes, these are good resources, and I myself want to pick up some of the "The case for ..." books and read those.
Though I am not a scientifically-minded person, per se, I am a very analytical person. I like the structure of things--so I enjoy language, math, and chemistry. I don't typically like to make decisions based on my emotions (which can become a "religious" habit), though religion does affect all of me! Especially meeting with the living God! Of course that's going to change my life.
In my opinion, a Christian is a Christian, whether or not we're episcopal, evangelical, or Catholic! We're all in the same family, aren't we, saved by the same gracious Lord. :) I'm thankful for that.
Well, pathmom1, it was good to "meet" you too! If you ever find the time to write a few blogs, I'll definitely check them out!
The Lord Jesus bless you as well. And Merry Christmas!
It is so wonderful to hear you say we are all in the same family. I really feel that we should focus more on what we have in common, not the little things we differ on. Thanks for letting me share!
Merry Xmas to you too. :)
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