Must Reads for the Budding Apologists...

I believe we as believers need to be ready to engage others about our faith.  In fact, 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) says to us,^"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect"

Apologetics does not mean that we are to apologize for the gospel.  It comes from the word Apologia which means to give a defense for our position. 

If you are new to apologetics perhaps you are wondering where to begin. Because there are so many apologetics books out there I think it would be useful to have a sort of "top 10" reading plan for  beginners.

Here are my top 10....

1. The Triology:

Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

All of Lee Strobel's books are required reading for two reasons. First, they are good introductions to the subject and provide a good overview of the material from some of the best scholars in their fields. Second, the writing style is very accessible, taking you alongside a journalist in his investigation of the evidence for Christianity. In this particular title, Strobel focuses on the life and identity of Jesus.  The second book is just as readable as The Case for Christ, but this one delves into the evidence for the Creator. The third book moves from making a positive case for Christ and a Creator to defending Christianity from some common criticisms and objections. This one deals with the hard faith questions such as the problem of pain and suffering and issues of doubt. I suggest all three of these by Lee Strobel as a great starting point.

2. Holman QuickSource Guide to Christian Apologetics by Doug Powell

This resource will introduce you to the wide landscape of apologetics by outlining, diagramming, and illustrating all of the key arguments for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, the beliefs of other world views, and common objections. This is very helpful in providing visual categories for the content you are taking in. This is also useful as a "primer" on the key topics and helpful to establish a bird's eye view. Illustrations of the ideas are also great for sharing with others what you have learned.

3.  More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell

This resource has been around more than three decades but it is still a helpful book to acquaint those new to apologetics.  It provides a good overview of some of the important aspects of the life of Jesus.  It is a book that explores areas where those who are skeptical about Jesus deity, his resurrection, his claims on their lives.

4. Relativism:  Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Francis J. Beckwith and Gregory Koukl

This book offers commonsense help to all who want to explore modern challenges to the Christian faith and its moral system.  A variety of angles are explored such as education, law, political correctness, and marriage among others.  I think it provides a solid critique of moral relativism.

5. Love Your God With All Your Mind by J.P. Moreland

In this book you'll be challenged to live a vibrant life of intellectual engagement with your faith. This is a classic book that every apologist should read.

6. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl
Information without application results in stagnation when it comes to apologetics. That's why it's time for a good dose of Tactics, which will train you not only to use apologetic content in everyday life, but it will also train you to be a better, more critical thinker. This is another "must read" book, and mastering its contents early in your apologetic studies will put feet to your faith.

7. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Mike Licona & Gary Habermas
The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christianity. This book equips you to understand and defend the resurrection from an historical perspective.  This is an essential book for the apologist.

8. Is God Just a Human Invention? And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists by Sean McDowell and Jonathan Morrow
Now it's time to look at some of the most common objections that have come against Christianity since the rise of the new atheism.

9. I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist by Geisler & Turek
Geisler and Turek have authored a great apologetics book that also takes a step-by-step approach to showing that Christianity is true—and it's filled with lots of information. This book will help to grow your overall general apologetic knowledge as well.

10.On Guard by William Lane Craig

On Guard has illustrations, argument maps, and sidebars which aim to make the material easier to grasp and engage with. This book will introduce the newer apologist to Craig's time-tested arguments for the existence of God and the resurrection of Jesus.