A few days ago I was asked what I think James White’s “field of expertise” is. I will not repeat my response, you can read it here.
So, how does the question and the topic of this post relate. As I read and reread Van Til’s Christian Apologetics (2nd ed.) I am reminded of James. How so?
As I noted in a previous post, Van Til defines apologetics as the “vindication of the Christian philosophy of life against the various forms of the non-Christian philosophy of life” (emphasis mine). As you make your way through this chapter, you quickly understand that Van Til’s apologetics springs directly from his theology and his theology is a unit (systematic). It is this system of truth we are to defend. Jesus and the apostles are not schizophrenic - a theologian in one arena and an apologist in another and neither of these disciplines meet.
James has mentioned numerous times the importance (especially in the field of apologetics and countercult ministry) of not being a one topic person. As you read his blog you know he isn’t.
Today he posted a response to Christopher Hitchens that is worth checking out, and worth evaluating your own theology and apologetic. Are you a schizophrenic when it comes to theology and apologetics?
