ePub A History of Apologetics by Avery Robert Cardinal Dulles in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. More of a historical survey as the title suggestsBy PrinceThe book serves more as a survey of the history/waves of different sorts of aplogetic methods/dogmatic theology/philosophy written at a scholarly level. But if you are a reader/person who thinks deeper and wants more; you will have to read detailed and specific resources. The author himself is a Convert to Catholicism but his writing appears to me not in any way biased towards Catholic theology. I was impressed by the author's hold and understanding of a topic that spans such a long period of time and is not an easy thing to discuss and write. Also he appears to go in details about the different writers/thinkers of French Catholic/German Lutheran/Protestant writings.I grew more in knowledge about how apologetic waves changed and took on a new mode during/after reformation and enlightenment and modern period. I would not suggest to read this book if you looking to learn about different methods of apologetic or even theology. Read it to learn about the different waves in the history of apologetic/theology in the last 2000 yrs beginning with the times of our Lord and the blessed apostles.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Overview of ApologeticsBy Matthew K. MinerdCardinal Dulles' overview of Christian Apologetics is quite thorough and deserves to be looked at in the present age. The task of apologetics is always one which presents much difficulty; for the relationship between faith and reason is one which always tries to maintain its balance while apologetics can sometimes tip the scale entirely toward reason while depriving faith of its gracious nature. However; when one is trying to truly define apologetics; it is most excellent to have a historic overview to see the true development of it throughout history. From this; one can then surmise the high and low points of apologetical work and then march forth in a more fully formed understanding of how the Faith is to be defended.I do not doubt that many readers will appreciated that Dulles does not approach inner-Christian polemic apologetics. Instead; he tries to retain a spirit of presenting it as a defense to the world and as a whole. History is littered with such polemic arguments between Protestants and Catholics; Catholics and Orthodox; etc. He does not deny that these exist but does not wish to even open that road up. He instead wants to outline the currents of thought in Christian apologetics to the world from various views.The footnotes for the text are absolutely wonderful. The reader is given the chance to see many different sources to further their investigation of apologists of their choice. I think that the primary aim of this text is just that. It introduces the reader to the generalities of apologists throughout history and opens the door to deeper investigation.Although it does seem that much of the East is not given heavy treatment; I cannot respond greatly to this; as I am not as familiar with the general currents of the Orthodox communities. Nevertheless; when it is possible; Dulles does speak of eastern theologians. Perhaps the role of Eastern theology since the break in the West would be helpful. It seems that Dulles concentrates on Protestant and Catholic apologetics only after that point.Overall; I suggest this text as a great introduction to the history of Christian apologetics. It provides a full picture from which the reader can proceed to further reflection.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy EturnbullExcelent book and of great interest