Author: Christopher

By Christopher on Bible Difficulties, Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

Don’t Jump on Andy Stanley too Quickly (2015)

Don’t Jump on Andy Stanley too Quickly

By Norman L. Geisler

2015

 Recently (2/2015), Andy Stanley, well known contemporary Atlanta pastor, said that “The foundation of our faith is not the infallibility of the Bible.  The foundation of our faith is something that happened in History.  The issue is always, who is Jesus?  The Scripture is simply a collection of ancient documents that tells us that story.”

Some have jumped on Stanley for denying the infallibility of the Bible. However, at worst, these statements are unfortunate and incomplete but not explicitly heretical.  For, first of all, the Bible is not “simply a collection of ancient documents,” not in any absolute sense but only relatively as compared to Jesus as God incarnate.  At any rate, his statement as such is incomplete for the Bible is more than this.  The Bible is also the infallible and inerrant written Word of God.  But, as far as I know, Andy does not deny this either here or anywhere else.

Second, of course, theologically there is an important sense in which the Bible is the foundation of our faith.  For without it we have no divinely authoritative basis for what we believe.  However, Stanley is right in affirming that actually it was Christ, not the Bible, who procured our salvation by his death and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-6).  But this is not to say that the Bible in not an infallible written authority pointing us to Christ (Jn. 5:39).

Third, Andy goes on to say that he believes the Adam and Eve story, “not because the Bible says so, but because in the gospels, Jesus talks about Adam and Eve…. And if he [Jesus] believed they were historical, I believe they were historical, because anybody that can predict their own death and resurrection, and pull it off, I just believe anything they say….”  Some have jumped on Andy for this statement since they claim he doesn’t know this is true about Jesus except for the gospels.  However, this is not a circular argument since he is not assuming here that they are divinely inspired but only that we have good historical evidence that they are reliable. And if they are reliable, then Jesus’ affirmation is reliable when he pronounces that the Bible is more than merely reliable; it is the inspired Word of God (Mat. 5:18; Jn. 10:35).

In brief, Christ is the foundation of our faith ontologically (in reality).  However, the Bible is the only infallible foundation for what we believe epistemologically (how we know).  Historically, we have only reliable (not infallible) documents to support the claim that Jesus is God (and that he proved it miraculously) and, thus, he can be trusted when he affirmed that the Bible is the infallible and inerrant word of God. This is to say nothing of the fact that the Spirit of God confirms to us through the Bible that it is the Word of God (1 Jn. 5:9-11).

In short, Stanley’s presentation is theologically incomplete, but it is not technically incorrect. However, it would be wise to revise the statement that “the Bible is simply a collection of ancient documents” because It is more than a human book; it is divinely inspired. While at times Andy fails to clarify his contentions theologically, his main point can be verified apologetically as part of an overall argument from the evidence for the infallible Word of God.  This argument moves from historically reliable documents to the divine authority of Christ who (supported by miracles) affirmed the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture.  Of course, this is not the only apologetic approach that can be taken on the topic. However, this classical type apologetic method has been used for nearly 2000 years by Christ (see our The Apologetics of Jesus, Baker, 2009), the apostles, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, and R.C. Sproul.  So, with this approach, Stanley is in good theological company (see our Christian Apologetics, Baker, 2013).

By Christopher on Ethics, Resources

Options in Contemporary Christian Ethics

The Christian Love Ethic (2012)
The Christian Ethic of Love (1973)
Options in Contemporary Ethics (1981)

Updated in 2012 and renamed to The Christian Love Ethic

http://bastionbooks.com/shop/the-christian-love-ethic/

The older versions can still be found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Ethic-Love-Norman-Geisler/dp/B003800LPI/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331409120&sr=1-2

and here:

http://www.amazon.com/Options-Contemporary-Christian-Ethics-Geisler/dp/B000GSNUR6/ref=sr_1_57?ie=UTF8&qid=1331407772&sr=8-57

By Christopher on Classical Apologetics, Philosophy of Religion, Portuguese, Resources

Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (1999) / The Big Book of Apologetics (2012)

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An A to Z Guide (or “BOCA”) is a slightly updated (2012) and somewhat abridged version of The Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (or “BECA,” 1999). Some footnotes were updated. BOCA has 674 pages and BECA has 864 pages.

Available at: BakerBooks.com and Christianbook.com

Can you explain your faith?

In our pluralistic, post-Christian world, the need to be able to clearly and confidently explain why you believe what you believe has never been greater.

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics is a comprehensive resource designed to equip you with information to help you defend and explain your faith to anyone, anywhere. Examining nearly every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics, this helpful book

  • clarifies difficult biblical passages
  • clearly explains various philosophical systems and concepts
  • examines contemporary issues and challenges
  • offers classic apologetic arguments

It gives you the background you need to intelligently and persuasively talk about your Christian faith with skeptics and seekers in private or in the public square.

 

Available through Amazon or Alibris

Silver Medallion Award winner

Weighing in at 850 pages, the monumental work has become a standard text in the field and one of the most comprehensive single volumes on apologetics.

“This is a remarkable book in both breadth and depth. I anticipate that it will often be the first reference work I turn to, and I will encourage my students to use it both for the articles and for the bibliographies.”

—Winfried Corduan, professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, Taylor University, Upland, Indiana

“Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics is just what we need. Its author adopts a modern form of Thomism, defending classical apologetics. Yet this work is clear and true-a fine resource for every defender of the faith.”

—David K. Clark, Ph.D.; Director of the Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations, Professor of Theology, Bethel Seminary

“This is an extraordinary helpful resource. A superb job by one of evangelicalism’s premier scholars.”

—Charles W. Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries

“Nowhere will anyone find more apologetic information than in this volume. Time and again I was impressed with the sheer amount of data that Norm Geisler places at the fingertips of the student. This book will serve as the chief reference work in apologetics for years to come.”

—Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy, Liberty University

“Norman has done it again! He has compiled one of the most thorough and accurate apologetic works to date. The Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics gives us the tools to share our faith to a broken and skeptical world. It should be a part of everyone’s library.”

—Josh McDowell, author, More Than a Carpenter

“Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, edited by Norman Geisler, is not only a rich encyclopedia for reference but because of the author’s remarkable penchant for making abstract and difficult truths both comprehensible and applicable to daily life, the book has value to the whole Christian community. Everyone ought to own a copy of Geisler’s Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics.”

—L. Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

“There are only a few books I keep right next to my desk – and Norm Geisler’s Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics is one of them. I’m glad it’s a hardcover book, because it gets used all the time. Covering a range of apologetic topics, this is undoubtedly one of the most relevant volumes to come along in decades. I heartily recommend it.”

—Ron Rhodes, PhD; President, Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

“From one of the most knowledgeable minds on the subject comes this invaluable resource. I am grateful to Norman Geisler for giving us this great reservoir of information. I will treasure it.”

—Ravi K. Zacharias; President, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

“One cannot help but be impressed with the scope of subject matter and the thorough way in which each topic is discussed… This volume will be a remarkably helpful tool for anyone interested in these many topics relevant to the defense and understanding of Christianity.”

—Roy B. Zuck, Bibliotheca Sacra

“I can not say enough positive about this work. It is a great addition to the field of apologetics. And because it is so complete, it may be around for a long time.”

—Mal Couch, Conservative Theological Journal

Challenges to Christianity come from a variety of people and belief systems, and Christians are continually searching for the appropriate responses to critics of their faith. Yet until now there has been no definitive one-volume encyclopedia designed to equip believers for Christian defense against the full range of opposing arguments.

The Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics is such a work. This comprehensive reference volume covers every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics. Written entirely by leading apologist Norman Geisler, it stands as the culmination of the author’s life-long career and ministry.

The Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics offers valuable information and advice to a wide audience: pastors and Christian leaders, students on college campuses, those involved in counter-cult ministries-all Christians who encounter skeptics.

The author provides extensive coverage of:

  • individuals, such as Karl Marx and C. S. Lewis
  • general apologetics topics, such as the types of apologetics and the role of the Holy Spirit in apologetics
  • specific challenges, such as the relationship between science and Christianity and the reliability of the Bible
  • philosophical systems, such as nihilism and existentialism
  • philosophical concepts, such as the principle of sufficient reason and the principle of causality
  • biblical issues, such as the resurrection and the date of the exodus
  • contemporary concerns, such as the Jesus Seminar and post-modernism
  • perennial apologetic arguments, such as the problem of evil and the existence of God

The encyclopedia also features two indexes (subject and Scripture) that allow readers to easily locate the specific information they need.

 

Also translated into Brazillian Portugese:

http://www.apologia.com.br/?p=35

Enciclopédia de Apologética

Enciclopédia de Apologética

Norman Geisler

Editora Vida

Uma obra de apologética cristã é sempre necessária. Afinal, nunca o cristianismo sofreu tantos ataques vindos de todas as esferas da sociedade como nos dias atuais. Mas, quando essa obra é fruto de pesquisa de um dos maiores apologistas do nosso tempo e já tem alcançado o respeito e a credibilidade merecida no mundo todo, ela se torna imprescindível. Muitos conceitos antibíblicos cercam nossa sociedade. As pessoas abraçam idéias sem ter noção das conseqüências disso para seu futuro. Elas dão as costas à verdade e se inclinam para mitos e teorias que mais agradam aos próprios ouvidos. As religiões e os sistemas filosóficos oferecem de tudo em suas prateleiras. Está tudo aí:

• ateísmo;

• deísmo;

• ceticismo;

• agnosticismo;

• evolucionismo;

• relativismo;

• materialismo e muito mais.

Esta obra expõe esses e outros conceitos importantes que têm moldado a vida de muita gente. Além disso, expõe e apresenta soluções aos problemas levantados em relação à Bíblia que têm causado polêmica ao longo dos anos, dentre os quais destacam-se:

• Como a Bíblia pode ser inerrante se foi escrita por homens falíveis?

• A Criação apresentada em Gênesis 1 é contrária

às descobertas da ciência moderna?

• Como explicar as muitas “contradições” da Bíblia?

A Enciclopédia de apologética também responde às severas críticas a algumas das principais doutrinas do cristianismo:

• Os cristãos copiaram a Trindade do paganismo?

• Jesus é realmente Deus encarnado?

• A ressurreição de Cristo aconteceu mesmo?

• O inferno é compatível com a crença num Deus de amor?

• Os milagres são realmente possíveis?

• As profecias da Bíblia são genuínas ou foram registradas

depois dos acontecimentos?

Você também encontrará informações sobre a vida e o pensamento de pessoas que defenderam a fé cristã contra céticos e opositores. Dentre esses, estão:

• Atanásio;

• Agostinho;

• Tomás de Aquino;

• C. S. Lewis;

• F. F. Bruce e muitos outros.

Você também vai conhecer a vida e o pensamento de alguns opositores do cristianismo, como o filósofo Bertrand Russell, e de outros que contribuíram para pôr em xeque a ortodoxia cristã, como:

• Kant;

• Hume;

• Espinosa;

• Nietzsche e outros.

Nesta obra monumental, Norman Geisler oferece respostas convincentes à luz da Bíblia e da razão para esses pensadores e suas teorias. O autor está convencido de que o que alguém pensa sobre Deus, sobre a Bíblia e sobre a fé cristã vai determinar sua visão

de mundo e, conseqüentemente, sua vida pela eternidade.

Autor

Norman Geisler, deão e professor de teologia e apologética no Southern Evangelical Seminary, Estados Unidos, é um renomado apologista cristão. Escreveu vários livros, entre eles, Eleitos, mas livres; Introdução bíblica (ambos publicados pela Editora Vida).

webmaster on 14 out 2006 | Absurdo do ateísmo & Argumentos ateístas &Confiabilidade da Bíblia&Cristo ressuscitou? &Deus existe? &Livros recomendados &Pluralismo religioso &Problema do mal | Comments (5)

By Christopher on Book Review, Classical Apologetics, Comparative Religion, Evolution, Islam, Philosophy of Religion, Theism, Thomism

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

JJJudeIDoNotHaveEnoughFaithToBeAnAtheistByGeislerTurek__82984_zoom

 

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek

Crossway Books, 2004

Free preview at Google Books

Order the book here

Order the eBook here

Order the MP3s

Order the Audio CDs here

Order in Logos/Libronix format here

Translations available:  Dutch, Korean, Portuguese and Romanian

Translation in Brazillian Portugese: Não tenho fé suficiente para ser ateu

Não tenho fé suficiente para ser ateu

Norman Geisler

Editora Vida

Idéias com o objetivo de destruir a fé cristã sempre bombardeiam os alunos do ensino médio e das universidades. Este livro serve como um antídoto excepcionalmente bom para refutar tais premissas falsas. Ele traz informações consistentes para combater os ataques violentos das ideologias seculares que afirmam que a ciência, a filosofia e os estudos bíblicos são inimigos da fé cristã.

Antes de tocar a questão da verdade do cristianismo, essa obra aborda a questão da própria verdade, provando a existência da verdade absoluta. Os autores desmontam as afirmações do relativismo moral e da pós-modernidade, resultando em uma valiosa contribuição aos escritos contemporâneos da apologética cristã.

Geisler e Turek prepararam uma grande matriz de perguntas difíceis e responderam a todas com habilidade. Uma defesa lógica, racional e intelectual da fé cristã.

from http://www.apologia.com.br/?p=33

By Christopher on Problem of Evil, Resources, Theodicy

If God, Why Evil? A New Way to Think about the Question

If God, Why Evil?

A New Way to Think about the Question

Bethany House, 2011

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Outreach Magazine recognized
If God, Why Evil?
as the 2012 Outreach Resource
in Apologetics

“This is one of the most profound and yet simple books on the subject of the problem of evil. It provides fresh insights for scholars, but is easily digestible by nonspecialists…. Geisler deals with tough issues such as animal suffering and natural disasters.” –Outreach Magazine

Where Did Evil Come From? And Why Doesn’t God Do Something About It?

The problem of evil is perhaps the most difficult question the Christian must face. If God is good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? Can’t God put an end to murder, rape, and starvation? What about earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? Why couldn’t a perfect God have made a perfect world?

 

In this concise but thorough book, Dr. Norman Geisler carefully answers these tough questions, using step-by-step explanations and compelling examples. He walks the reader through time-tested answers but also provides a new approach revolving around whether or not this world is the “best of all possible worlds.” All this adds up to comforting news for believers: we can rest assured that God is both loving and all-powerful.

“Solid, insightful answers to difficult and intriguing questions that only Geisler could do. A must-read.” –Josh D. McDowell, Author/speaker, Campus Crusade for Christ

“This is one of the clearest, most comprehensive, and penetrating presentations on one of the most difficult problems that thinking Christians face.” –Ravi Zacharias, bestselling author and president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

 

“Norm Geisler has made a marked impact on the study of apologetics, contending for the remarkable gift of faith with which God has blessed His creation. Tackling one of the most misunderstood realities–evil in the world–Norm has shed the light of God’s Word in a clear and unmistakable way in helping the human mind to rejoice in the vastness of God’s love that will ultimately overcome evil victoriously. Your heart will be greatly enlightened and comforted as you read If God, Why Evil?” –Franklin Graham, President and CEO, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan’s Purse

 

“This small book by Norman Geisler concisely answers the big questions on the problem of evil. It is a ‘crash course’ that dispels confusion and brings clarity to this much-debated topic. Highly recommended!” –Dr. Ron Rhodes, President, Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

 

“This is classic Geisler-brilliant, incisive, succinct, convincing. He is one of the great defenders of Christianity.” –Lee Strobel, author, The Case for Christ and The Case for the Real Jesus

 

“For more than five decades, Norm Geisler has been an incredible blessing to the church, addressing and treating virtually every major issue in the philosophy of religion. In this volume, he wades into one of his favorite subjects–the problem of evil. He faces squarely the major objections from a variety of angles and provides a wide range of concise responses that are both profound and satisfying. Readers will encounter countless gems that make this volume a real treasure. I recommend it highly.” –Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty University and Theological Seminary

 

“No one deals as effectively with the philosophical problem of evil as does Norm Geisler. If God, Why Evil? is scholarship made readable for every thinking Christian. As usual, Geisler is succinct, profound, and fun all at the same moment.” –Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

To order the book please visit International Legacy orBaker Books.

 

Previews available: Baker Books | Google Books | Scribd

 

To order a high-quality DVD of the lecture predicated upon this book, please consider ordering either the DVD If God, Why Evil?from here or Overcoming Obstacles to Sharing Christ (2012) from International Legacy (here).

The lecture in MP3 format can be ordered here.

To see a lower-quality presentation of this lecture, please visit YouTube at http://youtu.be/D4_y9QcVMZk.

Also consider Dr. Geisler’s chapter on God and evil in hisSystematic Theology.

Also of possible interest:

9 Points for Preaching on the Problem of Evil

God, Dispensations and Evil
Book reviews of If God, Why Evil:

http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/2877916005.html
http://parchmentgirl.com/book-reviews/review-if-god-why-evil-norman-geisler/
http://www.apologeticsguy.com/2011/05/review-if-god-why-evil-norman-geisler/
http://jaredtotten.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-if-god-why-evil-by-norman.html
http://evanlenow.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/review-of-if-god-why-evil/
http://dwwork.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/if-god-why-evil-a-new-way-to-think-about-the-question-by-norman-geisler/
http://www.sweetdivamj.com/2011/04/if-god-why-evil-by-norman-l-geisler.html

By Christopher on Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics, Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, Genre Criticism & Historical Criticism, ICBI, Inerrancy vs. Errancy, Resources, Theistic Evolution

Defending Inerrancy: Affirming the Accuracy of Scripture for a New Generation (Baker Books, 2011)

DefendingInerrancyBookSm

 

Defending Inerrancy:
Affirming the Accuracy of Scripture
for a New Generation
Baker Books, 2011     book | ebook


“Defending Inerrancy is a much-needed work and one that will start an important and timely conversation. This is a book that cannot, must not, and will not be ignored.”–Al Mohler Jr., president , The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.     “In the following pages Norman Geisler, who contributed as much as anyone to International Council on Biblical Inerrancy’s [ICBI] original legacy, and William Roach interact with evangelical hypotheses that have the effect of confusing that legacy. They are masterly gatekeepers, and I count it an honor to commend this work to the Christian world.”–J. I. Packer from the Foreward     “In this superb volume, Geisler and Roach have demonstrated once again that the attack [on the Bible], though and old one, must and can be answered. Anyone engaging the culture needs to read this book.”–Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

By Christopher on Biblical Criticism / Higher Criticism, Biblical Studies, Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, Inerrancy vs. Errancy, Reliability of the Bible, Resources, Textual Criticism tagged ,

From God to Us: How we got our Bible (2012) & A General Introduction to the Bible (1986)

 

Versions

The original edition of From God to Us (or FGTU) was published in 1974 and has since sold over 78,000 copies.  It was an abridgement of the classic, >700 page book A General Introduction to the Bible (or AGITTB) by Geisler and Nix.  The 2012 revision of From God to Us was a major revision which helped bring the book up to date and also expanded it from from 255 pages to 412 pages.  The 2012 edition is available as a paperback and an eBook at:
ChristianBook and Amazon and Moody Publishers.

 

Description of the 2012 FGTU

From God to Us is the only book of its kind in print, covering the inspiration, canonization, transmission, and translations of the Bible. The Bible was written in multiple languages by dozens of authors whose lives spanned a period of more than fifteen hundred years. How did it all come together? Best-selling authors Norman Geisler and William Nix thoroughly answer this question and many more in this revised and expanded edition of a classic which has sold more than 78,000 copies. Helpful charts, photos, and indices have been added, rendering this book ideally suited for Bible students, pastors, and professors. Major topics addressed include: theories of inspiration, the process of canonization, major manuscripts and recent discoveries, textual criticism, Greek and Latin translations, and modern English translations. The entire field of general biblical introduction is covered.

Where did the Bible come from? How do we know the right books are in the Bible? Does the Bible contain errors? What are the oldest copies we have of the Bible? How do we know that the Bible hasn’t been changed over the years? Why are there so many translations of the Bible, and which one should I use? These are just some of the important questions about the Bible that are discussed in this book. Understanding basic facts about the origin of the Bible is essential for every Christian, but it can also be confusing and difficult. Here, two well-known scholars, authors of a more technical book, A General Introduction to the Bible, explain simply and clearly these basic facts. Inspiration, the biblical canon, major manuscripts, textual criticism, early translations, and modern versions are some of the major topics discussed. Careful explanations of important points are given throughout, as the entire field of biblical introduction is covered. Completely updated and revised edition of the 1974 work (more than 78,000 copies sold). Helpful charts have been added, along with an index of subjects, persons, and Scripture. This book is ideally suited for Bible students, pastors, and professors. While writing for readers without previous training, the authors do not gloss over difficult and complex issues when they arise. The nature of inspiration, the extent of the canon, and the usefulness of modern versions are all clearly discussed. The authors write: “The chain of communication from God to us is strong. It has several solid links: inspiration, collection, transmission, and translations. The strength of these links provide the contemporary Christian with the moral certitude that the Spirit-inspired original text of Scripture has been providentially preserved by God so that for all practical purposes the Bible in our hands is the infallible and inerrant word of God.”

Accompanying Lectures

Norm’s lecture series on the topic of “From God to Us” is available in video (MP4) format (with PowerPoint slide decks) either under the title of “From God to Us” or “FastTrack Seminary” at the NGIM store (visit http://NGIM.org). The lectures may also be available as audio (MP3) lectures as well. As of 2020, it is available here. 

Retirement and Revisions

The authors and publisher agreed that this 2012 revision of FGTU is the successor to A General Introduction to the Bible (or AGITTB for short).  We don’t expect any further updated revisions of AGITTB. You can probably still order a hardback copy of the 1986 version of AGITTB from Amazon. The older and outdated version of FGTU may still be available in paperback and Kindle editions here.

Errata

Page 33. In the table titled “Theories of Revelation and Inspiration” on page 33, there is one mistake in a cell of a table, on the row of “verbal inspiration” view (held by Warfield, Schaeffer, ICBI, and Geisler and Nix too) where “infallible but not inerrant” should instead read “infallible and inerrant.” This table was taken from the 1986 version of A General Introduction to the Bible, p. 190, which did not contain the mistake and helps to confirm that a mistake was made in editing. This mistake was found in the 2012 and 2013 prints of the book. Hopefully the publisher fixed this error after we reported it to them. The corrected version may be seen in yellow highlight in the image below:

Recommended Improvements by Steve Morrison

Between 2015 and 2019, Norm was very interested in using some of the meticulous research done by Steven M. Morrison, to improve AGITTTB and FGTU. However, Norm passed away before Steve’s research could be integrated. Hopefully in some future edition of FGTU we can at least include a new appendix that contains Steve’s recommendations. Until then, we will offer these recommendations in a PDF document here. While we cannot say that Norm approved of every one of these recommendations, we can say without hesitation that Norm was very favorable towards all of Steve’s research and recommendations and thus he probably would have approved of the ones offered here. Bill Nix also tended to be favorable to most of Steve’s recommendations. But since it seems that AGITTB and FGTU have been made immutable for the foreseeable future, we may not be able to include these updates in the books. If Bastion Books gets the rights from Moody Publishers, we may be able to include some of these recommendations in footnotes and appendices while taking pains to not alter any of the text by Norm Geisler and Bill Nix.

Recommended Improvements by Christopher Haun

Before Norm passed away in 2019, Norm Geisler told his son David Geisler that he hoped that AGITTB could be revived, revised, and republished and that he would like Christopher Haun to be the general editor. Christopher took his first seminary course on Bibliology with Norm as his professor and AGITTB in 1996. Christopher also assisted Norm with many projects related to biblical inerrancy (between bastionbooks.com, normangeisler.com, and defendinginerrancy.org) between 2010 and 2019. Norm mainly wanted the research of Steve Morrison to be incorporated into the revived tome. But Bill Nix and Barbara Geisler agreed that AGITTB should be made into an immutable reference work for posterity and should not be updated by anyone other than Bill or Norm. Barbara agreed that perhaps in the future a book like AGITTB or FGTU may have updates in appendices referenced by footnotes.

Christopher plans to offer some recommendations for how AGITTB could possibly be improved and updated here in the future. Chapter 30, for example, discusses various translations of the Bible but ends with the 1970 version of the NEB. One might wish for insights on newer translations such as NIV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, CEB, NET, etc. The corresponding chapter was updated in the 2012 version of FGTU. The various chapters that discuss canonicity, as an other example, remain excellent for today but are arguably a little stale. The current debates over canon have brought up additional points that arguably need to be addressed. (See Michael Kruger’s The Question of Canon for a good example of an update on this topic.) As a third example of staleness in the book, the section on “The Neo-Evangelical View of Inspiration” (178-180) settles for G.C. Berkouwer and Jack B. Rogers as the best representatives of Neo-Evangelicalism. While they are excellent choices for this, much has happened since 1986 in this area. (See for example Norm Geisler’s book Preserving Orthodoxy and Defending Inerrancy by Geisler and Roach.)