COVENANTAL APOLOGETICS by K. Scott Oliphint

About the Author

K. Scott Oliphint (Ph.D. Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

Brief Summary

Scott Oliphint seeks to update and apply Cornelius Van Til’s presuppositional approach to apologetics. Specifically, Oliphint offers to replace the philosophy-heavy connotations of “presuppositional apologetics” with the biblical and theological-heavy associations of “covenantal apologetics.” Oliphint also sees too much focus on the principles of Van Til’s methodology and not enough on its application to real life scenarios. Employing fictional dialogues between a covenantal apologist and his non-Christian interlocutors, Oliphint addresses a selection of contemporary debate topics throughout the book.

Table of Contents

Foreword by William Edgar
Acknowledgements
Introduction

1. Always Ready
2. Set Christ Apart as Lord
3. Proof to All Men
4. We Persuade Others
5. We Destroy Arguments: the Achilles’ Heel
6. Walk In Wisdom toward Outsiders
7. You are Very Religious

Conclusion
Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index

Summary

Chapter 1: Always Ready

Oliphint begins with a broad-based biblical exposition of the fundamentals of a covenantal apologetic. Although each situation calls for differing responses, the principles supporting those responses should not change. Oliphint uses the image of a fenced plot to explain how biblical principles set certain limits on how we seek to engage unbelievers with the gospel.

Christian Truth

From a Christian viewpoint, truth is covenantal. Oliphint uses the creation and fall of Adam as the context in which truth comes …

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