Apologetics After Lindbeck: Faith Reason and the Cultural-Linguistic Turn

Postmodern challenges to the reliability of Christian belief have left many pastors and theologians wondering whether Christian belief should be rationally defended at all. Gibbs investigates this possibility by a case study of postmodern theologian George Lindbeck. Lindbecks modern classic The Nature of Doctrine is a prime example of theology that is both faithful to the church and highly critical of modern conceptions of faith and reason. Gibbss careful analysis of Lindbeck shows a way forward that embraces Christian apologetics while transforming it to answer postmodern criticisms of modern apologetics. The result is a sure confidence that the truth of Christian belief is reasonable even if not able to be proven. Not only is Christian truth shown reliable Gibbs argues that apologists can and should defend the reliability of the Christian narrative as the most beautiful and good account of the world as well. Apologetics after Lindbeck is a transformation of apologetics that calls the church to faithfully form Christians who can tell a beautiful good and true story of the grace of Jesus Christ. Apologetics after Lindbeck is a timely and much-needed contribution to apologetics literature. Gibbss emphasis on aesthetics is particularly welcome. The books formed accessible and engaging prose should lend itself well to both the classroom and scholarly libraries. --Brent Waters Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary The story of post-liberal theology after George Lindbeck has been surprising. Nowhere has this been truer than with respect to the place of apologetics . . . Apologetics after Lindbeck provides much-needed critical orientation for readers. Gibbs is a wise guide for theological pilgrims who are traveling the road charted by Lindbeck and other theologians in the post-liberal tradition. --Michael G. Cartwright University of Indianapolis Jeremiah Gibbs (PhD Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary) is University Chaplain and Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Indianapolis.