In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

In Defense of the Eschaton is an anthology of William D. Dennisons essays on the Reformed apologetics of Cornelius Van Til. Written over the course of Dennisons many years of study the chapters in this volume investigate Van Tils theory of knowledge revelation common grace antithesis Christian education and the history of ideas as well as examine key Scriptures to identify the redemptive-historical structure of a biblical apologetic method. In the end Dennison finds that Reformed apologetics must take eschatology seriously. According to the New Testament the believer has been transferred by faith in Christ into the final stage of history. As a citizen of heaven the Christian apologist must defend the eschaton of the age to come against the satanic attacks of this present world. For the cover: This marvelous collection of apologetic essays will encourage faith in Christ even as it sharpens the mind. --Douglas A. Sweeney Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Dennisons treatment is by turn powerful convicting and cumulatively overwhelming in its analysis. --Derek W. H. Thomas Reformed Theological Seminary Atlanta For anyone interested in faithfully and consistently bringing the intellectual challenge of the Gospel to our day this book is for you. --Stephen J. Wellum The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary This stimulating collection of essays presents a robust explanation and defense of Van Tils apologetic for the twenty-first century. --Joel R. Beeke Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Nobody can fully appreciate the discussion of presuppositional apologetics over the last century without taking Dennisons approach into account. --John M. Frame Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando Bill advances the discussion on all fronts deftly synthesizing apologetics and eschatology more ably than any other practitioner I know. --Alan D. Strange Mid-America Reformed Seminary For inside of book: The influence of Geerhardus Vos and Cornelius Van Til stands like a colossus in the story of the development of reformed theology in the 20th century. For me their contribution was defining. They figured hugely in my own education at seminary and beyond into a lifetime of ministry. Dr. Dennison understands their significance and his encyclopedic knowledge of his subject makes him a sure guide to their thought and its importance for the world and the church. --Dr. Liam Goligher Senior Minister Tenth Presbyterian Church Philadelphia Pennsylvania Undoubtedly In Defense of the Eschaton is an invaluable compilation of Dr. Dennisons Biblically faithful and insightful efforts in defense of the faith. With every expectation of our Lords blessing I commend to the reader the work of Dr. Dennison which is produced with scholarly excellence theological integrity and highlights topics that will no doubt advance Biblical theology united with presuppositional apologetics. --Harry L. Reeder Senior Pastor Briarwood Presbyterian Church Birmingham Alabama Cornelius Van Til has suffered the misfortune of either being dismissed or slavishly idolized. It is the merit of Dennisons work that although Van Til is definitely his teacher he is guilty of neither but in a clear and accessible manner illumines the profound issues of revelation common grace antithesis and Christian thinking that dominated discussions in the Christian Reformed and Presbyterian world of the 20th century. One need not agree with him (or Van Til) on every point to appreciate the significant historical/systematic service Dennison has provided in clarifying the Vos/Van Til nexus for a generation inclined to forget its own roots. This volume is a valuable contribution to making a fair and honest conversation possible which would be a refreshing development. --John Bolt Professor of Systematic Theology Calvin Theological Seminary Geerhardus Vos and Cornelius Van Til were among the most significant Reformed t