Nonfiction Review: Expository Apologetics

In his book on Expository Apologetics, Voddie Baucham Jr. rightly emphasizes the importance of always leading our discussion and debate partners back to the gospel. Baucham gives a thorough treatment of Romans 1 and 1 Peter 3, reminding the reader that the Bible and general apologetics are meant for all, not just the high-minded intellectual - and that what man (who has rejected God) will always really need is salvation. "The wrong way is to assume that man's greatest need is information. The right way is to remember that man's greatest need is illumination."

However, while Baucham certainly encourages more intellectual discussion leading to the declaration of the gospel, his own methods presented seem to focus on using Biblical presuppositions - something that might remind the reader of evangelist Roman Road-type methods. Baucham implies that departing from the Bible is akin to becoming like the fool, and he uses Paul's question and answer style in Romans and Acts as examples.

Baucham writes, "We must remember that men believe in God, and that they suppress that belief in unrighteousness. We must remember that our goal is to know what we believe and why we believe it, and to be prepared to communicate that in a natural, cogent, winsome manner." Therefore, we have here a course for those who might need to respond to those who would use the Bible against itself. But the reader might also remember on her own that not all unbelievers will recognize this, and not all conversations will be solely about defining what Christians believe. Baucham's own example (his response to homosexuality) comes across as simple, tired and insufficient (and it's the only example he gives).

Readers will get more from the author's exposition on major Scripture passages than they will get in actual examples and help for the defense of the Christian faith in everyday life.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review