Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 19:2 (Spring 1976)
Article: The Inadequacy Of The New Evangelicalism And The Need For A New And Better Method
Author: R. Allen Killen

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JETS 19:2 (Spring 1976) p. 113

The Inadequacy Of The New Evangelicalism
And The Need For A New And Better Method

R. Allen Killen*

This article has not been written simply to criticize the vision and zeal of the New Evangelicals. The writer feels himself to be much closer to them than perhaps to any others who are attempting to face the problems of modern man and who start from a Christian standpoint. Rather, it has been written as a challenge, because we see the New Evangelicals as the one present viable hope. But it is our desire to encourage them to press ahead and develop a better methodology. Failing this, an entirely new movement is the only hope in our present apologetic crisis.

This article is divided into three parts. First, there is a brief study of five historical steps in the development of modern apologetics. This section would demand an entire book to do it full justice (I hope to find the time after my forthcoming retirement to do so, Lord willing). For the sake of brevity, I have omitted both the names of the leaders— except in two cases—and of their books. Most of you will recall enough about them to fill in some details of your own.

Second, there is a brief study of a “new method.” In it we have outlined an eight-point method of analysis and answer.

Third, there is an example of how the Christian answer can be developed.

I. The Historical Development Of Modern Apologetics

Let me first of all point out that the evangelical apologetic has three aspects: (a) defensive—it has a responsibility to maintain and defend our Christian position; (b) offensive—it has the duty of destroying mistaken and false positions and views; and (c) regenerative—one of the most important purposes of a good apologetic is to win people to Christ. Paul gives us a beautiful example of apologetics used in a defensive, an offensive, and a regenerative manner as he defends himself before Agrippa in Acts 26.

And now let us examine carefully five historical steps in the development of modern apologetics.

1. The Biblical answer. This was used by the early fundamentalists. It remains valid and important in our own time. Therefore, we ought not to jeopardize our own system of analysis by despising or rejecting the fundamentalists. They have much to contribute. We are actually

*R. Allen Killen is professor of contemporary theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

JETS 19:2 (Spring 1976) p. 114

carrying on the type of work that they did as we bring the Scriptures into focus and develop Biblical answers to man’s problems. ...

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