Perfect as a textbook yet excellent for lay readers, this updated edition builds a positive case for Christianity by applying the latest thought to core theological themes. J. Gresham Machen once said, “False ideas are the greatest obstacles to the reception of the gospel” — which makes apologetics that much more important. Wanting to engage not just academics and pastors but Christian laypeople and seekers, William Lane Craig has revised and updated key sections in this third edition of his classic text to reflect the latest work in astrophysics, philosophy, probability calculus, the arguments for the existence of God, and Reformed epistemology. His approach-that of positive apologetics-gives careful attention to crucial questions and concerns, including: the relationship of faith and reason, the existence of God, the problems of historical knowledge and miracles, the personal claims of Christ, and the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. He shows that there is good reason to think Christianity is true. As Craig says, “If you have a sound and persuasive case for Christianity, you don’t have to become an expert in comparative religions and Christian cults. A positive justification of the Christian faith automatically overwhelms all competing world views lacking an equally strong case.” ~ Publisher’s Description

“William Lane Craig is not only a world-class philosopher—widely recognized as such in the philosophical community—but he has been a leading defender of the Christian faith for over a quarter of a century. Reasonable Faith includes, in concise and accessible form, some of the best of the best of his thinking on vital areas of apologetics. Powerful, persuasive, and relevant, Craig demonstrates that central Christian beliefs, such as the existence of a personal, intelligent, and exceedingly powerful God, miracles, and Jesus’ Messianic claims and resurrection, are reasonable to believe and based on solid evidence. You won’t find a better book in support of the Christian faith.” ~ Chad Meister, Director of Philosophy, Bethel College; author of Building Belief

“It is hard to overstate the impact that William Lane Craig has had for the cause of Christ. He is simply the finest Christian apologist of the last half century and his academic work justifies ranking him among the top 1 percent of practicing philosophers in the Western world. Besides that, he is a winsome ambassador for Christ, an exceptional debater, and a man with the heart of an evangelist. I know him well and can say that he lives a life of integrity and lives out what he believes. I do not know of a single thinker who has done more to raise the bar of Christian scholarship in our generation than Craig. He is one of a kind and I thank God for his life and work.” ~ J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

Table of Contents

• • Table of Figures (9)
  • Preface to the Third Edition (11)
  • Introduction (15)
• Part One: De Fide
  • 1. How Do I Know Christianity Is True? (29)
• Part Two: De Homine
  • 2. The Absurdity of Life Without God (65)
• Part Three: De Deo
  • 3. The Existence of God 1 (93)
  • 4. The Existence of God 2 (157)
• Part Four: De Creatione
  • 5. The Problem of Historical Knowledge (207)
  • 6. The Problem of Miracles (247)
• Part Five: De Christo
  • 7. The Self-Understanding of Jesus (287)
  • 8. The Resurrection of Jesus (333)
  • Conclusion: The Ultimate Apologetic (405)
  • Index (408)