As one who awoke to the intellectual richness and cultural depth of the Christian worldview in the mid-1970s through the writings of evangelist-apologist-activist Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), I often worry that the next generation will fail to heed the challenge and receive the inspiration Schaeffer gave us through both his writings and his life of discipleship. Truth With Love is thus heartening because it winsomely explains both the rational and the relational apologetic of Francis Schaeffer to those who may not have otherwise heard the good news. This book is a revised doctoral dissertation, but one that succeeds in being both intellectually meaty and existentially appealing to those outside the strictly academic crowd. There are plenty of quotations and footnotes, as well as personal interviews with those who knew Schaeffer well. While such a well-documented book needs an index of names and subjects as well as a bibliography, unfortunately, it has neither. ~ Douglas Groothuis at DenverSeminary.edu.

Truth with Love powerfully demonstrates that while Schaeffer’s thought stands up to scrutiny, it is his distinctive style that enabled him to herald the Christian message with such compelling power.” William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia “More than a thoughtful assessment of Francis Schaeffer’s apologetics. An encouragement to Christians to love people around them and to bear witness of the truth of the gospel.” D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois “By skillfully and graciously responding to Schaeffer’s critics, Follis reveals how extraordinarily powerful and relevant Schaeffer’s ideas are.” Rev. Ranald Macaulay, Coordinator, Christian Heritage, The Round Church, Cambridge “The best introduction to Schaeffer’s apologetics. Follis captures the unity of commitment to the Christian message and a life that lives that message faithfully-a unity that characterized the ministry of Francis Schaeffer.” Jerram Barrs, Resident Scholar of the Francis Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Theological Seminary “The real Francis Schaeffer-Reformed apologist, youth evangelist, lover of God and of people-is here profiled and celebrated. The best appreciation of Schaeffer and his legacy yet written. ~ J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College.

Table of Contents

• • Preface  9
  • Introduction: Schaeffer in Context  11
  • 1. Calvin and the Reformed Tradition  17
  • 2. Arguments and Approach  31
  • 3. Rationality and Spirituality  61
  • 4. Academic or Apologist  99
  • Conclusion: Love as the Final Apologetic  131
  • Notes  173