Christian apologetics refers to the branch of Christian theology which defends the Christian faith against objections. There are a multitude of forms in which Christian apologetics can take, and many individuals have taken differing approaches over the years, from talking to people on the street, writing books, and today, doing apologetics on television, radio, or the internet. The word apologetics comes from the original Greek apologia, or a “formal verbal defense.”
There are several distinct styles to Christian apologetics, all offering their unique focus on defending the faith. The major ones can be broken into the following categories: historical/legal branch, presuppositional apologetics, philosophical apologetics, prophetic apologetics, doctrinal apologetics, Bible Scripture-based apologetics, moral apologetics, and scientific apologetics. There are more than a dozen major colleges and universities that offer Christian apologetic studies.
It’s in this spirit that our editors compiled this list of the best Christian apologetics books that offer all the information you’ll need to begin defending the faith. These titles are the most popular currently available on the topic, written by noted Christian thinkers.
Note: We only included the best Christian apologetics books with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 250 reviews.
The Best Christian Apologetics Books
Most Popular: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
Author/Publisher: Norman Geisler, Frank Turek
From the publisher: “To some, the concept of having faith in a higher power or a set of religious beliefs is nonsensical. Indeed, many view religion in general, and Christianity in particular, as unfounded and unreasonable. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek argue, however, that Christianity is not only more reasonable than all other belief systems, but is indeed more rational than unbelief itself. This volume will be an interesting read for those skeptical about Christianity, as well as a helpful resource for Christians seeking to articulate a more sophisticated defense of their faith.”
Top-Rated: Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions
Author/Publisher: Gregory Koukl, Lee Strobel
From the publisher: “In Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl will not only walk you through effective arguments to defend why you believe what you believe, but he’ll teach you methods for engaging in meaningful dialogue and debate.’
Best Value: Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies
Author/Publisher: Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Nancy Pearcey
From the publisher: “Mama Bear Apologetics is the book you’ve been looking for. This mom-to-mom guide will equip you to teach your kids how to form their own biblical beliefs about what is true and what is false. Through transparent life stories and clear, practical applications—including prayer strategies—this band of Mama Bears offers you tools to train yourself, so you can turn around and train your kids.”
Popular Expository: Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word
Author/Publisher: Voddie Baucham Jr.
From the publisher: “Aimed at preparing you to clearly and confidently defend your faith, Expository Apologetics sets forth an approach to apologetics that is rooted in Scripture and eminently accessible. Filled with real-world examples and practical advice, this book will equip you with the tools you need to think biblically and converse persuasively―offering unbelievers “a reason for the hope that is in you.”
Popular Textbook: Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
Author/Publisher: William Lane Craig
From the publisher: “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. 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.”
The Best Christian Apologetics Books – Best of the Rest
Urban Apologetics: Restoring Black Dignity with the Gospel
Author/Publisher: Eric Mason
From the publisher: “Urban Apologetics examines the legitimate issues that Black communities have with Western Christianity and shows how the gospel of Jesus Christ—rather than popular, socioreligious alternatives—restores our identity. Edited by Dr. Eric Mason and featuring a top-notch lineup of contributors, Urban Apologetics is the first book focused entirely on cults, religious groups, and ethnocentric ideologies prevalent in the black community.”
The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask
Author/Publisher: Mark Mittelberg
From the publisher: “Based on an exclusive new Barna survey of 1,000 Christians, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask presents compelling, easy-to-grasp answers to ten of the most troubling questions facing Christians today. These include everything from the existence of heaven to the issues of abortion and homosexuality, as well as the question of whether evolution eliminates our need for a God.”
Handbook of Christian Apologetics
Author/Publisher: Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli
From the publisher: “This title was voted one of Christianity Today’s 1995 Books of the Year. Reasonable, concise, witty and wise, Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli have written an informative and valuable guidebook for anyone looking for answers to questions of faith and reason. Whether you are asking the questions yourself or want to respond to others who are, here is the resource you have been waiting for.”
Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics
Author/Publisher: R.C. Sproul
From the publisher: “From the classroom to mainstream media, Christians regularly find their fundamental beliefs discounted by opponents who consider faith to be incompatible with reason. But in this apologetics primer, the late R. C. Sproul sets forth the core claims of faith to reveal just how rational Christianity truly is. Surveying the history and fundamentals of apologetics, this book demonstrates how reason and scientific inquiry actually support Christianity’s claims―thus equipping believers to defend the existence of God and the Bible’s authority.”
One Minute Answers to Skeptics
Author/Publisher: Charlie H. Campbell
From the publisher: “Could you use help answering atheists, skeptics, and agnostics’ top 50 objections and questions about God and the Bible? Learn how these and other objections and questions can be answered in this updated and expanded edition of One-Minute Answers to Skeptics.”
Faithfully Different: Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular World
Author/Publisher: Natasha Crain
From the publisher: “In Faithfully Different, author and apologist Natasha Crain shares how you can live out your faith with conviction, discernment, and courage. As the standards of our day mutate and devolve, Faithfully Different will give you the insight and encouragement you need to believe, think, and live biblically no matter what you face in these turbulent times.”
Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith
Author/Publisher: Douglas Groothuis
From the publisher: “In this comprehensive text, Douglas Groothuis makes a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism. Demonstrating how apologetics must be both rational and winsome, he addresses the most common questions and objections people raise regarding Christianity. After laying a foundation with the biblical basis for apologetics, apologetic method, and a defense of objective truth, he presents key arguments for the reality of God, a case for the credibility of Jesus, and evidence for the resurrection.”
The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An A to Z Guide
Author/Publisher: Norman L. Geisler
From the publisher: “In this comprehensive text, Douglas Groothuis makes a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism. Demonstrating how apologetics must be both rational and winsome, he addresses the most common questions and objections people raise regarding Christianity. After laying a foundation with the biblical basis for apologetics, apologetic method, and a defense of objective truth, he presents key arguments for the reality of God, a case for the credibility of Jesus, and evidence for the resurrection.”
Mere Apologetics: How To Help Seekers And Skeptics Find Faith
Author/Publisher: Alister E. Mcgrath
From the publisher: “In the spirit of C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, Alister McGrath’s Mere Apologetics seeks to equip readers to engage gracefully and intelligently with the challenges facing the faith today while drawing appropriately on the wisdom of the past. This highly accessible, easy-to-read book is perfect for pastors, teachers, students, and lay people who want to speak clearly and lovingly to the issues that confront people of faith today.”
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