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Product Review Summary: Tough, but the book's not just for the educated elite. Scaling the Secular City is the best book I have personally read on the various topics debated within Christian Apologetics. Through the use of many examples and detailed explanations of different concepts Moreland is able to convey most of his points in a way that is helpful to someone with a limited education like myself. So in effect, while many concepts are difficult to understand for many people, the style and detail of the book allow a broader range of readers to benefit from reading it.
This book incorporates a wide range of arguments from different schools of thought. From mathematic, logic, and philosophical arguments to scientific and physical understandings of the body and the world around us, Moreland incorporates and explores in enough detail and variety to give every reader and every area of thought fair coverage. In defending the worldview of Theism, it should become apparent to readers that no single issue could possibly deny the existence of a God; it would take a corporate understanding of many issues to legitimately and honestly decide for or against a conclusion. Though tough reading at times (each chapter took me multiple hours to get through with a level of understanding) I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in any of the many discussion fields included in the book and for any person who wants to reach an honest conclusion to their beliefs rather than basing opinion on the mainstream of our media and culture.
Product Review Summary: Encyclopedia of apologetics This reads more like a reference book of apologetic arguments than an exegetical defense of Christianity, but as such it is a very valuable reference. Moreland focuses on philosophical and scientific arguments for God, pulling together most of the great high-level debates on the subject throughout history.
Product Review Summary: Great beginning Christian apologetics book. Starts from the beginning by providing several arguments for God's existence along with foreseen objections. Discusses existence of the mind/soul as well as the role of science in the church.
Product Review Summary: Climbing the Walls Moreland, and other recent authors such as William Lane Craig and Alvin Plantinga, seem to be aware of the anti-intellectual reputation of religion. Whereas Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, or the average televangelist regularly issues embarrassing pronouncements, the "new apologists," exemplified by Moreland, Craig, and Plantinga, attempt to provide sound philosophical arguments in favor of Christianity.
While this is an improvement over mere faith-based assertions devoid of checkable observations and evidence, I don't think these efforts have succeeded. Those who already are Christians will find confirmation for their existing beliefs, and maybe some arguments that might sway a weak or naive skeptic. Stronger and better informed skeptics will remain unconvinced.
The arguments in this and similar books tend to be based on premises that seem innocuous at first glance. If (a big if) one accepts the premises, the subsequent reasoning is usually free of fallacies. But Watch The Premises! And be aware that any argument that reaches an unpalatable conclusion may be merely a reductio ad absurdum against one or more of its premises.
In the case of the "kalam cosmological argument," for instance, there is often a questionable premise about "potential" versus "actual" infinities, wasting many words that don't understand infinity very well.
Product Review Summary: Excellent primer... but have your thinking hat on! Dr. Moreland's book is, as one reviewer already wrote, "already a classic." It is a bit of a tough read for the average church layman, however it is well worth the effort. I would encourage anyone who is contemplating reading this book to do so, BUT be prepared to move slowly through it the first time. Take the time to look up any words that are unfamiliar. While (after many years of study on such matters) I don't agree with every concept Moreland presents, and neither may the reader, I certainly respect the scholarship that went into this book. Take... read... you'll be considerably the better for the effort.
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