Library of Historical Apologetics
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Tim McGrew,
Professor of Philosophy
Western Michigan University
Website: http://HistoricalApologetics.org
Summary: Thoughtful Christians have always had a strong commitment to the truth of the central historical claims of our faith and to the authenticity of the scriptures. Throughout the ages, Christians have engaged in apologetics—the articulation of reasons for their faith and the answering of objections leveled against it—engaging both the highest levels of scholarly discourse and the concerns of the broader public.
These classic works of apologetics are profoundly relevant for the 21st century. Most of the objections raised against Christianity today are variations on objections that go back hundreds of years. These objections were thoroughly discussed by some of the finest minds of the 18th and 19th centuries and their responses are as cogent now as when they were first printed. Unfortunately, there has been little guidance to this literature for interested Christian readers, and as a result some masterpieces are almost unknown even among seminary graduates and students of apologetics.
The Library of Historical Apologetics will be the world’s leading resource for lay apologists, pastors, students, and scholars seeking historical apologetics materials for self-study, church classes, sermon preparation, and research. Our digital collection currently contains about 3,000 items with a focus on works in English from the 17th through the early 20th centuries. Beyond simply providing access to these materials, the Library will include a digital learning environment that incorporates personal and collaborative reading, note taking, and study tools. This learning environment will support a community in which more experienced scholars help newcomers find the material they need and construct secondary resources such as curricula, study guides, and course syllabi that can be shared by all users.
Lay apologists will find material for the construction of apologetic arguments and answers to perennial objections. Pastors will find a rich selection of sermon and teaching resources in our vast library. Students will find material for research papers, and professors may use the library both for course preparation and for research projects.
This project is directed by Dr. Timothy McGrew, who is Professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan University, where he has taught for fifteen years, serving as department chair from 2005-2009. The Institute for Digital Christian Heritage is providing technical and administrative assistance in the form of project planning, implementation and evaluation.
