Until recently, readers wanting to tackle the works of Cornelius Van Til could expect a number of difficulties along the way. Van Til’s complex and lengthy arguments, and his robust vocabulary, had the potential at any point to turn a reader’s well-fought comprehension into a concession of confusion. Readers (like myself) need a trail guide through the writings of Van Til. And now we have them.
P&R has been releasing classic works by Van Til in a retypeset version of the original, adding to them detailed introductions and hundreds of clarifying footnotes to lead the reader in their journey through the works of this pioneer of apologetics. To date three volumes are available in their newly edited form:
Christian Apologetics, second edition, edited by William Edgar (P&R, 2003). Paperback, 206 pages. $10.39.
An Introduction to Systematic Theology, second edition, edited by William Edgar (P&R, 2007). Paperback, 409 pages. $13.64.
The Defense of the Faith, fourth edition, edited by K. Scott Oliphint (P&R, 2008). Paperback, 427 pages. $13.19.
Tony Reinke 
Have you read Greg Bahnsen’s Van Til’s Apolgetic? If so, is it easier to get a better picture of Van Til’s flow of thought through reading this series that you mentioned today?
Good question. Bahnsen is a good introduction to the overall flow of Van Til’s thoughts. But eventually you will want to read Van Til directly and not in interrupted, excerpted form. This is where the new volumes are especially helpful.
T
I’m excited to see these updated versions. I’m currently working my way through Bahnsen’s ‘Van Til’s Apologetic’ and find it helpful (though some of it is still going over my head). Once finished I look forward to building on that base with some of these volumes.
Van Til’s ideas have really changed my worldview and strengthened my faith.
Thanks for letting us know about these books. I hope to get them as Christmas presents. Is there a certain reading order you would recommend? I know Van Til is not always the easiest to understand. Does one book build off another? Is one book easier than the anothers? Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer.
Wow! Looking forward to getting a copy of Van Til’s Introduction to Systematic Theology
I got a copy of Van Til’s Introduction to Systematic Theology at long last. It’s a lot to chew over but good stuff nonetheless…
I am almost done with Intro to Sys Theo and plan on reading Christian Apologetics next. Van Til has opened up my eyes considerably.