Top 15 Apologetics Books and Resources For Every Christian

Has a friend ever asked you why you believe in God? Did you have an answer for them? And did your answer leave them with more questions or discourage them from wanting to learn more? Apologetics books and resources can be a game changer to help you dive deeper into your faith and have a ready answer!

When it comes to explaining why we believe in something or someone, it’s always best to provide resources, facts, and proof. If a scientist was asked if he believes that gravity is real, he would be able to provide facts and figures to demonstrate that gravity does in fact exist. As Christians, when we are asked the why behind what we believe, shouldn’t we also be able to provide clear answers?

This is where apologetics comes into play. In this blog, we’ll equip you with resources and information about Christian apologetics. 

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

What is Christian Apologetics?

When you hear the word “apologetics”, what do you first think of? If the act of “apologizing” comes to mind, then you wouldn’t be alone. So often, when Christians hear the term apologetics, they think that we have to apologize for our faith. But this is quite the opposite! 

The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which translates to “speaking in defense”. We don’t have to apologize for our beliefs, but we should know how to defend them.

When a non-believer asks us why we believe in God, is our response to shrug and give a noncommittal answer? Or is it to provide a concrete answer, that’s backed up with stories from the Bible on why we believe that God is the one and only true creator of the universe? 

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).

When the Apostle Peter spoke to his readers, he hoped that those who are Christ followers would be able to convince non-believers to follow Christ. How can we convince others to believe in Christ unless we are sure of our beliefs? 

We are surrounded by a world that offers up worldviews and ideas on a silver platter. It can become overwhelming to discern what is the truth, who we should listen to, and what we believe about our own faith. 

By recommending helpful apologetics resources that every Christian should have under their belt, we hope you’ll have clarity and confidence in your walk with God. 

Apologetics Books to Read

Whether you’re talking to college students, new believers, or long-time pastors, having a solid foundation for your faith is vital. The following books are from top authors and provide an examination of the life of Jesus and rational basis for believers to discuss their Christian faith.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis 

C.S. Lewis is considered one of the most popular and influential writers of the 20th century. With beloved novels such as The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis was also a proud man of Christian faith.

Originally published as three separate volumes, Mere Christianity is a classic book that brings together his famous BBC radio talks from the 1940s. Split into four parts, Mere Christianity presents Lewis’s arguments for the existence of God, his personal defense of Christian theology, Christian ethics, and concludes with the conception of God.

Lewis is considered one of the most well-known Christian authors. And his book Mere Christianity continues to be used as a helpful tool in Christian apologetics today. 

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer 

Written by Hillary Morgan Ferrer and contributing authors, Mama Bear Apologetics is a unique resource for parents to help their kids discover the truth of Christ. It can be confusing to know what is true, and what is false.

In Mama Bear Apologetics, the authors cover several popular streams of modern day thought and how they differ from Christian convictions and biblical principles. The authors help you thoroughly understand how these schools of thought influence culture. Armed with this knowledge, young people (and adults) can stay grounded in their faith.

This isn’t just a resource just for parents, but for anyone who feels passionate about helping children know and understand the truth about Christ. From preschool to high school students, kids today face more than ever before, and they should be just as prepared to defend their faith as any adult!

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

Said to be the 21st-century C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller addresses the skeptics in The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. He uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain that faith in God is a rational belief.

Keller draws on many sources to convey the reality that there are thoughtful and intellectual people who believe in Christ. 

The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel 

Former atheist Lee Strobel takes a unique investigative spin on Christian Apologetics in The Case for Christ. Using science, history, and philosophy, Strobel builds a case for Jesus Christ by cross-examining a dozen experts from across the world.

Read like a captivating novel, The Case for Christ addresses the scientific and historical evidence of the existence of God. Fun Fact: In 2017, Pure Flix Entertainment adapted this book into a movie. 

Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig

Taking a very intellectual approach in Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics, William Lane Craig draws on astrophysics, philosophy, and probability calculus.

Craig speaks in defense of the Kalam cosmological argument. Ultimately, his version of this argument states that the universe has a cause for existing and that the cause must be a person.

After the positive response to this book, the Reasonable Faith ministry was founded. They seek to provide an articulate, intelligent, yet gracious defense of the Christian faith. This ministry includes writings, podcasts, teachings and helpful videos to expand on Craig’s writings in his book of the same name. 

Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace 

Much like Lee Strobel’s Case for Christ, J. Warner Wallace approaches apologetics as an investigator in Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels.

Also a former atheist, Wallace uses his homicide detective background to look at the evidence and eyewitnesses behind Christian beliefs. There is little forensic evidence to back up the claim that Christ was real. Today, people lean on having physical proof to defend a verdict.

With a high interest in detective stories, Wallace speaks to the above points and makes compelling arguments by drawing on his own personal stories. This is a great book for those who want a highly readable and entertaining approach.

Apologetics Podcasts to Listen To

If you’d like to listen to some of the leading apologists of our day, check out these popular podcasts.

Reasonable Faith Podcast by William Lane Craig

With weekly podcasts, William Lane Craig discusses current events and popular questions Christians have in his Reasonable Faith Podcast. Craig also hosts the Defenders podcast where he teaches a “Sunday school” class on theology and apologetics. He breaks them down into multiple parts that are easy to understand.

Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Amy Davison 

With a current library of over 47 episodes, the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast is hosted by Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Amy Davison and provides help for the questions young children are asking today. This podcast not only will help parents get a better understanding themselves, but provides support in a world that often goes against Christian values. 

The Cold-Case Christianity Podcast by J. Warner Wallace 

Continuing to use his background as a homicide detective, J. Warner Wallace brings his book The Cold-Case Christianity to life in his podcasts. Most episodes clock in at about an hour, and discuss strategies to defend your Christian faith.

Unbelievable? By Justin Brierley 

A weekly podcast, Unbelievable? Justin Brierley asks questions about the evidence for God, how we can trust the Bible, and if Jesus really rose from the dead. This podcast seems to bring together people of different views and build bridges. 

Other Apologetics Resources

In addition to the books listed above, the following Bibles are outstanding apologetics resources.

CSB Apologetics Study Bible:

The CSB Apolgetics Study Bible is an incredible tool for today’s Christians to better defend their beliefs in a time when things are so uncertain. Including articles and study material from leading apologists, it provides a deeper understanding and helps to answer tough questions about what apologetics is and how we can best apply it. 

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students 

Much like the Bible mentioned above, The Apologetics Study Bible for Students aims to help students prepare to defend their faith. With short introductions for each chapter, students will gain a better understanding to the history of the Bible. With over 130 questions scattered throughout the study Bible, the goal is to answer each one with articles and advice from well known Christian apologists. 

Apologetics Conference to Attend

Interested in getting together in person? Here are some opportunities to attend events designed to equip Christians in their faith.

Women in Apologetics Conference 

• Orthodoxy: Dispelling Counterfeits 
• June 9-10, 2023 Anaheim, CA

Hosted by women, for Christian women, the Women in Apologetics conference has extensive sessions on the orthodox worldview. This conference is happening in Anaheim, California on June 9-10 of this year. A unique conference catered towards Christian women, you will hear from well studied women and defenders of the faith. 

Stand to Reason: Reality – Student Apologetics Conference 

• Dallas, Philadelphia, L.A., Seattle, Augusts, GA, and Minneapolis 

The Stand to Reason: Reality conference is hosted all throughout the year in many cities across the United States. A two day conference, students will gain knowledge on the reality of Christ and how He fits into today’s world. The age range for this conference is any student in middle school to college. 

Biola University – “Reasonable Faith in an Uncertain World”

• Frisco, TX 
• February 17-18, 2023

The Reasonable Faith in an Uncertain World weekend apologetics conferences aim to provide tools to defend your faith. You will hear from leading apologists and philosophers Craig Hazen, Clay Jones, and Brett Kunkle speak on topics such as arguments for the existence of God, why God allows evil, and how to equip the next generation.

Summing Up the Best Apologetics Resources

Learning about Christian apologetics doesn’t have to be difficult. While it can seem like a daunting task to many Christians, there are incredibly helpful resources to start you towards being able to defend what you believe in.

Whether it be a study bible, podcast, book or even in person conference, we are blessed to be surrounded by some of the best Christian apologists. As Christians, let’s stand in confidence, knowing what we believe and why we believe it. By doing this, we can present the gospel in a rational and gracious way just as God intended us to do. 

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