In Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til, Lane G. Tipton offers a compelling entry point into the profound theological and apologetic insights of one of the most influential Reformed thinkers of the twentieth century. Cornelius Van Til revolutionized Christian apologetics by consistently applying Reformed Trinitarian theology to the defense of the faith, rejecting all forms of philosophical and theological correlativism.

This volume sets forth Van Til’s unique theological contributions as they emerge in constructive and polemical dialogue with ancient and contemporary giants of philosophy and theology—from Thomas Aquinas to Karl Barth. It introduces readers to his key doctrines, including his Trinitarian theology, his philosophy of history, the covenantal nature of divine revelation, and his presuppositional approach to apologetics. Through a careful survey of his writings, this book unpacks Van Til’s biblical theology of sin and antithesis, his theology of common grace, and his critique of idealism, evidentialism, and theological mutualism.

Written as part of Reformed Forum’s Fellowship in Reformed Apologetics, this book provides a clear roadmap for those new to Van Til’s theology while also offering fresh insights for seasoned scholars. Whether you are encountering Van Til for the first time or seeking to deepen your grasp of his apologetic vision, this book will equip you with a biblically faithful, theologically rich foundation for engaging in Reformed theology and defending the Christian faith.

Hardcover with dust jacket, 134 pages, Reformed Forum

Endorsements 

"Dr. Tipton's work serves as a fine general introduction to Van Til. But it's more than that. Though a short book, it's helpful to advanced students of Van Til as well as Van Til's opponents, addressing as it does controversial points within his theology, including his Apologetics, and showing Van Til's genius in the treatment of them. Lane's careful and able Exposition of Van Til, especially considering Thomistc, Barthian, and idealist approaches broadly, is most timely and welcome."

Alan Strange, President, Mid-America Reformed Seminary 

"Van Til's thought is as beautiful and complex as an old European city. In order to explore the depth of what the city has to offer, one needs a map. Lane Tipton's Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til offers an invaluable map of Van Til's thought. His work fills a much-needed gap in the literature for a short, clear introduction to Van Til. Students new to Van Til's presuppositional method will find his system more accessible if they first take up Tipton's book. Even the more experienced reader will find much to deepen their knowledge of Van Til.

Scott Cook, Pastor of Oconee, PCA and Visiting Professor of Apologetics, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Semoinary 

"Dr. Lane Tipton has become the foremost spokesman of the encyclopedic thought and work of the premiere Reformed Christian apologist of the twentieth century, Cornelius Van Til. What separates Tipton's understanding of Van Til is how he grasps Van Til's biblical and orthodox understanding of the Trinity as well as the Creator-creature relationship as the penetrating principles to formulate, interpret the content, and analyze the rubrics of systematic theology, the progressive revelation of a full-orbed Vosian biblical theology, and provide a critical examination of the history of philosophy. Tipton's clarity in presenting Van Til's thought makes one wonder how anyone who is seriously committed to historic biblical orthodoxy as summarized in the ecumenical Creeds and the Reformed confessions could argue against the spectrum of Van Til's thought. Tipton's Volume is a MUST read for any student or even a critic of Van Til's position. Tipton masterfully clears the air of the many misconceptions of Van Til's thought if one has ears to listen and understand (e.g. the antithesis, common grace, idealism). Engage to understand."

William D. Dennison,  Professor Emeritus Covenant College and Pastor of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Kent, WA.   

Contents 

Abbreviations.......................................................................................v
Introduction....................................................................................... ix
1. Biography and Major Works....................................................... 17
Van Til’s Education and Major Publications 17
Van Til’s Introduction to Absolute Idealism 19
Absolute Idealism and Correlativism 21
The Infuence of Geerhardus Vos 23
Van Til’s Teaching and Writing 26
Conclusion 28
Systematic Theology.......................................................31
2. The Trinity and a Christian Philosophy of History ................. 33
The Persons of the Trinity 33
Equally Ultimate Persons 36
The Trinity and God’s Relation to the Historical Process 38
Views of Anthropomorphism 39
The Trinitarian Philosophy of History 43
Conclusion 45
3. The Creator-creature Distinction and Relation........................ 47
The Absolute God in Relation to Creation 47
Anthropomorphism and Immutability 50
Rejection of Intermediate Categories 52
Two Kinds of Correlativism 54
Conclusion 56
Biblical Theology ............................................................57
4. Natural and Special Revelation................................................... 59
The Immutable, Triune Creator 59
Man Created in Fellowship with God 62
Covenant and Eschatology 64

Revelational Epistemology 66
Conclusion 68
5. Common Grace ............................................................................ 69
Creation, Fall, and Grace 69
Total Depravity 72
Elements of a Reformed Theology of Common Grace 73
An Historical Debate Regarding Common Grace 77
The Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel 78
Conclusion 80
6. The Fall and the Antithesis.......................................................... 81
Genesis 3 and the Fall into Sin 81
The Absolute Ethical Antithesis 82
Sin and Rebellion 84
Judgment and the Gospel 86
There Is No Neutrality 88
Conclusion 90
Philosophy and Method.................................................91
7. Method, Worldview, and Evidence............................................ 93
Paul the Theologian Is Paul the Apologist 93
The Nature of the Resurrection in Paul’s Apologetic Presentation 96
The Denotation and Connotation of the Resurrection 99
A Revelational Notion of Proof 101
A Biblical Approach to Apologetics 104
Conclusion 105
8. Idealism .......................................................................................107
Idealism and Realism 107
Kantian Idealism 109
Van Til’s Transcendental in Distinction from Kant’s 112
Hegelian Idealism 114
Van Til’s Criticism of Absolute Idealism 116
Conclusion 118
Conclusion ......................................................................................119

Appendix .........................................................................................121
The Fellowship in Reformed Apologetics 121
Introduction to the "eology and Apologetics of
Cornelius Van Til 121
Trinitarian Theology 122
Doctrine of Revelation 122
Common Grace and the Antithesis 122
Apologetic Method 123
Christology, Redemptive History, and Hermeneutics 123
Van Til and Barth 124
Idealism 124
Scripture Index ...............................................................................127
Name and Subject Index ...............................................................131