‘Apologetics.’ Probably not a word that warms the typical Christian heart! But I found Chris Sinkinson’s excellent new book on the subject readable and rewarding. He defines ‘apologetics’ as simply ‘defending’ the faith. While it’s related to theology and philosophy, it is really ‘a dimension of evangelism’. Chris gives an overview of the three main methods used by apologists, and explains fideism, evidentialism and presuppositionalism. While some Christians argue that we must choose between the three, as they are mutually exclusive, Chris considers that in practice we draw upon something of each. The context of our discussion is all-important. Francis Schaeffer and C.S.Lewis are quoted frequently. The book contains helpful material on philosophy, and something of a ‘whistle-stop-tour’ of thought from Plato to Postmodernism. By the author’s own admission, this book takes us on a ‘wide-ranging journey’. There are substantial chapters on archaeology in Bible lands (all providing evidence for the general reliability of the Bible); science and religion (the image of them in conflict is ‘a popular misunderstanding’. Science neither proves nor disproves faith. Christians disagree about many matters, e.g. how to interpret Genesis, but ‘the broader argument for design is a key component of Christian apologetics’); other religions and the uniqueness of Jesus; and evil and suffering. ‘Christian apologetics is nothing more than a conversation leading to the cross’ and to ‘Christ crucified,’ ‘the solution to the problem of sin and evil.’ Reading this book will help us present a confident case for Christianity in our conversations, albeit a gracious and humble one. I recommend it.