The Challenges Geisler Leaves Behind

By: Brian G. Chilton | July 15, 2019

The world lost a tremendous voice in Christian apologetics on July 1, 2019. Norman Geisler, a prolific writer, teacher, and seminary founder, died at the age of 86. Norman Geisler has been an influential apologist for decades. Geisler earned his PhD in Philosophy from Loyola University; his MA in Theology from Wheaton College; his BA in Philosophy also from Wheaton; and a ThB from William Tyndale College. He has written numerous books over his lifetime including Chosen but Free, Systematic Theology, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (w. Frank Turek), Making Sense of Bible Difficulties, and his last book When Skeptics Ask: A Handbook on Christian Evidences. Geisler was a staunch defender of biblical inerrancy. He helped formulate the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. Geisler’s passing leaves behind substantial challenges for future generations of the church.

1. Who will write in his place? Due to the volume of books that Geisler either wrote or co-wrote, his passing leaves a hole that needs to be filled. Who will step up to continue to write on the apologetic issues that matter? Who will make the time to study these issues and pour over them? Who will spend the countless hours needed to write books that will equip the church? Our generation must ensure that Christian apologetics continues to get the exposure it needs and deserves.
2. Who will defend biblical integrity? While the debate between Geisler and other Christian apologists became heated at times, we do need individuals who will toe the line concerning biblical integrity. I am an advocate of biblical inerrancy. However, I realize that the term inerrancy is debated among apologetic and theological circles. For that reason, I use the word integrity indicating that the Bible is trustworthy and honest in all that it purports. Nevertheless, we need bold Christians who are willing to defend the truthfulness of the Old and New Testaments. Will someone step up to take the reins?
3. Who will advocate for a balanced view of divine sovereignty and human freedom? While Geisler was not a Molinist, he did hold to a balanced Thomistic view of divine sovereignty and human freedom. In his book Chosen but Free, Geisler warns of the dangers that come by a hyper-Calvinist and hyper-Arminian viewpoints. He contends for a balanced view between the two seeing that the Bible holds that God is both sovereign and humans are free to make choices, even in their choice to respond or reject the grace of God given to them. Geisler’s view is comparable to the light version of Calvinism known as Amyraldism, or moderate Calvinism. While I personally think that Thomistic strategies in handling this issue are superior to Calvinism, and Molinism better still; Geisler’s advocacy of a harmonious viewpoint between the two extremes is appealing and something worth considering when trudging through the theological waters.
4. Who will defend truth? We are losing many theological and apologetic giants either to retirement or to death. Who will step up to take their place? Will our generation be one that stands for truth or one that wavers under political pressure? This is a question we must all ask ourselves. How committed are we to the truth of Jesus Christ?

While there will never be another Norman Geisler, there will be individuals that God uses to take his place. Those individuals will not be exactly like Geisler. But those folks are not expected to be. If our generation holds fast to the truths of Christ, we may see numerous individuals who fill the hole that Geisler has left behind. The better question concerns our willingness. Are we willing to let God use us for his glory?

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University and is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has been in the ministry for over 15 years and serves as the Senior Pastor of Westfield Baptist Church in northwestern North Carolina.

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