The Apologist‘s Bookshelf
Welcome to The Apologist’s Bookshelf, a podcast dedicated to exploring the best books in Christian apologetics. I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith—whether you’re a believer seeking to deepen your understanding, or a skeptic exploring the truth claims of Christianity. Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, the reliability of the Bible, creation and design in the universe, and how to engage unbelievers with wisdom and grace. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you. If you’re interested in faith and reason, defending the Christian worldview, or simply love diving into thought-provoking Christian books, this podcast is for you. Podcast: https://theapologistsbookshelf.podbean.com Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Apologist’s Bookshelf, a podcast dedicated to exploring the best books in Christian apologetics. I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith—whether you’re a believer seeking to deepen your understanding, or a skeptic exploring the truth claims of Christianity. Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, the reliability of the Bible, creation and design in the universe, and how to engage unbelievers with wisdom and grace. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you. If you’re interested in faith and reason, defending the Christian worldview, or simply love diving into thought-provoking Christian books, this podcast is for you. Podcast: https://theapologistsbookshelf.podbean.com Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com
Episodes

Jun 19, 2026
Jun 19, 2026
21 min
Lynn Wilder, a former tenured professor at Brigham Young University, discusses LDS doctrinal basics that differ from traditional biblical doctrine.
Book: A Personal Encounter with Mormonism by Lynn Wilder
Purchase book here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
20 min
The first chapter in this best-selling book discusses the fascinating possibility that the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus.
Book: The Jesus Discoveries by Jeremiah J. Johnston
Purchase book here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Jun 12, 2026
Jun 12, 2026
20 min
Daniel Darling asks a key question: Since when does praying to Jesus, loving America, and saluting the flag make you an extremist?
Book: In Defense of Christian Patriotism by Daniel Darling
Purchase book here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Jun 10, 2026
Unsilenced | The Apologist's Bookshelf
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
18 min
This book seeks to give Christians effective ways to share the good news of Jesus. In chapter 4 he challenges excuses we all use to avoid sharing with others.
Book: Unsilenced by James Boccardo
Purchase book here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Jun 5, 2026
Salvo | The Apologist's Bookshelf
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
19 min
This podcast looks at a magazine called Salvo, which discusses important recent developments in science, sex, and society. I discuss several interesting articles in a recent issue. People can access for free 20 years of Salvo magazine articles by going to salvomag.com.
Salvo magazine published by the Fellowship of St. James
Website for the magazine here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
20 min
Neil Lightfoot covers the area of textual criticism--figuring out what the original Greek text of the New Testament said. He also explores textual variations to show they are not a threat to understanding the original text.
Book: How We Got the Bible by Neil Lightfoot
Purchase book here
NOTE—If you wish to listen to previous podcasts that cover different parts of this book, go to podbean and look at the five choices listed right above the podcasts (Home, Subscribe, Profile, Connect, and the search icon). Click on the search icon and type in the name of the book.
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

May 29, 2026
May 29, 2026
21 min
Josh McDowell and his son Sean McDowell answer several questions people have asked--Is it possible to know the truth? Is some truth just personal preference? Is God sexist? Is God racist?
Book: 77 FAQs About God and the Bible by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
Purchase book here
NOTE—If you wish to listen to previous podcasts that cover different parts of this book, go to podbean and look at the five choices listed right above the podcasts (Home, Subscribe, Profile, Connect, and the search icon). Click on the search icon and type in the name of the book.
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
20 min
Paul Copan deals with three questions related to truth and reality--Why not just look out for yourself? Isn't it ok to do what you want just as long as you don't hurt anyone? Why is God so arrogant and egotistical?
Book: When God Goes to Starbucks by Paul Copan
Purchase book here
I’m Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith.
Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you.
Contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com









