An approach to Christian apologetics that appeals to historical, scientific, philosophical, and experiential evidence to demonstrate that Christianity is true — or at least more probable than alternatives. Major evidentialists include Josh McDowell (Evidence That Demands a Verdict), Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ), William Lane Craig (combining evidentialism with classical apologetics and philosophical rigor), and Gary Habermas (specialist in the resurrection's historical case). Evidentialists marshal: (1) historical evidence for the resurrection; (2) archaeological and manuscript evidence for the Bible's reliability; (3) fulfilled prophecy; (4) scientific evidence for cosmic fine-tuning and design; (5) philosophical arguments for God's existence.
Evidentialism is probably the most common apologetic approach in American evangelicalism. Four observations. (1) Strong on historical verifiability. The resurrection of Jesus is among the best-attested events in ancient history. Gary Habermas's "minimal facts" approach argues from data admitted even by skeptical NT scholars (Jesus died by crucifixion; disciples believed they saw Him alive afterwards; Paul's conversion; James' conversion; empty tomb) to the conclusion that bodily resurrection best explains the evidence. This is powerful for someone open to honest historical inquiry. (2) Pastoral usefulness. Many modern seekers (and many doubting Christians) need evidence that their faith is reasonable. Evidentialism meets them where they are, providing tangible reasons to believe that the mind can engage. McDowell's conversion story (a skeptic setting out to disprove the resurrection and becoming a Christian) represents thousands. (3) Concerns from presuppositionalists. Van Til and his heirs argue evidentialism concedes too much — it treats the unbeliever's mind as a neutral judge rather than an epistemically fallen human in need of divine illumination (1 Corinthians 2:14). This critique has force: evidence alone has never converted anyone; the Spirit must open blind eyes. But most evidentialists respond that evidence is one instrument the Spirit uses, not a replacement for Him. (4) In practice, blend the methods. A wise apologist uses evidence where the person is receptive, presuppositional critique where worldview assumptions need exposing, and gospel proclamation in every case. The goal is not "winning the argument"; it is removing intellectual obstacles so the Spirit can work conversion.