Individualized Distance Learning
PH510
Dyrness
PH510: CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS ( 4
units).
DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the major challenges that Christianity faces in North America in the beginning of the twenty-first century. The approach is to develop an apologetic framework by (1) surveying the way Christians have defended the faith throughout the history of the church; (2) developing three models--classical, modern, and postmodern--that have been used to defend the faith; and (3) developing a strategy for defending the truth of Christianity and thus commending the faith to unbelievers. The entire last section of the course will be devoted to studying issues the class feels are important with the tools we have developed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COURSE GOALS:
Students will bea ble to 1) understand the historical and philosophical context of apologetics, (2) define the major issues facing Christian apologists today, (3) develop pastoral sensitivity to the frameworks people bring to questions of faith, (4) deduce principles, theories, major theses, and implications of apologetics for today’s strategies of mission, and (5) explain the basis of an apologetic framework and a biblical model for understanding Christianity in conversation with common objections,
The course uses recorded lectures, a detailed independent study guide, and readings. It is designed to be completed in an 11-week period while allowing for flexibility in the student’s schedule.
REQUIRED READING:
ASSIGNMENTS:
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM : Meets MDiv core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).
FINAL EXAM: Yes
Updated July 2007