Spring 2005/Pasadena
PH508
Rhee

PH508: ISSUES IN APOLOGETICS (Taught in Korean). Edmund Rhee.


DESCRIPTION:

This course explores how both evangelical and liberal apologetic strategies have been influenced by modern philosophy, and also how new major developments in philosophy since the 1950s could be used in developing a more helpful apologetic framework. It covers evangelical, liberal and postmodern approaches to four central apologetic issues: Christian belief and science, divine action and the laws of nature, religious pluralism, and God's goodness and the evil in the world.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
Students will be able to understand and critically evaluate different apologetic strategies, and will begin to formulate, both for themselves and for others, answers to the central questions addressed in this course.

COURSE FORMAT:
The course will combine lectures, presentations and dialogue on the assigned readings, and discussion of relevant issues. The class will meet once a week for a three-and-a-half-hour period.

REQUIRED READING:
Murphy, Nancey. Beyond Liberalism and Fundamentalism. Trinity Press International, 1996. (Instructor will provide summaries in Korean throughout the course.)

Placher, William. Bibyunjeungronjeog Shinhag. Trans. Chung Seung Tae. Seoul: Eunsung, 2003 (translation of Unapologetic Theology [Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1989]).

McGrath, Alister E. Bogeumjueuiwa Gidoggyojeog Jisung. Trans. Kim Sun Il. Seoul: Korea InterVarsity, 2001 (translation of A Passion for Truth [Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996]).

Clark, Kelly James. Yisungeuroeui Boggui. Trans. Lee Sung Gu. Seoul: Jeshurun, 1998 (translation of Return to Reason [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990]).

RECOMMENDED READING:
Chung, Sung Wook. Tea Time e Nanuneun Gidoggyo Byunjeung [Christian Apologetics for Tea Time]. Seoul: Hongsungsa, 2004.

Chung, Seung Tae. Jonggyo Cheolhag Damron [Discussion in Philosophy of Religion]. Seoul: Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary, 2004.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading log on the required materials (20% of the grade); two 6-page papers on relevant topics (each 35%); a presentation on an assigned reading (10%).

PREREQUISITES:
Korean.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
None.