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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the course students will be able to understand (1) foundationalism and its impact on modern apologetic strategies, (2) a holist approach to apologetics, (3) a new view of science and of its relationship to Christian belief, (4) recent attempts to address the problem of evil, and (5) issues relating to religious pluralism.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will combine lectures and discussions. The class will meet four hours daily for two weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

Moreland, J. P. and William Lane Craig. Insikron. Translated by Eui Geun Ryu. Seoul: Christian Literature Crusade, 2008 (translation of Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview [Downers Grover: Inter Varsity Press, 2003]).

Willard, Dallas. Grisdorul Anun Jisik. Translated by Byung Ryong Hong. Seoul: Blessed People, 2009 (translation of Knowing Christ Today [New York: Harper One, 2009]).

ONE of the following:

Guinness, Os. Gotong Appe Seoda. Translated by Kye Kwang Cho. Seoul: Word of Life, 2008 (translation of Unspeakable [New York: Harper One, 2006]).

Moreland, J. P., and John Mark Reynolds, eds. Changjowa Jinhwae Daehan Segaji Gyunhae. Translated by Park Hee Joo. Seoul: Korean IVP, 2001 (translation of Three Views on Creation and Evolution [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999]).

Okholm, Dennis L., and Timothy R. Phillips, eds. Dawonjueui Nonjaeng. Translated by Lee Seung Goo. Seoul: Christian Literature Crusade, 2001 (translation of Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996]).

Peters, Ted, ed. Gwahak gwa Jonggyo. Translated by Heop Young Kim. Seoul: Dong Yeon, 2002 (translation of Science and Theology: The New Consonance [Boulder, CO: Westview, 2000]).

1. A mid-term exam (15% of the final grade).

2. One 15-page paper on a relevant topic (due September 3; 50%).

3. A take-home final exam (due September 3; 35%).