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) proposing
three models--Classical, Modern, and Postmodern--that have been used to defend
the faith; and (3) developing a pastoral 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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: As the Church increasingly finds itself in
a secular environment that is hostile to the Gospel, the challenges it faces
will often be apologetic in character. Moreover, Christian growth, both
individually and corporately, involves facing these challenges honestly and
developing apologetic strategies that support and complement our evangelism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through discussion, reading, and writing, students will be
able to (1) understand the historical and philosophical context of apologetics,
(2) develop pastoral sensitivity to the frameworks people bring to questions of
faith, (3) reflect and write on some specific objection against
Christianity.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions. The
course is divided into two sections. The first section will introduce
apologetic method and give a brief overview of the history of apologetics. A
midterm exam will follow this part. During the remaining classes we will apply
the apologetic method developed to particular apologetic problems, which
students will study and address in learning groups. Curriculum for this part
will be developed in consultation with students.
REQUIRED READING: