Spring 2014/Pasadena

PH508

Rhee

PH508: PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN APOLOGETICS (Taught in Korean) (4 Units). Edmund K. 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the course students will (1) increase their knowledge of modern and postmodern epistemologies and their relevance to Christian apologetical strategies; (2) develop their skills in critical thinking; (3) develop their skills in academic writing; (4) enhance confidence in their abilities to address central apologetic issues; (5) enhance appreciation for scholars whose views on the issues treated in this course differed from their own.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will combine lectures and discussions. The class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions for ten weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

Guinness, Os. Gotong Appe Seoda [고통앞에서다]. Translated by Kye Kwang Cho. Seoul: Word of Life, 2008 (translation of Unspeakable). Harper One, 2006]. ISBN: 978-8904157662, Pub. Price $18.00 [439 pp.].

McGrath, Alister. Shin Upnun Saramdul. Translated by Chul Min Lee. Seoul: Korea IVP, 2012 (translation of Why God Won’t Go Away). ISBN: 978-8904157662, Pub. Price $18.00 [206 pp.].

Okholm, Dennis L., and Timothy R. Phillips, eds. Dawonjueui Nonjaeng [다원주의논쟁]. Translated by Lee Seung Goo. Christian Literature Crusade, 2001 (translation of Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World). ISBN: 978-8934107064, Pub. Price $13.00 [380 pp.].

Peters, Ted, ed. Gwahakgwa Jonggyo. Translated by Hup Young Kim et al. Seoul: Dong Yeun, 2002 (translation of Science and Theology: The New Consonance). ISBN: 9788985467384, Pub. Price $18.00 [430 pp.].

Willard, Dallas. Grisdorul Anun Jisik [그리스도를아는지식]. Translated by Byung Ryong Hong. Blessed People, 2009 (translation of Knowing Christ Today). ISBN: 978-8963600116, Pub. Price $15.00 [343 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. A mid-term exam (20%)
2. One 20-page paper on a relevant topic (50%)
3. A take-home final exam (30%)

PREREQUISITES: Korean.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, take-home final.