PE007-812 – Christian Apologetics

Credit Points

12 Credit Points (CPS)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of Christian apologetics

B. Be able to

1. Examine the nature of Christian apologetics

2. Interpret Critiques of Christianity from a Christian perspective

3. Demonstrate skills in defending the truth claims of the Christian faith

4. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on Christian apologetics

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives from ‘Christian Apologetics’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Apologetics and the Nature of Truth

  1. The definition of apologetics; its relation to theology, study of religion and mission.
  2. A brief review of intellectual attacks upon Christian faith and Christian responses, including the Apologists, Augustine, Aquinas, the Enlightenment, Darwinianism, secular humanism.
  3. A review of Christian faith and its bearing upon truth as discerned in history, nature and society; the uniqueness of Christian revelation; the questions of truth, presuppositions and verification; epistemology.

Section B: Critiques of Christian Faith

  1. Historical: the reliability of the Scriptures; the historicity of Christ and his Resurrection; the emergence of the church.
  2. Philosophical: atheism, pantheism, monism, deism, divine providence and miracles; scientific method; evil and suffering.
  3. Behavioural: anthropological, sociological and psychological; behaviourism; Freudianism.

Section C: Alternatives to Christian Belief

  1. Non-supernatural alternatives: agnostic humanism; atheistic existentialism; Marxism; moralism; scientism and technocracy.
  2. Supernatural alternatives: occultism; religious relativism; syncretism; New Age movements.