PE020-812 - Apologetics for Post-Modern Times
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2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
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12Credit Points
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0.125 EFT
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8AQF level
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Category advanced unitC
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philosophy ethicsUnit Discipline
Prerequisites
12cps TH/CH/PE/EM
Exclusions
Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PE754-4.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students willA. Know and understand
1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, the discourse of Christian apologetics in post-modern times
B. Be able to
1. Examine trends in modern thought and their implications for Christian believing
2. Demonstrate Advanced skill in presenting a case for Christianity in response to post-modern criticism
3. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on Christian apologetics in post-modern times
C. Be in a position to
Applying Advanced perspectives and skills from ‘Apologetics for Post-Modern Times’ to ministry practice and Christian living as a reflective practitioner
Content
Section A: Apologetics and the Nature of Truth
- Definition of apologetics and relation to theology
- Brief review of the history of apologetics
- Christian faith at the intersection of truth, epistemology, science, and worldview.
- Western Society: Relativism, Pluralism, Autonomy, and Therapy
Section B: Critiques of Christian Faith
- Historical reliability of the Scriptures and the resurrection of Jesus
- The “new Atheists”.
- Muslim apologists and Christianity.
- Conspiracy accounts of Christian origins
- Progressive narratives of Christianity as “Oppressor.”
Set Readings
Prescribed:
Keller, T. Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical (New York: Viking, 2016).
Keller, Tim. Reasons for God (New York: Riverhead, 2009).
Recommended:
Boa, K. and Bowman, R. Faith has its Reasons (2nd ed.; Waynesboro: Paternoster, 2006).
Brierly, Justin. Unbelievable? Why After Ten Years of Talking with Atheists, I’m Still a Christian (London: SPCK, 2013).
Carson, D.A. The Gagging of God (rev. ed.; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002).
Clifford, R., and P. Johnson. Jesus and the Gods of the New Age (Oxford: Lion, 2001).
Copan, P. and Moser, P. The Rationality of Theism (New York: Routledge, 2003).
Craig, W.L. Reasonable Faith (3rd ed.; Wheaton: Crossway, 2008).
Craig, W.L. God is Great, Good is Good (Downers Grove: IVP, 2009).
Davis, S.T. Rational Faith: A Philosopher’s Defense of Christianity (Downers Grove: IVP, 2016).
Dawkins, R. The God Delusion (London: Bantam, 2006).
D’Souza, D. What is So Great About Christianity? (Washington: Regnery, 2008).
Dulles, A. A History of Apologetics (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2005).
Evans, C.S. Why Christian Faith Still Makes Sense: A Response to Contemporary Challenges (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2015).
Hart, D.B. Atheist Delusions (New Haven: YUP, 2009).
Koukl, G. Tactics (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009).
Lennox, J. God’s Undertaker (Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2007).
McGrath, A.E. Twilight of Atheism (New York: Doubleday, 2004).
Moreland, J.P. and Craig, W.L. Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview (Downers Grove: IVP, 2003).
Qureshi, N. No God but One: Allah or Jesus?: A Former Muslim Investigates the Evidence for Islam and Christianity (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016).
Zacharias, R., and V. Vitale. Jesus Among Secular Gods: The Countercultural Claims of Christ (New York: FaithWords, 2017).