...Apologetics Application Paper: Part 2 Submission Form Kristina Pickett APOL 500 November 15, 2014 Instructions for submitting the Apologetics Application Paper: Part 2 • Complete your introduction as it will appear in the final paper. • Include an outline of each major element of the final paper. • Include your full bibliography. • Follow the template / submission form provided. Submit the Apologetics Application Paper: Part 2 by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 4. Add as much space as necessary to each section below. 1. Introduction Paragraph for Final Paper: As a Christian born and raised I have created for myself a sheltered little world where only Christians exist. My entire family is Christian, I grew up in a predominately Christian neighborhood, of course, I only associated with the Christian neighbors, I attended a small Christian college and I married a Christian. My husband and I decided to raise our little Christian family in a middle upper class community with the mindset that we would provide for our children a more affluent environment, provide a better public education and give them opportunities for a more successful future. We also wanted diversity for our children so that they would have the advantage of experiencing different cultures and having a broader general worldview of humanity. Good idea, yet, unexpected results. We found it very difficult to raise...
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...A Critique of Classical Apologetics The classical approach to apologetics seeks to use philosophical arguments to reason and prove theism. While they whole heartedly seek to reach this conclusion, theism means that the reality of the personal God revealed in Jesus Christ cannot be approached through this method. If the end goal of apologetics is, “defending the Christian faith,” then one must seek to make the basic tenants of the faith evidenced in the apologetic method used. The classical approach fails to do this. To succeed in presenting a classical apologetic argument would include laying out logical arguments, have the seeker agree with them, and finally reach the conclusion that there is one god. This is the farthest that this method...
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...Before taking apologetics with Liberty University, the term “worldview” was not something I thought applied to my Christian life. This was due to not understanding the true meaning behind the idea. Little did I know, I had already established my worldview. The textbook encyclopedia for this course defines a world view as such, “the framework of beliefs by which a person views the world around him”. As a Christian, when I see this definition, I think of a worldview as what I believe as a Christian and how I choose to define or live my life as a whole. The big questions, “How was the world created?” or “where do we all come from?” are common topics that many people have a specific worldview on. As a Christian, I use the bible as my filter and form my beliefs in this matter based on what scripture says. The very first words of the bible in Genesis 1:1 speak a truth that many scientists and people of the world cannot or simply refuse to comprehend. God create the heavens and the earth. It is such a simple phrase yet it says so much about God and his power. Genesis 2:7 instructs us that man was created from the dust of the earth. Proving we are not revolutionized monkeys, as many would have us believe. Closely tied to the origin of humanity is its identity. As a Christian I value myself as a human because I know I am special. This is so because I, along with all humanity, was created in God’s image, as it is said in Genesis 1:27. I also know my place in this world because...
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...COURSE DESCRIPTION This is a study in the development and application of the Biblical/Christian Worldview. This course will include an introduction and application of critical thinking skills, as well as a study of religious and philosophical worldviews, the nature of tolerance and basic apologetic methodology. RATIONALE APOL 104 is designed to deepen and broaden the student’s understanding of the core fundamentals of the Biblical/Christian Worldview, and to equip the student to present that view in the face of competing worldviews. The goal is to enable students to think more clearly and critically about Christianity and truth. It is also the goal to equip Christians to become more effective witnesses and participate more constructively in the larger socio-cultural debate. In order to accomplish this goal, we must (1) understand the essentials of Christian truth, (2) understand the historical opponents to Christianity and truth, and (3) present a biblical, logical, and reasonable defense of Christianity. Through studying worldviews, students can better understand the nature of humanity and individual conduct so that they are prepared to address relevant questions in a culture of relativism. As the apostle Paul states, “Know how you should respond to each person who asks us about such things” Col. 4:6 (NASB). By understanding worldviews, one acquires a powerful form of wisdom that characterized the sons of Issachar, “men who understood the times, with knowledge of what...
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...Quiz 1 Question 1 0 out of 3 points The following cannot be said of the Bible. Selected Answer: All of the above Question 2 3 out of 3 points Paul speaking on Mars Hill, as found in Acts 17, is an example of cultural apologetics. Selected Answer: True Question 3 3 out of 3 points In the 20th century most evangelicals spoke of culture from a “Christ above culture” perspective. Selected Answer: False Question 4 0 out of 3 points When Jesus healed the crazed man who lived in a graveyard near Decapolis the people of the city: Selected Answer: Refused to believe and did not go out to meet Him Question 5 3 out of 3 points Christianity is unique in its belief that humanity is hopeless and spiritual dead unable to save themselves through human effort. Selected Answer: True Question 6 3 out of 3 points Selected Answer: True All copies of the biblical manuscript are inspired just like the original manuscripts. Selected Answer: False Question 7 3 out of 3 points Because of the respect that people had for the Apostle Paul his message of Jesus Christ was accepted by almost everyone who heard him. Selected Answer: False Question 8 3 out of 3 points...
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...Apologetics A couple of months ago, being pretty ignorant, I had to ask myself, “what exactly is Apologetics.” After a little research and a few lectures from my Professors, I learned that “it is the defense of Christian faith, usually on intellectual issues.” (Horton 640). There are many arguments that can be used in order to defend the faith, however, I will focus on four arguments, ontological, Natural Theology, accuracy of scriptures, and personal miracles. First is the ontological argument. “Human beings almost universally acknowledge that there is something, or someone, beyond themselves and that in some way, or ways, they are responsible to that something or someone (Railey/Aker 40).” This shows that the human race recognizes the fact that we are not alone in the universe and we are to some extent dependent on something supernatural. Secondly is the appeal of Natural Theology. We can look all around at the beautiful things on this earth and we can see that it must have had divine intervention from some one or thing. “Creation, with its infinite variety, beauty, and order, reflects a God who is infinitely wise and powerful.” (Higgins 69). Thirdly is accuracy of scriptures. “The Bible is internally consistent even though it was written over a period of some 1,500 years, about 1450 bce to 100 ce, over 40 generations by more than 40 different authors.” (Marino bibliology 4.1.1.3.) “Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has...
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...Quiz 1 Question 1 0 out of 3 points The following cannot be said of the Bible. Selected Answer: All of the above Question 2 3 out of 3 points Paul speaking on Mars Hill, as found in Acts 17, is an example of cultural apologetics. Selected Answer: True Question 3 3 out of 3 points In the 20th century most evangelicals spoke of culture from a “Christ above culture” perspective. Selected Answer: False Question 4 0 out of 3 points When Jesus healed the crazed man who lived in a graveyard near Decapolis the people of the city: Selected Answer: Refused to believe and did not go out to meet Him Question 5 3 out of 3 points Christianity is unique in its belief that humanity is hopeless and spiritual dead unable to save themselves through human effort. Selected Answer: True Question 6 3 out of 3 points Selected Answer: True All copies of the biblical manuscript are inspired just like the original manuscripts. Selected Answer: False Question 7 3 out of 3 points Because of the respect that people had for the Apostle Paul his message of Jesus Christ was accepted by almost everyone who heard him. Selected Answer: False Question 8 ...
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...Response Paper Humanity has held varying perspectives concerning religion and deity. In our current world there are countless religious beliefs such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Atheism to name a few. The vast majority of these are monotheistic or polytheistic with the exception of Atheism which is absent of any belief in a deity. In each dogmatic structure a formula is provided as a means to live a meaningful life, some to self-satisfaction, in serving others and one in serving a loving God. However, Atheism holds to a belief that there is no afterlife only an end of all existence. With this in mind and there being various religious aspects we must ponder the question, how can humanity reject or disallow the everlasting father, the one true God? Many are the disputes for and against the existence of a God and many have proven to be confusing and misguided to say the least but do propose strong arguments that should be understood. An article by Australian philosopher H. J. McCloskey titled, “On Being an Atheist” presents a seemingly very compelling pro-atheist argument. McCloskey wastes no time and opens his article by explaining the flawed belief systems of theism. Although there are a other arguments to be considered in formulating a solid perspective McCloskey chooses to remain in the scope of three, the Cosmological, Teleological and the argument of design. Cosmological arguments endeavor to surmise the existence of God...
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...they are two different people and primarily play two different roles and are supposed to be that way. The bible is the “book of life” and it is said to guide us through life. It is known to determine whether or not we are going to “heaven” or “hell”. It teaches us how to live in the name of Jesus without sinning and committing any of the “wrongs” stated in the Bible. I am also aware that the Bible ends with “The Book of Revelation” and it states how God is coming back, but without reading it to get my own perspective I am unaware of what is really going to happen and the “Christian community” all have different beliefs about the revelation. The thing about religion is you have to know what you believe to be true and what a myth is. Worldview is not necessarily a “worldview” because everyone gets their personal beliefs upon it. God is the almighty king, he is the father, and he is the man above all humanity. He is the one who “rules” the world. More commonly known as the “eternal creator of everything” (Origins, 2014). As stated in the Origins PowerPoint he is more than the “creator of...
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...Secularism and Christian Apologetics When I consider the reasons I returned to school and the chain of events that precipitated this dramatic life altering change, I know in my heart it is God guiding my steps. I am only a student, a late in life student, but I hope in some way I can be of some help perhaps through education a chance in some unknown infinitesimal way of helping to restore our country to some semblance of the moral clarity this nation was founded on. The Secular left is arguably responsible for the loss of our moral compass, today’s society is devoid of character, strength of integrity, honesty, piety, and respect for fellow man. While I am just a student, for me to be able to learn about a way (Apologetics) to help defend Christianity and as a result of my studies perhaps defend my country and my God, it is quite an honor that I hold dearly. I think this is summed up best by one of history’s early recognitions of our nation when described by the French Ambassador, Alexis de Tocqueville, as observed in Democracy in America; I do not know whether all Americans have a sincere faith in their religion, for who can read the human heart? But I am certain that they hold it to be indispensible to the maintenance of republican institutions. This opinion is not peculiar to a class of citizens or to a party, but it belongs to the whole nation and to every rank of society (Tocqueville). I pray we can become closer to this ideal once again. Secularism it is commonly...
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...BOOK REVIEW of Bush, L. Russ. The Advancement. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2003. APOL 500 LUO (fall 2013) Introduction to Apologetics Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Christopher R. Townsend (#2600628) September 16, 2013 CONTENTS Introduction 1 Summary 1 Critical Interaction 3 Conclusion 6 Bibliography 7 Introduction This is a critique of L. Russ Bush’s The Advancement. In order to properly ascertain the individual components as well as the overall success of Bush’s work, this article deploys the use of a general summary, followed by a section of critical interaction, and finally a conclusion. In the end, elements of Bush’s argument prove invaluable, while others miss their target. Summary Chapter 1 begins with an historical review of the modern worldview formation. This includes first the secular worldview, inspired by the focus on freedom inherent in the Enlightenment. Bush then begins to explore the details of the Christian alternative. This discussion reaches a climax as he notes the contrast of the new and old worldviews. “In the earlier view there is a natural stability in both history and in nature. Progress or decline are products of a person’s relationship or lack of relationship to God, and neither is inevitable historically (15).” Ultimately Bush concludes, “The older worldview is not true (just)...
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...University Apologetics An apology, as the term is used here, is not saying "I'm sorry." Rather, it means a ready defense; "offered in defense or vindication, especially of the divine origin and authority of Christianity." Thus an apology is a defense of what you believe to be true. An apologist is a person who makes the defense. And apologetics is a "systematic argumentative discourse in defense." (All quotes in this paragraph taken from Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. The reason I should defend my faith as First Peter 3:15 says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." When non-Christians ask tough questions about the Christian faith, I will be able to give a solid and logical response. If not, there is an opportunity lost to spread God's Word. Worse, the Christian who has a weak foundation for his faith can be easily shaken by the doubts of non-believers. Though not everything in the Bible can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is far more proof than most people Christian or non-Christian are aware of. As apologists for my faith, it is my job to line up the available evidence, base my decisions upon it, and present the evidence to others to help give them an intelligent foundation for their decisions. "An intelligent Christian ought to be able to point up the flaws in a non-Christian position and to present facts and arguments which tell in favor of the gospel. If our apologetic prevents...
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...APOL 104 Critical Thinking Essay This term we have covered a reasonable amount of materials based on the different types of religions in the world. There are many religions that have strong views and principles, and in order to understand them we must have an open mind and a true understanding of their beliefs. For the purpose of this essay, I will focus on the world views of Islam and compare it to Christianity. Part I Islam is a traditional monotheistic religion that urbanized in the Middle East, Common Era was 622 A.D. According to the Arabic faith, Islam means “Submission” to the will of God . Followers of Islam are known as Muslims. They believe Islam was founded on the teachings of the last Holy Prophet Muhammad. Abraham, Moses and Jesus (to name a few) were also a series of prophets of Allah. Muslims believe “Allah” is the only God. He is the creator and sustainer of the world, Muhammad was his messenger. In Islam, Allah created mankind separate from animals. Animals are not abused nor killed. Muslims endeavor’s to live an Islamic lifestyle. They sustain their identity by believing Islam is the only way of life. They fully submitted to the will of Allah by being good and doing what’s right has human beings. Muslims seek knowledge and guidance from the sacred scriptures of Qur’an. Muslims hypothetical assumed the Bible became a misrepresentation of God. The Holy Prophet Muhammad repeated the words of God through the Angel Gabriel. Muhammad and ...
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...unused every seventh year is one example of how the Bible included scientific knowledge before it was known and taught by scientists. true 6. The Bible includes scientifically accurate statements about the human body, the earth and the heavens 2000-3000 years before they were scientifically proven. false 7. The prophet Muhammad also performed miracles to show that the Qur’an was true like Jesus and the Apostles did to prove that what they said was true and from God. false 8. When presenting the gospel to people Christians should be: s a presentation of the basics of the good news of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, his kingdom come/coming, his death, burial, and resurrection, and the free forgiveness of sins for those who repent and trust in the person of Jesus Christ. A presentation usually includes helpful elements for the particular audience, such as Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, or the basics of the nature of God and His benevolent dominion over humanity for those unacquainted with the basics of a biblical worldview (which centers around the worship of the one true God). 9. William Ramsey who was a skeptic about the historical accuracy of the Bible changed his mind after researching one of the gospel writers detail to titles of historical figures. The writer was: luke or asia minor or paul 10. No other religion can confirm the hope of eternal life like Christianity because Jesus Christ is the only founder of a religion who has bodily rose from the dead. true 11...
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... Russ Bush APOL 500 (Summer 2013) Introduction to Apologetics Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Edwin S. Krzyzek (ID# 25767621) June 16th, 2013 Introduction The scales of theology have shifted. The balance of human epistemology has shifted from a higher creator to cosmic accident. The vast majority of history has shown humans to be theistic; the most recent dot on the string of time has been that of naturalism. Where Christianity has dominated western thinking for so long, it now finds itself in the minority voice of reason. Even Christians themselves have taken to blending their views to remain contemporary. L Russ Bush addresses this proliferation of naturalism in The Advancement. Brief Summary Bush produces an eight chapter discourse on the evolution, propagation and fallacy of a view that espouses inevitable naturalistic progress. One that believes biological life and humans in particular are evolving into a constant state of improvement. That believes science to be the replacement of God. Bush coins this worldview, “the Advancement”. Bush says that Christian stability has been replaced by naturalisms unstable relativity. Meaning no longer has meaning. Truth itself is subjective and new is always better. Bush begins by introducing a number of pre-modern and modern philosophers. Bush succinctly steps us through the evolution of this modern thinking and contrasts that against the Christian worldview. He outlines the ascension of scientific method...
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