Introduction to Apologetics – APOL 500

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course surveys basic issues in apologetics. The student also learns to evaluate worldviews, constructing and using appropriate Christian apologetic arguments against opposing worldviews.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Scripture states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15 [NKJV]). Throughout this course, the student will be equipped with different methodologies and approaches to apologetics which will give him/her a foundation for defense in the face of various worldviews and religions.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be at least 400 words. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Finding Credible Sources Assignment

The student will find sources that present the worldview that is to be critiqued and defended against. These sources will be foundational to the research, writing, and final stages of the "Self-Selected Apologetics" argument assignment. (CLO: A, B, C)

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Thesis and Outline Assignment

The student will outline an analysis and critique of a self-selected worldview building as well as outline a defense of the Christian worldview, building upon a thesis statement. Total new content inserted into this template will range from 200 to 500 words. No title page is necessary. (CLO: A, B, C)

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Writing Assignment

The student will expand significantly on the previously submitted outline. This assignment builds on the previous "Self-Selected Apologetics Argument" assignments and will be the bulk of the final assignment to which later an introduction and conclusion are added. Total content should be about 1950-2350 words, generally equally divided among the three sections. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

The student will add an introduction and conclusion to the final argument, making any adjustments necessary based on faculty feedback on the previous "Self-Selected Apologetics Argument" assignment. The introduction and conclusion must each be 3-5 sentences. (CLO: A, B, C, D).

This assignment, using a template, will be completed in three parts:

1. A short argument for the existence of God to be used in an actual conversation.

2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation. 

A minimum of two pages is required for the completed assignment. No title page is necessary since this is a template.

(CLO: A, B, D)

This assignment, using a template, will be completed in three parts:

1. A short argument for the reliability of the New Testament's account of Jesus to be used in an actual conversation.

2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

A minimum of two pages is required for the completed assignment. No title page is necessary since this is a template.

(CLO: A, B, D)

This assignment, using a template, will be completed in three parts:

1. A planned conversation.

2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

A minimum of two pages is required for the completed assignment. No title page is necessary since this is a template.

(CLO: A, B, D)

This assignment, using a template, will be completed in three parts:

1. A short defense of Christianity against a specific world religion or cult to be used in an actual conversation.

2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

A minimum of two pages is required for the completed assignment. No title page is necessary since this is a template.

(CLO: A, B, D)

In this short argument, the student will argue for the resurrection of Jesus and against a naturalistic hypothesis intended to explain away the resurrection. The student will choose a topic and using course materials and further research, construct a short argument as a short academic paper. This paper should be 4-5 pages long. (CLO: A, B, D)