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Title: APO 601: Advanced Apologetics and Worldview Analysis
Subtitle: Defending the Faith and Understanding Competing Worldviews
Course Name & Level: Advanced Apologetics and Worldview Analysis, Master Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Apologetics, Worldview Analysis, Faith Defense
1. Introduction:
This course provides an in-depth study of advanced apologetics and worldview analysis. Students will explore methods for defending the Christian faith and critically analyzing competing worldviews.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course that delves into the principles and practices of apologetics, focusing on the defense of the Christian faith and the analysis of various worldviews. Emphasis is placed on equipping students to engage thoughtfully and effectively with contemporary challenges to the Christian faith.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced apologetics and worldview analysis, enhancing their ability to defend the Christian faith and engage with competing worldviews.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and analyze the principles of advanced apologetics and worldview analysis, understanding their theological foundations and practical applications for contemporary faith defense.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Apologetics: The discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse.
- Worldview: A comprehensive perspective from which individuals interpret all of reality.
- Natural Theology: The branch of theology that seeks to understand God through reason and the observation of the natural world.
- Presuppositional Apologetics: An approach to apologetics that starts from the assumption that the Christian faith is the basis for rational thought.
- Comparative Religion: The academic study of the similarities and differences between religions.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Advanced Apologetics: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- Historical Development of Apologetics: Examination of the history and evolution of Christian apologetics.
- Classical Apologetics: Study of traditional methods of defending the Christian faith using reason and evidence.
- Presuppositional Apologetics: Exploration of the presuppositional approach to apologetics.
- Moral Apologetics: Analysis of the moral argument for the existence of God and its implications.
- Natural Theology and Intelligent Design: Examination of arguments for the existence of God based on natural theology and intelligent design.
- Comparative Worldviews: Study of major worldviews and their implications for apologetics.
- Secularism and Atheism: Analysis of secular and atheistic worldviews and how to respond to them.
- Religious Pluralism: Examination of the challenges posed by religious pluralism and strategies for engaging with diverse beliefs.
- The Problem of Evil: Exploration of the problem of evil and theodicy in apologetics.
- Apologetics and Culture: Study of the relationship between apologetics and contemporary culture.
- Practical Apologetics: Strategies for effectively communicating and defending the Christian faith in various contexts.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and principles in apologetics and worldview analysis.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world apologetic scenarios and application of apologetic principles.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen aspect of advanced apologetics or worldview analysis.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant aspect of apologetics or worldview analysis.
8. Research References:
- The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller. eBook format. MLA Citation: Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Dutton, 2008.
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. eBook format. MLA Citation: Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001.
- Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas Groothuis. eBook format. MLA Citation: Groothuis, Douglas. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. IVP Academic, 2011.
- The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog by James W. Sire. eBook format. MLA Citation: Sire, James W. The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog. IVP Academic, 2009.
- Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl. eBook format. MLA Citation: Koukl, Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Zondervan, 2009.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of advanced apologetics and worldview analysis, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
