Bachelor of Ministry, Bachelor of Theology and Related Programs
PE620
Christian Apologetics
Semester 2, 2014
Malyon College
is an approved institution of the
Australian College of Theology
PE620/D is offered by Malyon College as part of the Master of Divinity and Related Programs authorized for
distance and contact delivery by the college, which is an accredited award of the Australian College of
Theology (ACT).
MALYON COLLEGE
At Malyon we recognise that the world is changing. These are times of great challenge and
opportunity. Our commitment is to raising up a generation of influential Christians who
have a strong biblical base, skills in leadership and ministry, and a heart for God.
We have been training Christian leaders for over 100 years, and we’ve learnt a few things
about theological training. Our graduates are serving all over the world as pastors, crosscultural workers, workplace leaders, chaplains, church leaders and theological faculty.
Malyon offers full-time and part-time study options through lecture, intensive and distance
modes. We have excellent resources for students including a large library, wireless internet
and 24 hour access to the campus. All our awards are accredited through the Australian
College of Theology.
The Australian College of Theology
The ACT was established under the auspices of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in 1891.
The ACT is a company limited by guarantee governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. The Anglican
Primate of Australia presides as the chairman of meetings of the company which consists of 54 persons (in
2010). The ACT is an Australasian provider of state accredited higher education courses leading to awards in
theology and other disciplines related to Christian ministry. The ACT operates as an ecumenical consortium of
some 2,500 students enrolled in 19 Bible and theological colleges approved to teach the awards of the ACT.
These awards range from two-year diplomas, three-year undergraduate and coursework masters degrees to
masters and doctoral research degrees.
The ACT has a centrally devised and managed curriculum and a quality assurance process that are applied
across the whole network of affiliated colleges. The day-to-day educational system is managed by the Dean
from the ACT office in Sydney. Academic governance is the responsibility of the Academic Board which
oversees all academic activities of the College. The standing committees of the Academic Board share this
responsibility by monitoring the quality of delivery and resourcing, developing policy, and reviewing the course
structure for research, coursework and diploma courses. The membership of the Academic Board and its
committees is comprised mostly of faculty members of affiliated colleges. A number of senior university
academics are represented to help ensure that ACT practice (especially in the outcome of the consideration of
research examiner’s reports and general academic policy) remains comparable with the standards of and best
practice in the university sector.
As a HEP under the Higher Education Support Act, the College was required to undergo a quality audit
conducted by the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). The AUQA Audit Report was publicly released
on the AUQA website in February 2007.
In 2010 the company consists of 54 members composed in the following way:
(1)
the Anglican Primate of Australian and the Dean of the ACT,
(2)
the principals of 10 Anglican Theological Colleges,
(3)
21 persons elected by the House of Bishops of the General Synod,
(4)
the principals of 11 affiliated colleges approved to deliver the research degrees of the ACT,
(5)
5 graduates holding an ACT research degree,
(6)
5 graduates holding any other degree of the ACT.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 2
UNIT DETAILS
Unit Description
This unit provides an introduction to, and overview of, Christian apologetics in relation to
history, theology, epistemology, philosophy, and methodology. We will first explore the
nature of apologetics, tracing its use, development, and the various schools of thought
across history in the broadest terms. Second, we will consider historical, philosophical, and
behavioural critiques of the Christian faith, and how Christians may respond. Third, we will
consider alternatives to Christian belief within a worldview frame of reference, also
considering how Christians may respond.
Credit Points
This unit is valued at 4 credit points.
Co- and Pre-Requisites
8cps of 300-level OT and/or NT and/or CH and/or PE and/or TH of core foundation level
units.
Exclusions
None.
Unit Content
The unit is made up of the following sections and sub-sections:
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, and
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
4 Historical: the reliability of the Scriptures; the historicity of Christ and his
Resurrection; the emergence of the church.
5 Philosophical: atheism, pantheism, monism, deism, divine providence and miracles;
scientific method; evil and suffering.
6 Behavioural: anthropological, sociological and psychological; behaviourism;
Freudianism.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Section C: Alternatives to Christian Belief
7 Non-supernatural alternatives: agnostic humanism; atheistic existentialism;
Marxism; moralism; scientism and technocracy.
8 Supernatural alternatives: occultism; religious relativism; syncretism; New Age
movements.
Unit Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, student should be able to:
1
2
3
Explain the place of apologetics in the Christian faith, both theologically and
historically.
Formulate basic yet solid responses to major critiques of the Christian faith.
Defend and commend the Christian worldview in response to alternative
worldviews.
Workload Requirement
A unit will generally require about 10 hours per week for lectures for contact students or
home study for distance students, preparation and study, and assignment work over
thirteen weeks. In addition, two study weeks are worked into each semester. Excluding the
study weeks, this generally averages out as follows:
1.
2.
Contact students:
a.
Lectures – 3 hours per week;
b.
Preparation and reading – 4 hours per week;
c.
Assignments – 3 hours per week.
Distance students:
a.
Home study – 3 hours per week;
b.
Preparation and reading – 4 hours per week;
c.
Assignments – 3 hours per week.
N.B: Forum posts are the distance student’s equivalent of classroom interaction, which is
compulsory. As such, forum participation is compulsory for distance students.
It is important for students to realize that there are three ‘points of learning’ for this unit;
namely:
1.
Lecture notes, with lectures for fulltime learners.
2.
Readings from the textbook and other resources.
3.
Personal reflection and input.
As such, students must ensure that they work systematically through all the material,
indicating a comprehensive grasp of the content which will shape particular answers to the
assignment tasks. This will include the responsibility to synthesize the work studied and
read to adequately prepare for the final research assignment.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Learning Guides
Students should access the Learning Guides on the unit Moodle page for guidance through
their studies for the semester.
Assessment Requirements
The student shall complete the following assessment requirements:
1.
2.
3.
Forum participation (25%, assessing section A of the Unit Outline).
Research assignment (45%, assessing section B of the Unit Outline).
Scripted dialogue (30%, assessing section C of the Unit Outline).
Contact students will be expected to attend all lectures; while the forum posts are the
distance student’s equivalent of classroom interaction. Just as class attendance is
compulsory for on-campus students, forum participation is compulsory for distance students.
Students who fail to attend lectures or
complete forum posts satisfactorily may be failed.
Required Resources
In order to complete the unit, the student will be required to have access to the following
resource/s:
Boa, Kenneth & Bowman, Robert M 2001, Faith Has Its Reasons An Integrative Approach to
Defending Christianity: An Apologetics Handbook, NavPress, Colorado Springs.
Note that a paperback second edition of Faith Has Its Reasons (FHIR) was published by Paternoster Press
in 2006. The books are roughly the same length, and the chapter numbers align. As such, my references
from the 2001 edition should be relatively easy to correlate with the 2006 edition.
Sire, J W 2004, The Universe Next Door: A Guide to World Views (4th Edition), IVP, Downers
Grove.
Additionally, further learning resources will be made available on Moodle, our Online
Learning Centre. These resources may include articles, extracts, contact lecture notes and
other learning activities.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Lecture Schedule
Mod
1
Date
22 Jul
Preparation
Topic/s
FHIR: 9-67 (chs. 1-3); John Stackhouse mp3
(1 hour) “The One Best Approach to
Apologetics!” (2011); Steven Cowan, ed.,
Five Views on Apologetics, 7-20, 375-81.;
Olive Tree “Australian Communities Report”
2011 (4pp)
FHIR: 135-154, 227-244, 341-359, 435-446,
509-520 (chs. 7, 11, 15, 19, 21); UND: 9-44,
242-50;
wonderingfair.com/2011/08/03/confessio
ns-of-a-recovering-biblicist/ (3pp);
wonderingfair.com/2011/05/04/adventur
es-in-doubt/ (3pp)
FHIR: 109-130, 203-220, 315-337, 417-433,
523-533 (chs. 6, 10, 14, 18, 22); UND:4586; Alister McGrath mp3 (1 hour) “Why God
Won’t Go Away” (2011)
1. “What story am I in?” … A
narrative approach to apologetics.
2, Unit Introduction + The
Apologist’s Prayer. 3. What is
Apologetics?
2
29 Jul
3
5 Aug
4
12
Aug
UND: 211-41; Tim Keller, The Reason for
God chapter 2 “How could a good God allow
suffering?” pp. 22-34
5
19
Aug
6
26
Aug
7
2 Sep
8
9 Sep
Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ (Zondervan,
1998) 329-67; Tim Keller, The Reason for
God, chapter 7 “You Can’t Take the Bible
Literally” pp. 97-114; Dave Benson (4pp.)
wonderingfair.com/2011/06/29/is-godpro-genocide/
N. T. Wright, “Jesus’ Resurrection and
Christian Origins” Gregorianum 2002 83/4,
615-635; David Benson and Brendan White,
“Confronting the Powers: Resurrection Hope
and the Victory over Evil” (pdf or mp3)
FHIR: 249-277, 363-386 (chs. 12, 16); Alister
McGrath, Bridge-Building: Effective Christian
Apologetics (IVP, 1992), 132-139, 213-23;
Tim Keller “Deconstructing Defeater Beliefs”
(9pp).
Tim Keller, The Reason for God chapter 4
“The Church is responsible for so much
injustice” pp. 51-66;
wonderingfair.com/2011/04/27/good-newsfor-cutters-old-and-new/ (3pp); David
Benson, “Many Paths, One Door?” (24pp)
PE620, Christian Apologetics
1. Apologetic highpoints across
the ages
2. Apologetic types and strategies
with verificationism as ideal
1. Foundations: epistemology,
revelation, presuppositions, and
worldview analysis.
2. Christian Theism: key tenets of
the faith, and the role of the Bible.
1. Philosophical Challenges to
Christianity #1: deism, atheism,
science, miracles, and evolution
2. Workshop: Debating God’s
Existence
1. Philosophical Challenges to
Christianity #2: evil and suffering,
postmodernism
1. Historical Challenges to
Christianity #1: the reliability of
the Scriptures; revisionism and
The Da Vinci Code
2. Open Discussion Session
1. Historical Challenges to
Christianity 2: the historicity of
Christ and his Resurrection, and
the emergence of the church
2. Workshop: Jesus on Trial
1. Behavioural Challenges to
Christianity 1: Behaviourism and
Freudianism
2. Workshop: Structuring an
Apologetics Talk
Page 6
UND:87-140; Tim Keller, The Reason for
God, chapter 3 “Christianity is a StraitJacket” pp. 35-50;
FHIR: 451-502 (ch. 20); David Benson, “New
Wine Skins: Toward a Nuanced Engagement
of Science by Evangelicals”;
wonderingfair.com/2011/03/30/naturalisticfaith/ (3pp)
9
16
Sep
10
7 Oct
11
14 Oct FHIR: 535-552 (ch. 23 + appendix A).
12
21 Oct Stackhouse, Humble Apologetics, 161-205,
227-32.
13
28 Oct
1. Worldviews #1: agnosticism and
Marxism, naturalism, scientism
and secular humanism
1. Behavioural Challenges to
Christianity 2: Anthropological,
sociological and psychological
challenges (inc. feminism)
2. An Apologetic Method:
unpacking the approach used for
the research assignment
1. Worldviews 2: Moral relativism
2. Worldviews 3: nihilism and
existentialism
1. Worldviews 4: Eastern
pantheistic monism.
2. Worldviews 5: New age,
syncretism, and occultism
1. Apologetics as science and art;
humble and prayerful apologetics.
2. Open Discussion Session
Semester examinations
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 7
UNIT LECTURER AND PREPARER
Lecturer
Dan Paterson (BMin, MA(Th), CTPS) became a Christian in his late
teens with a background of tough questions. Since then he has
spent much of his ministry journeying with skeptics, seekers, and
particularly young people in helping them work through their
barriers to trusting in Jesus.
After having served at Kenmore Baptist for 5 years and completing
his undergraduate degree at Malyon College, Dan moved to pastor
the young and young adults at Ashgrove Baptist in late 2009.
Growing into the role to embrace LifeGroups and church-wide to
discipleship as well, Dan then took 12 months study leave in 2012-2013 to move with his
lovely wife Erin to Oxford, where he studied apologetics at the Oxford Centre for Christian
Apologetics. With close ties to RZIM and their academic and itinerant arms, Dan returned to
Australia to continue his ministry and study here. He completed his MA(Th) at the end of
2013, at which time he took up his role at Malyon College as the director of operation at the
Traverse Centre for Church and Culture.
Having studied theology and philosophy now in Australia and at Oxford, Dan is passionate
about preaching the gospel and teaching the Bible in a way that connects the head to the
heart and the church to the culture. Married to the lovely Erin, Dan currently serves as a
pastor and evangelist at Ashgrove Baptist Church.
Contact details:
Office number +61 7 3354 5656
E-mail dan.paterson@malyon.edu.au
Preparer
Dave Benson (BAppSci.HMS-Ed; MCS) is a Brisbane local, and over the years has worked as a
high school teacher, youth worker, youth pastor, Pastor of Evangelism and Community
Outreach for Kenmore Baptist Church, and more recently as a student-lecturer. The
common call across these various vocations is commending Christ and His Kingdom as a
bridge between the church and post-Christendom culture—a culture where the average
person is post-Christian in attitude, but pre-Christian in understanding.
From 1998 to 2002, Dave taught at Ipswich State High School and then Charters Towers
State High School, with a desire to see non-Christian youth find a positive Christian role
model who could help them make sense of the bigger questions of life. During this time he
established a youth ministry in a local church, ran Christianity Explained with students, and
designed a range of workshops for use in the classroom that explored life and belief.
From 2003 to 2006, Dave worked as Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry at Kenmore Baptist
Church. In this capacity he presented regular seminars in a variety of public and private
schools—e.g. “Idiot’s Guide to Believable Beliefs”—exploring worldviews from a Christian
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 8
angle, and fielding questions in forums. Besides running the senior high ministry, Dave
established “Logos” (originally “Defending the Faith”), a think-tank presenting warrants for
Christian belief that help open our intellectual shutters so Christ's light might be seen.
Monthly talks were researched and presented, extending into both schools and universities.
In 2006 Dave moved to Canada with his wife Nikki to complete a Master of Christian Studies
at Regent College (Vancouver), with a concentration in Christianity and Culture, which
explored the Christian mind, apologetics, philosophy, cultural engagement, and other
religions. This culminated in a Masters research thesis under Prof. John G. Stackhouse, Jr.,
entitled “The Thinking Teen: An Exploration, Evaluation and Application of Three Apologetic
Strategies in Commending the Bible to Contemporary Western Adolescents.”
From 2009 to 2011, Dave returned to Kenmore Baptist Church, this time as Pastor of
Evangelism and Community Outreach. In this capacity, he wrote the evangelism training
course “Sign: Pointing People to Jesus”, continued leading Logos apologetics ministry (e.g.,
http://logos.kbc.org.au/blog/resources/logos-talks/caught-out/) speaking in both churches
and schools, designed and presented the DVD project “The Journey: Entering God’s Epic
Story” for the Bible Society, and formed Commission evangelism group experimenting with
outreach to Australian culture. Dave continued building on his thesis topic, presenting
workshops at the Worldwide Scripture Engagement Consultation in Malaysia
(http://www.scripture-engagement.org/content/what%E2%80%99s-bible-got-do-me), and
at the Lausanne Congress for World Evangelisation in Cape Town. This has led to
consultancy work with Scripture Union, Bible Society, Compass, and seminars with L’Abri.
In 2012 Dave commenced part time lecturing at Malyon College (in evangelism, apologetics
and worldviews), and full time study at University of Queensland, working towards a PhD in
Practical Theology on “Schools, Scripture and Secularisation”, analysing the place of sacred
texts in Australian Public Education. On the side, Dave is a regular contributor to the preevangelistic blog wonderingfair.com, and remains a part of Kenmore Baptist Church.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 9
UNIT ASSESSMENT
Assessment Instructions
In completing assessments, students should note that:
1.
The College requirements for the writing and submission of assignments are to be
adhered to at all times, as marks will be deducted for incorrect and poor
presentation. Of particular importance is that the official College title page is to be
used, and that the word length be indicated.
2.
The current Assignment Style and Writing Guides are available to all students on the
Moodle site; it should be studied, both when starting out and at the beginning of
each academic year as adjustments or changes may be made from time-to-time.
3.
The due date is non-negotiable; in exceptional circumstances students are to adhere
to College protocol for requesting permission for late submission. Penalties for late
submission are set at 5% per College week. The Assignment Style Guide contains
details of the protocols to be followed.
4.
With respect to length, students are permitted to write at a length of 10% either side
of the stated length; for example, a 1000-word assignment should be within a 9001100 word length. Students will be penalized 1% per 100 words, or part thereof,
under or over the stipulated length.
5.
With respect to the List of References, a specific number of references will not be
set; however, students should note the guidelines indicated for the specific
assessment requirement. However, students should note that:
a.
Bibles (including study Bibles), basic dictionaries and devotional guides are
not regarded as academic references.
b.
Electronic sources should generally not number more than half the required
number of references, and should be used with caution.
6.
The failure to adhere to the stipulated assessment format requirements will be
penalized as follows:
a.
Body of assignment:
i.
1st level – 1%
ii.
2nd and subsequent levels – 2%
b.
List of References and referencing:
i.
1st level – 1%
ii.
2nd and subsequent levels – 2%
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 10
Grade Criteria
Graduate Diploma and Master’s students at the advanced graduate degree 600-level
should note that grades are awarded on the following criteria:
Units at advanced level build upon foundational studies. Critical issues raised by a
broad range of contemporary scholars are introduced and evaluated; primary
sources are analysed in depth; and the critical and evaluative faculties of the
students are developed in dialogue with scholarly literature.
Pass
 Demonstrates ability in engaging the primary sources, is beginning to
understand their setting and historical context.
 Evidences a grasp of the foundational features of the discipline.
 Demonstrates emerging skills in the task of critically evaluating a range of
scholarly viewpoints.
Credit
 Demonstrates pronounced ability in engaging primary sources and
understands their setting and historical context.
 Evidences a sound grasp of the foundational features of the discipline.
 Shows an ability to evaluate critically a range of scholarly viewpoints with
empathy.
Distinction
 Demonstrates pronounced ability in the analysis of primary sources and
understands their setting and historical context.
 Evidences a confident grasp of the foundational features of the discipline.
 Exhibits an ability to evaluate and assess empathetically a range of scholarly
viewpoints that suggests the emergence of independent thinking and
research skills required at early postgraduate level.
High Distinction
 Demonstrates superior ability in the analysis and critique of primary sources
and ideas and understands their setting and historical context.
 Evidences a confident grasp of the foundational features of the discipline.
 Exhibits superior ability in assessing and reporting on a range of scholarly
viewpoints empathetically that exhibits the emergence of independent
thinking and research skills required at early postgraduate level.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 11
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
Requirement 1: Forum Participation on Apologetic Approach
Throughout the unit, a range of understandings of Christian apologetics have been
considered. In this requirement, students are to interact with others through the Moodle
Forum, formulating their own apologetic approach by responding to the following six weekly
questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
In your own praxis, what is the role of apologetics in relation to theology, evangelism
and mission? (Week 1)
With which apologist do you most identify? What is your primary strategy in
defending and commending the Christian faith, and what is its greatest strength and
its fundamental weakness? (Week 2)
On what basis do you argue that Christianity is “the truth”? And how strong—or
certain—a claim do you hope to support? (Week 3)
Which question or objection have you found is most frequently raised by those
outside the church, as you present the gospel? (Week 4)
Considering both Australian culture and Biblical Theology, why does (or doesn’t)
apologetics matter? (Week 5)
What are the three most important principles underlying effective apologetics?
(Week 6)
This is intended as a first person reflective piece; references are required only inasmuch as
students directly quote or heavily lean upon particular works. In order to encourage
maximum interaction with others, both class-based and distance education students, there
is no upper limit to length and number of contributions per weekly question. However,
roughly 1500 words should be dedicated to formulating one’s own personal apologetic
approach. All contributions should be gathered together in one document and printed for
submission of this assessment task.
The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sound grasp and communication of underlying course content.
Relevant and insightful application of course content to personal experience.
Insightful engagement with other contributors that adds to the discussion.
Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.
Length: 1800 words
References: none/as required
Due: Tuesday 9 September (week 8 of lectures)
Mark allocation: 25%
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Requirement 2: Research Assignment
Students are to respond to one pressing critique that presently undermines the Christian
faith (see section B of the Outline and Contents) and present an essay that addresses the
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Setting the scene; the societal and church context within which this critique is
meaningful.
Underlying concerns; both hopes and fears of the antagonist.
Clarification of key terms and issues foundational to a productive dialogue.
Admission of Christian fault where appropriate, whether intellectually or morally.
Key points defending Christian belief or behaviour, why it is plausible.
Key points commending Christian belief or behaviour, why it is attractive.
Additional actions to support this apologetic.
The majority of the words should be focused on defending and commending Christian belief
(part5&6). If the student wishes, they may write in the first person to address a hypothetical
interlocutor; nevertheless, this is a research assignment and full referencing is expected.
The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Accurate understanding and portrayal of the critique in contemporary context.
Challenges to this critique are reasonable and well-presented, clearly evidencing
independent thinking in both defending and commending Christian belief and
behaviour.
The response demonstrates a variety of apologetic types in an integrated argument.
The list of references is appropriate.
Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.
Length: 3000 words
References: At least 8 meaningful references
Due: Tuesday 7 October (after week 10 of lectures)
Mark allocation: 45%
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Requirement 3: Scripted Dialogue
Based upon the whole day interactive tutorial limited to graduate students*, students are to
reflect upon and extend his or her most striking conversation of the day. That is, students
are to script a dialogue between his or herself, and a person holding to a worldview other
than Christianity see section C of the outline and contents) with the intent of both
challenging the other person’s beliefs and commending a Christian worldview. This
assignment must open with a brief recounting of the conversation that took place,
highlighting the worldview of the person and their greatest “sticking points” to seriously
considering Christianity (300 words). Then, the student is to imaginatively profile the
relevant details of the person’s particular context (300 words); namely, study, job,
sympathetic acquaintances, personal experiences, hopes and fears.
From this point, the student is to script a dialogue that demonstrates strategic questioning,
deploying evidence, and appealing to existential relevance in both defending and
commending Christianity. That is, the student must demonstrate at least two apologetic
strategies (classical, evidential, reformed, fideist, and so forth) in the course of the dialogue,
in pursuit of an integrated approach.
*PE 620D students will, in their own time, undertake the equivalent of a day’s surveying
of non-Christians (using a survey form provided, which PE 620 students will use) as the
basis for this assessment piece.
The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A sympathetic understanding of the person’s beliefs and objections to Christianity.
The use of strategic questioning to expose faulty presuppositions.
The timely deployment of relevant evidence in defending and commending
Christianity.
The appropriate appeal to experience in demonstrating the existential relevance of
Christianity.
The list of references is indicative of appropriate research.
Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.
Length: 2200 words
References: At least four meaningful references
Due: Tuesday 4 November (after week 13 of lectures)
Mark allocation: 30%
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 14
UNIT CONTRIBUTION TO GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
Developing Christians of Influence
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
(Jeremiah 3:15)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Graduate Attribute 1: Personal Maturity –
‘Shepherds with God’s heart’
a.
grows a deepening relationship with Jesus

b.
is secure in God’s call with a desire and ability to learn and grow

c.
is self-aware and maintains self-care
d.
seeks and builds healthy relationships
e.
is committed to living with integrity and prayerful dependence on God



Graduate Attribute 2: Theological Maturity –
‘Knowledge and understanding of God’s heart’
a.
knows and trusts the Bible

b.
understands the context of diverse theological ideas

c.
forms a personal theology which is both biblical and thoughtful

d.
reflects theologically and applies the Bible to real life

e.
is committed to helping others know God’s grace and truth and live
God’s way

Graduate Attribute 3: Ministry Maturity –
‘Knowledgeable and wise shepherds’

a.
is able to have a godly influence over others
b.
possesses skills needed for chosen ministry path

c.

d.
understands cultures and contexts and is able to minister in a range of
contexts
is able to work with and lead a team
e.
is committed to serving, evangelising and mentoring others
1. A major thrust of this unit
3. A possible function of this unit, but not targeted


2. A contribution that this unit should make
4. An unlikely product of this unit
Note: Graduates who have not completed the curricular and non-curricular ministry
aspects of Malyon’s courses will tend to be most developed in Graduate Attribute 2.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
Page 15
RECOMMENDED READINGS
The list below provides the learner with references that relate to the unit material and
topics under consideration.
Section A: Introduction to Apologetics
Alexander, D. (ed.), Can We be Sure about Anything? Science, Faith and Postmodernism
(Leicester: Apollos, 2005).
Barnett, P W Jesus and the Logic of History (Leicester, Downers Grove: Apollos, 1997).
Boa, Kenneth, & Bowman, Robert M., Faith Has Its Reasons An Integrative Approach to
Defending Christianity: An Apologetics Handbook (2d ed., Colorado Springs, CO:
NavPress, Paternoster Press, 2006).
Campbell-Jack, C., G. J. McGrath, C. S. Evans and S. Carter (eds), New Dictionary of Christian
Apologetics (Leicester, Downers Grove: IVP, 2006).
Chang, C., Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas (Downers
Grove, IL: IVP, 2000).
Clark, David K., Dialogical Apologetics: A Person-Centered Approach to Christian Defense
(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1999).
Cowan, Steven B (ed), Five Views on Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000).
Craig, W. L., Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (3d ed.; Wheaton: Crossway
Books, 2008).
Dulles, Avery C., A History of Apologetics (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1999).
Edgar W., Reasons of the Heart; Recovering Christian Persuasion (2nd ed.; Phillipsburg, New
Jersey: P&R Publishing Company, 2003).
McGrath, Alister E., Bridge-building: Effective Christian Apologetics (Leicester: IVP, 1992).
Mayers, R B., Balanced Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1996).
Moreland, J P., Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,
1987).
Newbigin, Lesslie, Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans,
1991).
Oliphint, K. S., L. G. Tipton (eds), Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed
Apologetics (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2007).
Oliphint, K. S., The Battle Belongs to the Lord: The Power of Scripture for Defending our Faith
(Phillipsburgh: P&R, 2003).
Phillips, Timothy R & Okholm, Dennis L. (eds), Christian Apologetics in the Postmodern World
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1995).
Schaeffer, Francis A., The God Who Is There: Speaking Historic Christianity into the Twentieth
Century (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998).
Sire, J. W., Why Good Arguments Often Fail: Making a More Persuasive Case for Christ
(Downers Grove: IVP, 2006).
Stackhouse, John G., Humble Apologetics: Defending the Faith Today (New York: Oxford
University Press, 2002).
Taylor, J., Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment (Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2006).
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Section B: Critiques of the Christian Faith
Astley, J and others, Problems in Theology: Science and Religion (London: T&T Clark, 2004).
Baggini, J., Atheism: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003).
Barnett, P., Finding the Historical Christ (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009).
Boa, Ken, & Moody, Larry, I’m Glad You Asked: In-depth Answers to Difficult Questions about
Christianity (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 1994).
Copan, P. and W. L. Craig, Contending with Christianity’s Critics: Answering New Atheists &
Other Objectors. (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Academic, 2009).
Dembski, W A & Kushiner, J M (eds), Signs of Intelligence: Understanding Intelligent Design
(Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2001).
Dickson, J., The Christ Files: How Historians Know What They Know About Jesus (Sydney
South: Blue Bottle Books, 2006).
Falk, D. R., Coming to Peace with Science: Bridging the Worlds Between Faith and Biology
(Downers Grove: IVP, 2004).
Geisler, N L & Turek, F., I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Wheaton, IL: Crossway,
2004).
Hunter, C M., Darwin’s God: Evolution and the Problem of Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos,
2001).
Johnson, P., The Wedge of Truth: Splitting the Foundations of Naturalism (Downers Grove,
IL: IVP, 2000).
Kaiser, W C., The Old Testament Documents (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001).
Keller, Timothy, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (London: Hodder &
Stoughton, 2008).
McDowell, Josh, The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson,
1999).
McGrath, A., and J. C. McGrath The Dawkins Delusion? Atheist Fundamentalism and the
Denial of the Divine (Downers Grove: IVP, 2004).
Moreland, J P & Reynolds, J M. (eds), Three Views on Creation and Evolution (Grand Rapids,
MI: Zondervan, 1999).
Nicholi, Armand M Jr., The Question of God: C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God,
Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life (New York: Free Press, 2002).
Samples, K. R., World of Difference, A: Putting Christian Truth-Claims to the Worldview Test
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007).
Stackhouse, J. G., Jr. Can God Be Trusted? Faith and the Challenge of Evil (2nd ed.; Downers
Grove: IVP, 2008).
Strobel, Lee, The Case for Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998).
Strobel, Lee, The Case for a Creator (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004).
Strobel, Lee, The Case for Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000).
Van Inwagen, P. (ed), Christian Faith and the Problem of Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans,
2004).
Vitz, P C., Psychology as Religion (2d ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994).
Zacharias, Ravi (ed), Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend (Nashville, TN: Thomas
Nelson, 2007).
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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Section C: Alternatives to Christian Belief
Baggini, J., Atheism: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: OUP, 2003).
Clark, David K., Apologetics in the New Age, Baker, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1990).
Clifford, R. and P. Johnson, Jesus and the Gods of the New Age: Communicating Christ in
Today's Spiritual Supermarket (Oxford: Lion Publishing, 2001).
Dickson, J., A Spectator's Guide to World Religions: An Introduction to the Big Five (Sydney:
Blue Bottle Books, 2004).
Erickson, M J., Postmodernising the Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998).
Ernest, L., Science and the New Age Challenge (IVP, Leicester: IVP, 1996).
Hart, K., Postmodernism: A Beginner's Guide (Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2004).
Glaser, I., The Bible and Other Faiths, Christian Doctrine in Global Perspective (Downers
Grove: IVP, 2004).
Green, M, But Don’t All Religions Lead to God? Navigating the Multi-Faith Maze (Leicester:
IVP, 2002).
Johnson, E. L. and S. L. Stanton (eds), Psychology and Christianity (Downers Grove: IVP,
2000).
Netland, H., Encountering Religious Pluralism The Challenge to Christian Faith and Mission
(Downers Grove: IVP, 2001).
Noebel, David A., Understanding the Times: The Collision of Today’s Competing Worldviews
(revised 2d ed., Manitou Springs, CO: Summit, 2006).
Sire, J W., The Universe Next Door: A Guide to World Views (4th ed., Downers Grove, IL: IVP,
2004).
Smart, S. (ed.), A Spectator's Guide to Worldviews: Ten Ways of Understanding Life (Sydney;
Blue Bottle, 2007).
Zacharias, Ravi, Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message
(Nashville, TN: Word, 2000).
Classics
Bush, L. R. (ed.), Classical readings in Christian Apologetics, A.D. 100-1800. (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1983).
Lewis, C. S., Miracles: A Preliminary Study (London: Geoffrey Bles, 1948).
Lewis, C. S., The Abolition of Man (New York: Macmillan; 1975, 1st published 1947).
McGrath, A. E., Bridge-building: Effective Christian Apologetics (Leicester: IVP, 1992).
Montgomery, J. W., Faith Founded On Fact: Essays in Evidential Apologetics (Nashville and
New York: Thomas Nelson; 1978).
Newbigin, L., Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991).
Richardson, A., Christian Apologetics (London: S.C.M., 1955).
Schaeffer, F., The God Who is There: Speaking Historic Christianity into the Twentieth
Century (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998).
Van Til, C., The Defense of the Faith (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 3rd edition
1967).
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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ACT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Key Policies
Students should take note of the following ACT policies:
1.
2.
3.
Unit Moderation Policy.
Academic Misconduct Policy.
Academic Appeals Policy.
Accessing Documents
These and other policy documents are publicly available in the following handbooks,
through links on ACT’s home page (www.actheology.edu.au):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Undergraduate Handbook.
Postgraduate Handbook.
Student Policy Handbook.
International Student Handbook.
Distance Education Handbook.
These should be read in conjunction with the ‘Recent Updates’ link found on the ACT website.
PE620, Christian Apologetics
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