College of Biblical Studies-Houston
Houston, Texas
Ayatollah
Buddha
Plato
John Dewey
Aristotle
David Hume
Ideas have consequences. Good ideas have good consequences and bad
ideas have bad consequences.
S. Freud
M. Gandhi M. Foucault
A. Hitler Malcolm X J. Stalin M. Theresa
1
W. Dembski
M. McNeese
C.S. Lewis
A. Plantinga
N. Geisler
R. Zacharias
P.R. Shockley
F. A.. Schaeffer
MS 407 BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
College of Biblical Studies Fall 2008
Paul R. Shockley, Th.M; M.A.
College of Biblical Studies
www.prshockley.org.
7000 Regency Square Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77036-3298
Office Hours: By Appointment.
paul.shockley@cbshouston.edu
Thursday from 7:00pm-10:00pm.
www.cbshouston.edu.
713-785-5995.
Faculty Suite: 210
281-499-6540 (H)
A worldview is the sum total of an individual’s answers to the most vital questions in life.
Whether we know it or not-whether we like it or not-each of us have a worldview. In fact,
if we consider ourselves Christian, we are supposed to think and act like Jesus Christ in daily
living. However, because of the cultural impact of relativism, pluralism, multiculturalism,
hedonism, technology, sinful appetites, and apathy, many Christians have compartmentalized
their faith from society, church, and even themselves. As a result, a major shift and decline
has occurred in our Western culture.
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This worldview course is an introduction to the nature, definition, importance, and content
of the Christian world view in general in contrast to other worldview systems and their
implications in particular (e.g., deism, naturalism, pantheism, postmodernism). This course
will highlight the critical importance of thinking "worldviewishly" by giving special attention to
the role of biblical, philosophical, psychological, religious, and sociological assumptions, and
their implications in the totality of life including the arts, family, entertainment, government,
economics, social problems, etc.
What is a worldview? A worldview is the sum-total of our foundational assumptions/beliefs
you have, especially those about important matters such as God, truth, reality, knowledge,
humanity, ethics, & evil. Some ground-level assumptions are crucial whereas others are
peripheral. But a worldview is more than just fundamental assumptions/beliefs-they
function as a set of habits, directing your daily decisions & behavior. Like J. P. Moreland
states, a worldview is a habituated way of directing our daily decisions & actions. 1 But the
question becomes, is your worldview biblically-theologically accurate, coherent & consistent?
In other words, is it God-honoring? One way to determine if your worldview truly glorifies
1
J. P. Moreland, Kingdom Triangle (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), 33.
2
God is to examine the way you live, what you take pleasure or delight in, and how you
respond to both inconveniences & wrongs done to you.
Therefore, our cognitive and affective objectives of this course will include:
II.
1.
Carefully formulating a well-rounded systematic and coherent biblical worldview
that is holistic, relevant, and applicable to every day living.
2.
Discerning competing economic and political systems and the consequences
ideas have in society.
3.
Comparing social systems to the Biblical view of God, man, morality, and
society.
4.
Critically evaluating economical, philosophical, and moral ideas and value
judgments in fine arts and entertainment.
5.
Effectively engaging society with a holistic Christian worldview in order to
promote freedom from chaos and authoritarianism.
6.
Cogently understanding and articulating the Christian principles that established
our American society.
7.
Articulating personal convictions rooted in an understanding of concepts,
presuppositions, philosophical bases and worldviews that have been examined in
light of biblical principles.
TEXTBOOKS:
A.
REQUIRED:
1.
Voddie Baucham, Family Driven Faith: Doing What it Takes to Raise
Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God (Wheaton: Crossway
Publishers, 2007).
2.
Norman Geisler & Peter Bocchino, Unshakable Foundations:
Contemporary Answers to Crucial Questions About The Christian Faith
(Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001).
2.
David A. Noebel, Understanding the Times, Revised 2nd Edition
(Manitou Springs, CO.: Summit Press, 1991, 1995, 2006). You must
have the revised 2nd edition for this course.
3.
Handouts and articles. Every article we distribute must be read by
due date unless professor states that it is an optional read.
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B.
SUGGESTED:
1.
Voddie Baucham, The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian
Culture? (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004). Written by
one of our own professors, this book combines cultural apologetic and
evidences together showing you why we believe what we believe and how
to survive in a pluralistic, antagonistic sensate culture.
2.
Francis Beckwith & Greg Koukl, Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998). This book confronts relativism and equips
you on how to deal with and confront relativism and all of its expressions.
3
J. Budziszewski, What We Can’t Not Know (Dallas, Tx: Spence
Publishing, 2003). One of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Used in my
spiritual life class, it deals with what everyone inherently knows no
matter who they are, where they are from, what they have done or what
they have.
4.
_____. Ask Me Anything (Colorado Springs: Think Press, 2004). Used in
our ethic course, this book is written in dialogue form dealing with very
critical questions, personal and societal problems, and conflicts with which
college students are dealing.
5.
Chuck Colson & Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Then Live
(Carol Stream, IL.: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999). This is an
excellent book for considering the current plight of our culture and the
uniqueness and strength of our Christian worldview. They deal with
topics ranging from Intelligent Design and evolution to critical moral
issues our culture is presently facing.
6.
Os Guinness, Telling the Truth (Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Books, 2000).
This is an awesome and insightful critique of the postmodern loss of
truthfulness in our Western culture and a call to restoration.
7.
_____. Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003). This is one of the best books I believe Os
Guinness has ever written. He takes up the issue of “revelance” and what
that means in our churches today. He argues that our efforts to be
“relevant” reveal the subtle yet seductive influence our Western culture has
upon us.
8.
Russell Kirk, The American Cause (Wilmington, DE.: ISI Books, 2002).
If you are interested in the founding Judeo-Christian beliefs of our
culture, this is a must read! Easy to read this book gives a synopsis of
the principles that made “the American way of life” unique.
9.
Dennis McCallum, The Death of Truth (Minneapolis: Bethany, 1996).
This book explores the postmodern impact in various disciplines of study
(healthcare; law; science, etc).
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C.
10.
Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live: The Rise and Decline of Western
Thought and Culture (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1984). This is a pioneering
work in cultural apologetics and worldview thinking. From a bird’s eye
perspective he analyzes western thought and culture and demonstrates why
the Christian faith is the only viable worldview. This book personally
changed my life. This book will also be helpful to read as we watch the
video series “How Should We Then Live” throughout the semester. If you
love history and the impact of ideas, then you will enjoy this book.
11.
James Sire, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept (Downer’s Grove,
IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2004). One of Voddie Baucham’s favorite books
on worldview thinking, this concise book explores more deeply how and
why worldview thinking can assist us in navigating through our “pluralistic
culture.” So, if you are wondering why we have a worldview class in our
curriculum, you may want to consider reading this book.
REFERENCE TOOLS:
These are not necessary for purchase but are helpful to use as you complete your
worldview paper.
1.
To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview, edited by
Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig, and J. P. Moreland (Downer’s
Grove, IL.: 2004). This is an excellent philosophical reference tool of
essays on the uniqueness of the Christian faith.
2.
Harold O. J. Brown, The Sensate Culture: Western Civilization Between
Chaos and Transformation (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1996). This is a
profound work that shows how societies decline when materialism and
sensuality become dominant, prevailing values. The result (as
demonstrated in history) is a collapse of civilization. But there is hope…
3.
Norman Geisler, Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2000). Excellent apologetic reference tool when you
consider the justification (support) for your worldview presuppositions.
4.
Douglas Groothius, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the
Challenges of Postmodernism (Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press,
2000).
5.
Robert P. Lightner, Handbook on Evangelical Theology (Grand Rapids:
Kregel, 1995). This is an excellent source when writing your worldview
paper for biblical justifications.
6.
Josh McDowell, New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (Nashville: Thomas
Nelson Publishers, 1999). Evidential apologetic source.
7.
J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a
Christian Worldview (Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2003).
For those interested in a college textbook from an evangelical Christian
philosophical perspective on worldview issues, this is the best book to
have.
5
III.
8.
Nancey Pearcey, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity
(Wheaton: Crossway Publishers, 2005).* Probably the most comprehensive
worldview book.
9.
James Sire, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept: A Companion to the
Universe Next Door (Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2004. He
explores more technically the history, formulation, private, and public
dimensions of a worldview.
10.
_______. The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog (Grand Rapids:
Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 1998, 2004). A similar work to
Understanding the Times, this work is by a scholar who focuses on worldview
systems and issues.
Course Requirements and Grading:
Worldview Paper 33.3%
Presentation 33.3%
Final Exam 33.3%
A.
Worldview Paper (33.3%) due on 30 October 2008 (no exceptions,
exemptions, or extensions).
B.
Presentation (33.3%) due (as listed on course syllabi). Each presentation
(which may involve a single individual or group per presentation) will be 45
minutes in length with 15 minutes for questions and discussion. You may
use reputable internet sources in order to prepare for group presentations.
*A unanimous vote from the Southern Baptist Convention, an official letter
signed by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, an opportunity to touch
and glimpse into a hand-written signed copy of an original edition of the Lord
of the Rings by the hand of J. R.R Tolkien, or a personal phone call on your
behalf by Movie Director Peter Jackson may perhaps excuse your absence
from your official assigned date to give presentation.
C.
Final exam over reading of both required books (33.3%) on 11 December
2008 (Thursday) (no exceptions, exemptions, or extensions). The exam will
consist of terms from a list provided on this syllabus, essay and/or
identification questions explaining and contrasting two or perhaps more
competing worldviews as listed on chart between the table of contents and
page 1 of Understanding the Times (33.3%), essay questions from Unshakable
Foundations, and Family Driven Faith.
D.
Extra Credit: Book Report (Up to 10 points may possibly be applied to
final grade). This book report is due on 11 December 2008.
6
Regarding Worldview Paper and Extra-Credit Reading Report
Worldview Paper: You will write a 8-10 page double-space paper
summarizing each of the following seven components that formulate the
major components of your worldview paper: your view of God, reality,
truth, knowledge, humanity, evil, and ethics. You are not allowed to use
internet to complete any aspect of paper. This paper is due 30 October 2008
at beginning of class.
Extra-Credit Reading Report: You may also write no more than a 5-page
reading report from one of the books listed on the above recommended list
in your course syllabus. You are not allowed to use internet or book reviews
to complete any aspect of reading report. This paper is due 11 December
2008.
Both the worldview (8-10 page paper) and extra-credit paper (5-page paper)
must follow the following format:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Times or New Romans Font.
1” margins all four sides.
Typed, not written.
Double-space.
.5 tabs for indention of new paragraphs.
Page numbers on top right corner.
Footnotes, no endnotes.
Bibliography required.
12 size font for text.
9 or 10 size font for footnotes.
Proper cover sheet. See www.prshockley.org under “writing tips” for
an example of a proper cover sheet.
Regarding Extra Credit Reading Report (maximum 15 points).
1.
First, you will write a reading report summarizing the author’s thesis
2.
Secondly, you will report on what you found to be the most valid,
insightful, and thought-provoking.
3.
And third, you will report on what areas of the author’s thought you
disagree and/or questions. In essence, what do you take issue with
and/or have questions concerning. Be specific and precise. Justify your
response, whether you disagree or have questions. If you don’t disagree with
the author’s major thesis, issue, or major concept, then explain how
and why he arrives to the decision he does.
4.
You extra credit will be based on quality of work, proper use of
grammar and spelling, and format as delineated in syllabus. No
7
bibliography is required for extra-credit reading report unless you use
outside sources.
5.
This paper is to be no more than 5 pages. You are not allowed to use
internet sources to complete any aspect of this paper (no
exceptions!).
Regarding your worldview paper (33.3%) you must follow the
following outline:
I.
Introduction: In your introduction summarize your definition of your
worldview and offer an illustration that best depicts your worldview; all in
one-two paragraphs. Make sure your definition best encapsulates the seven
components of your foundational beliefs/assumptions.
Hint: Do not start on your introduction until you have completed
your paper so that you have taken the time to seriously think through
the seven components and how it relates to the way you live.
II.
Body of Paper: Take on each component separately. Once you have
explained your view of God, defend it. It is not merely enough to say
what you believe, but why you believe it. Make one paragraph your
view of God then follow your view of God with another paragraph
substantiating-defending that view.
Hint: Remove all unnecessary words; only give the facts. Explain
any term or concept you use. Do not simply state the and/or quote
Scripture passages. If you use a Scripture passage as a direct,
primary reference, exegete (explain) the passage and how it relates to
your definition. It doesn’t have to be a detailed exegesis of a passage
but just enough to show me that you know what this passage is
about. Lastly, I do not appeal to personal experience as source of
authority to explain or defend your views (e.g., I believe in truth
because I had a mystical encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ!”
Another example might be, “I believe in God because I was once lost
but he touched me and changed my life.” To be sure, this is a good
reason, but other religions claim the same. See, Christianity is built
upon facts. Lastly, those facts dictate our understanding of these
experiences and not the other way around.
A.
Your view of God:
1.
2.
B.
Define your view of God;
Defend your view of God;
Your view of reality:
1.
2.
Define your view of reality;
Defend your view of reality.
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C.
Your view of Knowledge:
1.
2.
D.
Your view of truth:
1.
2.
E.
Define your view evil;
Defend your view of evil.
Your view of ethics:
1.
2.
III.
Define your view of humanity;
Defend your view of humanity.
Your view of evil:
1.
2.
G.
Define your view of truth;
Defend your view of truth.
Your view of humanity:
1.
2.
F.
Define your view of knowledge;
Defend your view of knowledge.
Define your view of ethics;
Defend your view of ethics.
Conclusion: Since a biblical worldview does make a
difference…
A.
B.
What difference does a biblical worldview make in your life?
What specific areas in your life have you changed after
studying the major components of a biblical worldview?
Hint: The conclusion is the application portion of your paper.
Make sure you are specific in your applications; generalities
will not be enough.
Regarding format of your paper:
Use footnotes, no endnotes. See Noebel’s Understanding the Times for
examples on the format of footnotes. However, in your footnotes, I
want you to have one line spacing between each numbered footnote.
Here are some examples how you should footnote and in the way it
should be done. I hope this helps you out!
9
Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its
Cultural Captivity (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2004), 57.
1.
Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live? (Old Tappan, NJ.:
Fleming H. Revell, 1976), 34.
2.
3.
Ibid., 35.
4.
Pearcey, Total Truth, 59.
5.
Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live, 35.
6.
Ibid., 37.
7.
Idem.
8.
J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for
A Christian Worldview (Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2003),
184.
9. Paul Kurtz, ed., Humanist Manifesto I & II (Buffalo, NY: Prometheus
Books, 1980), 3.
g.
Bibliography of sources is required. Your bibliography should
include any work you read, borrow ideas from, or read to assist
you. Even if it doesn’t seem relevant to your paper be sure to add it to
your bibliography. See Turabian handbook for instructions and
examples on the proper format for bibliographies. While there is no
requirement on how many sources must be consulted, please know your
bibliography will be taken seriously.
Hint: All bibliographical data is needed for a proper bibliography. So
as you do research for your paper, be sure to have a note pad ready to
write down what sources you have consulted. Also, whatever is
included in your footnotes should also be included in your
bibliography (though the format is a little different).
h.
Lastly, when in doubt regarding proper format always go with what
Turabian states. Turabian handbook is available for purchase at our
bookstore.
I.
Your grade will be based upon quality of work, proper use of grammar
and syntax, and following directions regarding both the outline and
format of your paper. If you don’t understand my directions, always go
with Turabian. I will never take points off for following Turabian format.
10
Regarding Presentation (33.3%):
1.
Depending upon class size, each student (or groups of students) will make one of
the following in-class presentations on topics (as dictated by professor).
2.
You will sign up for project during the break or after class for first week of class.
3.
Once you sign up for the topic (along with date) you cannot change date. You
have permission to trade (only once) with a classmate but you must have final
approval from me and I must reflect that change on my website where I will post
the official roster of dates, topics, and presenters in order to confirm that I
officially accepted the change.
4.
If you fail to give presentation the day your topic is due you will receive an F for
this portion of your final grade (33.3%). Seriously, a doctor’s note is required if
you are sick. If you become ill it is mandatory to inform me by e.mail at
paul.shockley@cbshouston.edu by noon Thursday so that I may properly
prepare for the topic. It is mandatory that you be punctual.
A. Format for presentations:
1. 45-minute presentation with 15 minutes of discussion.
2. Goal: Present the facts, debate the positions, and formulate a
biblical worldview response.
3. Handouts, charts, resources, & helpful bibliographies are highly
encouraged.
4. Handouts do not need to reflect Turabian format.
5.
Feel free to be creative as long as it is not at the expense of knowledge.
6. You may use reputable internet sources in order to prepare for group
presentations.
B. Your grade will be based on quality.
11
Regarding Final Exam (33:3%): 11 December 2008
1.
Your final exam will include the following components:
A. Know the list of terms listed on review sheet for final exam.
B. Essay and/or Identify: Be able to explain and contrast the competing
worldviews as listed on chart between table of contents and page 1 of
Understanding the Times.
C. Essay Questions from Voddie Bauchams’s Family Driven Faith.
These essay questions will be developed from the chapter headings.
D. Essay Questions from Unshakable Foundations. These essay questions will
developed from chapter headings.
E. Bonus Questions (2 Questions will be chosen; 5 points each; partial
credit is given).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Compare and Contrast the Major Models of Christian Ethics
Reconcile the Problem of Evil with the Goodness of God.
List the 5 categories of justification of our beliefs as explained in class.
Explain the differences between Intelligent Design movement and
Scientific Creationism.
Explain in paragraph form the overall thesis of Francis A. Schaeffer’s
How Should We Then Live video series.
I encourage you to write a summary after you reach each chapter of Unshakable
Foundations and Family Driven Faith to help prepare your for final exam.
IV. COURSE POLICIES:
A.
Weight Given to Course Requirements for Grading:
1.
Final Exam: 33.3%
2.
Presentation: 33.3%
3.
Worldview Paper: 33.3%
4.
A maximum of 10 extra credit points can be earned towards your final course
grade. All papers for potential extra credit must be submitted to the
professor by 14th class (11 December 2008).
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5.
B.
C.
D.
Your professor has the right to alter the requirements or grading at his
discretion and that the schedule of assignments is subject to change at the
professor’s discretion.
Class Participation:
1.
Class participation is expected. All students are required to be present for
announced exams. Because of the nature of this course, it is in your best
interest to attend class and engage material.
2.
Always be sensitive to the topics at hand, professor, and fellow students. We
only have so much time to cover the material prepared for that day of lecture
(no rabbit trail conversations, please).
3.
Since this is a course on college level, be sure to write down lecture notes; it
is your responsibility to keep good notes.
4.
If you miss a particular class, be sure to ask your fellow student for a copy of
his or her notes.
5.
I will not distribute my lecture notes (other than powerpoint presentations
which are location on my website).
Attendance:
1.
Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled.
2.
Students are allowed to miss 20% of all class time without penalty (no more
than 3 absences).
3.
Absences totaling more than 20% of class time will result in an automatic
“F”
4.
If you are more than 30 minutes late to class you will be counted as absent
for that particular class.
5.
Please do not be tardy to class; it is discourteous to both students and
professor.
Late Assignments:
1.
You are required to be present for exam and scheduled presentation.
2.
Any missed exam or scheduled presentation without a cogent documented
excuse will be counted numerically as a zero (00). This is considerably lower
than an average F.
3.
You are required to submit your workbook on class # 13 (at the beginning of
class): 14th April 2008.
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4.
E.
F.
Your grade for workbook will be reduced one letter grade if turned in late.
Attendance:
1.
Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled.
2.
Students are allowed to miss 20% of all class time without penalty (no more
than 3 absences).
3.
Absences totaling more than 20% of class time will result in an automatic
“F”
4.
If you are more than 30 minutes late to class you will be counted as absent
for that particular class.
5.
Please do not be tardy to class; it is discourteous to both students and
professor.
Letter/Numerical Grade Scale:
A+
A
A-
99-100
96-98
94-95
B+ 91-93
B 88-90
B- 86-87
C+ 83-85
C 80-82
C- 78-79
D+ 75-77
D 72-74
D- 70-71
F
0-69
V.
COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
A.
Classes will involve a blend of lecture, interaction, and guided class
discussion. Students are expected to be attentive not only to the instructor but to
each other. Active participation in the classroom will greatly enhance each
student's benefits from the course. Students should be aware that the instructor
will sometimes argue for positions he does not believe, or argue against positions
he does believe, in order to motivate and challenge students to develop and
articulate biblical moral convictions.
A.
COMPONENTS OF WORLDVIEW THINKING:
Since reading is pleasurable, here are three tips that will serve you well!
Please be sure to pace yourself in your reading; if you read a little every day you will
never have to do too much at the last moment. Bombard your reading with
questions so you are not reading to read, but reading to understand: What? How?
Why? When? Where? Make your reading an expression of worship to God. Before
you read examine your intimacy with God and beseech Him for His enabling
assistance.
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B.
CLASS TOPICS AND SCHEDULE:* Subject to change as deemed
appropriate by professor.
Sept. 4th
Class # 1:
Introduction to Biblical Worldview Thinking: What is a Worldview? Due
before next class: Understanding the Times: Introduction: pp. 1-41.
Unshakable Foundations, “Introduction” and chapter 1: “Questions About
Logic,” pp. 12-30.
1.
2.
3.
Introduction to Worldview Thinking.
What is a worldview?
Assignment of Group Presentations.
Sept. 11th
Class # 2:
Formulating a Biblical Worldview: View of God:
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 1: pp. 43-83.
Unshakable Foundations, Chapter 2: “Questions About Truth,” pp. 31-54.
1.
What makes up a worldview?







2.
3.
4.
Sept. 18th
Class# 3:
Our view of God
Our view of Reality
Our view of Truth,
Our view of Knowledge
Our view of Humanity
Our view of Evil
Our view of Ethics
Defining God.
Major arguments for God’s Existence.
Introduction to Francis Schaeffer’s How Should We Then Live.
Biblical View of Reality for Worldview Thinking: Truth
(epistemology), Reality (metaphysics), Faith, and Reasoning.
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 2: pp. 85-126.
Unshakable Foundations, chapter 3: “Questions about Worldviews,” pp. 5570.
1.
2.
3.
Faith and reason.
I will discuss language, reality, and interpretation.
Schaeffer video.
15
Sept. 25th
Class # 4:
Biblical View of Ethics for Worldview Thinking: Humanity.
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 4: pp. 161-207.
Unshakable Foundations, Chapter 6: “Questions About the Origin of Life,”
pp. 111-140.
1.
2.
3.
Oct. 2nd
Class # 5:
What are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going?
What does it mean to be human?
Schaeffer video.
Biblical View of Evil:
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 5: pp. 209-246
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 11: “Questions about God and Evil,” pp.
229-250.
1.
2.
3.
Oct. 09th.
Class # 6:
How do you define evil?
How do you reconcile God’s existence with evil?
Schaeffer video.
Biblical View of Ethics:
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 3: pp. 127-160.
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 14: “Questions About Ethics and
Morals,” pp. 309-340.
1.
2.
3.
Oct. 16th:
Class # 7:
Introduction to ethical terms.
Christian models of ethics.
Schaeffer video.
Biblical View of Ethics continued:
Due before next class:
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 9: “Questions About Law”: 189-208.
1.
Schaeffer video.
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2.
A.
Oct. 23rd.
Class # 8:
Ethical hard-case scenarios.
APPLICATION OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW:
Biblical Reflection on Ethics and Natural Law:
Due before next class:
Understanding the Times: Chapter 7: 283-316...
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 10: “Questions About Justice:” 209-228.
1.
2.
Oct. 30th
Class # 9:
Schaeffer Video.
Natural Law.
Biblical Reflection on Church and State: Worldview Paper is due at beginning of
class!
Presenters: ______________________________
_______________________________
Due before next class: Understanding the Times: Chapter 8: 317-352.
1.
Schaeffer Video:
2.
Presenter # 1: Church and State: Discuss the following views by offering
an analysis of these three views. Then conclude with what you believe is
the biblical worldview on the subject:
3.
1.
The Church over the State? From A.D. 312 until the
Enlightenment in the seventeenth century, the church stood over
the state in Western Europe.
2.
The Church with the State? The church and state are separate
spheres of authority without power over each other.
3.
The State over the Church? This is perhaps the most common of
situations.
Presenter # 2: Christ and Culture: Discuss the following 5 notions (see
Christ and Culture by H. Richard Niebuhr and Christ and Culture Revisited by
D.A. Carson), offering strengths and weaknesses then conclude
1.
Christ against Culture: Christian ethics is concerned with living out
the faith in a corrupt and fallen world.
2.
Christ of Culture: Christian ethics is an example of the best value
system the world can have.
17
Nov. 6th:
Class # 10:
3.
Christ above Culture: Christian ethics are superior to the kinds of
ethics revealed by general revelation.
4.
Christ and Culture in Paradox: The world is fallen, but Christians
are still called to live in it. They are also called to improve things as
much as possible.
5.
Christ the Transformer of Culture: Culture should be transformed
in accordance to a Christian worldview.
Biblical Reflection on the Relationship between Faith and Science.
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 4: “Questions about Science,” pp. 71-86;
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 5: “Questions About Cosmos,” pp. 87110.
Unshakable Foundations: Chapter 8: “Questions About Intelligent Design,”
169-188.
Presenters: ____________________________
____________________________
Nov. 13th:
Class # 11.
1.
Schaeffer Video
2.
Presentation 3: After you define science, examine Scientific Creationism
and its contribution to both the Christian faith and the world of science.
Examine its validity, strength, and weaknesses.
3.
Presentation 4: After you describe what the relationship should be
between science and the Christian faith, explain Intelligent Design and its
contribution to both the Christian faith and the world of science.
Biblical Reflection on Family:
Due before next class: Understanding the Times: Conclusion: Part 1-2: 427440. Paul Shockley will be out of town.
Presenters: _____________________________
_____________________________
1.
Schaeffer Video.
4.
Presenter # 5: What are various views of conception within the Christian
faith and culture? Conclude what the Bible affirms?
5.
Presenter # 6: What is the biblical view of “marriage”? What is your
justification? Is co-habitation ever right? What is the biblical view of remarriage?
18
Nov. 20th:
Class # 12:
Paul R. Shockley will be out of town: Guest Professor.
Biblical Reflection on Aesthetics and Entertainment?
Due before next class: Understanding the Times: Conclusion: Part 3-4: 441474.
Presenters: _____________________________
______________________________
1.
Presenter # 7: What is the biblical worldview regarding beauty? Is beauty in
the eye of the beholder? If there is objective beauty, what is your
justification? How does that impact then the way we should live (e.g.,
our clothing? our homes? our yards? our persons?) In what ways is our
identity shaped by cultural beauty (trends, marketing, advertisements,
magazines)? What really is beautiful according to Scripture?
2.
Presenter # 8: What is the biblical worldview we should have regarding
entertainment: TV, Music, and Movies? In what ways is our identity
shaped by the entertainment? Lastly, how should we biblically critique TV,
Music, and films?
NO CLASS ON THANKSGIVING: 27 NOVEMBER 2008
Dec. 4th:
Class # 13.
Reading Report and Extra Credit Paper is due at beginning of class.
Biblical Reflection on Sexuality and Ecology:
Due before next class: Understanding the Times: Conclusion: Part 5-6:
475-486.
Presenters: ______________________________
______________________________
Dec. 11th:
1.
Presenter # 9: What is a biblical response to those who claim for equal
rights by advocates of homosexuality and Lesbianism (e.g., marriage;
ordination, etc)?
2.
Presenter # 10: What does a biblical worldview of the environment look
like? How does that inform/impact the way we live at home? What
recommendations do you have for us who want to biblically environmental,
esp. in our homes, what we drive, where we work, etc?
Final Exam.
19


NOTICE:
Assignments/Exams/Final must be turned in to the instructor only, on specified due dates.
In the case of emergency, make arrangements with the instructor.
This syllabus is subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor to accommodate
instructional and/or student needs.
VI.
OTHER MATTERS:
A.
Other Important Matters:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Students with a disability who believe
they need an adjustment in this class are encouraged to contact the Division for
Student and Enrollment Services by telephone at 832-252-4685 or 4620, as soon as
possible. The office will process your request and include the decision in a letter
directed to my attention. Please present the letter to me so that we may discuss
adjustments for this class.
Plagiarism: Students who plagiarize (copy material from other sources without
citing references) are committing a very serious offense. Those who plagiarize may
be subject to grade reduction, discipline and/or dismissal from CBS.
Add/Drop/Withdrawal: All students who add or drop a class, withdraw from a
class, change class section, or change status between credit and audit must give
official notice. All ADCP students must contact their Academic Advisor to complete
a Change of Status Form. All other students must complete a Change of Status Form
with the Registrar’s Office.
Financial Aid: Students who are receiving federal, state, or institutional financial aid
who withdraw or add hours during the semester may have their financial aid adjusted
because of the withdrawal or addition. This change in schedule may affect the aid
they are receiving during the current semester, and could affect their eligibility for aid
in future semesters.
Final Course Grades: Final course grades provided to a student by a faculty
member may not be relied upon as official. Students may access their official final
grades online through the SonisWeb System. The Registrar’s Office will only mail
grades to a student upon request. All accounts must be paid in full before a student
can receive transcripts. According to FERPA rulings, faculty may not provide final
grade information to students via telephone, email, posting or any other source
which might compromise student confidentiality.
Children in Classes and Unaccompanied Children The College does not permit
children under sixteen years of age to visit the library or the classroom unless the
class is designed for children. Under no circumstances should children be
unaccompanied on the property. Any children must be accompanied by their parent
or legal guardian at all times.
20
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy Classroom disruption by cell phones or
other electronic devices is prohibited. All cell phones and similar electronic devices
must remain turned off and out of sight for the duration of class. Electronic devices
utilized in a learning context, such as laptops and language interpreters, may be
permitted at the professor’s discretion. A student may face a zero and/or failure in
the class if an electronic device is used for cheating during a test. Cheating at CBS is
not tolerated and may result in expulsion.
B.
How to do well in this class:

Carefully read assigned books. Bombard your assigned readings with the
following questions: why, where, what, when, who, and so what?

Consider making an outline of the major units of thought in your readings.
As you formulate your outline from the reading, ask yourself the following
question: “What do I see?” The more observations you make, the better your
interpretation of the author’s position or claim may be. Afterwards ask,
“What does it mean?”

After you outline the author’s position/claim go back and see what
arguments are being provided to support that position or claim. Keep asking
yourself, “What is the issue?” Then consider what objections can be raised
against that issue, position, or claim. Lastly, what replies can be given to
defend the position or claim against these objections.

You should consult with me as often as possible to make sure you are
understanding the material. Do not wait until the day before a test to begin
studying. This is not the kind of course for which you can cram and expect
to do well. Take advantage of the office hours.

Consider forming study groups to prepare for quizzes and exams.

Make sure you are able to contact another student for lecture material in case
you happen to miss a class (es). Once again, I do not distribute my notes.

Ten Strategies for First-Rate Studying:
Read Thoughtfully
Read Repeatedly
Read Patiently
Read Prayerfully
Read Meditatively
Read Selectively
Read Imaginatively
Read Purposefully
Read Acquisitively
Read Telescopically
21
If you want to improve your reading comprehension skills I would encourage you to
purchase Mortimer J. Adler’s informative work, How to Read a Book.
 This syllabus is subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor to accommodate instructional and/or
student needs.
OTHER NOTES:
22
VII. Biblical Worldview Bibliography:
WORLDVIEW (REGARDING):
Building a Christian World View, vols 2, ed. by William Andrew Hoffeker. Philipsburg, Penn.:
Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988. Volume 1 focuses on God, Man, and Knowledge. Volume 2 focuses on The
Universe, Society, and Ethics. It is from the reformed, covenantal perspective.
Clark, Gordon H. A Christian View of Men and Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952. This book is
a pioneer work in worldview thinking from a Christian coherentist perspective and includes law,
government, and economics (it is not theonomistic).
Colson, Charles and Nancy Pearcey. How Now Shall We Then Live? Wheaton: Tyndale, 1999. This
worldview book follows a cultural approach to worldview thinking.
Curtis, Edward M. and John Brugaletta. Transformed Thinking: Loving God with All Your Mind.
Franklin, Tenn.: JKO Press, 1996.
Geisler, Norman L. and William L. Watkins. Worlds Apart: A Handbook on Worldviews. Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1989. This book surveys the Christian Worldview against competing views.
Guinness, Os. The Dust of Death. Crossway, 1994. This study of the ideas of the 60’s counterculture
movement and its impact upon late 20th century in our Western thought and culture. It is updated
from its first 1973 edition by InterVarsity.
Holmes, Arthur. Contours of a World View. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
Moreland, J. P. Kingdom Triangle. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. This book offers an excellent
critique of naturalism and postmodernism but from a “kingdom” (charismatic) perspective.
Naugle, David. Worldview: The History of a Concept. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002. This is a novel
contribution in that he gives the historical development of worldview thinking.
Nash, Ronald H. Worldviews in Conflict: Choosing Christianity in a World of Ideas. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1992. Introductory text to worldview thinking.
Pepper, Stephen. World Hypotheses. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1942.
Philips, W. Gary, and William E. Brown. Making Sense of Your World from a Biblical Viewpoint.
Chicago: Moody, 1991.
Schaeffer, Francis, A. The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, vols 5.
Wheaton: Illinois. 1982.
Sire, James. The Universe Next Door. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1976. 4th edition, 2004.
This book is an excellent resource on worldview thinking. He offers a very nice assessment of both
Western and Eastern worldviews. This would be an excellent resource if you are in the worldview
class.
Wainwright, William J. Philosophy of Religion. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 1988, chap. 7.
23
SUGGESTED SOURCES FOR EXPLORING CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW
INTEGRATION:
AESTHETICS:
Best, Harold. Music Through the Eyes of Faith. San Francisco: Harper, 1993.
Dillenberger, John. Style and Content in Christian Art. Books on Demand London, 1986.
Gaebelein, Frank E. The Christian, The Arts, and Truth: Regaining the Vision of Greatness. Portland, Ore.:
Multnomah Press, 1985. Gaebelein, a normative dispensationalist, advocates appreciation for the
fine arts with a passion for excellence and glory to God.
Halverson,William H. A Concise Introduction to Philosophy. New York: Random House, 1967, chaps
51-54.
Levine, Michael. “Why I Hate Beauty.” Psychology Today 34,4 (July/August 2001): 38-44.
Interesting article whereby Levine argues that constant exposure to beautiful women has made single
men less interested in women, including married men to their wives.
Hospers, John. Understanding the Arts. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Halll, 1982.
Murray, Peter and Linda. Oxford Dictionary of Christian Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Over 1,700 entries on people and topics represented in art, artists and their works, buildings, places,
themes, and visual images.
Myers, Kenneth A. All God’s Children and Blue Suede Shoes. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 1989.
Rookmaaker, Hans. The Creative Gift: Essays on Art and the Christian Life. Westchester, Ill.:
Cornerstone Books, 1981. Rookmaaker was an associate and mentor of art to Francis A. Schaeffer.
Sayers, Dorothy. The Mind of the Maker. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1987.
Westcott, Brooke Foss. “The Relationship of Art to Christianity.” Pp. 319-360 in The Epistles of John.
London: 1883.
Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Art in Action: Toward a Christian Aesthetic. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.
________. Works and Worlds of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1980.
APOLOGETICS:
Bauchman, Voddie, Jr. The Ever-Loving truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture? Nashville:
Broadman and Holman, 2004.
Beckwith, Francis J., William Lane Craig, and J. P. Moreland. To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the
Christian Worldview. Downers Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2004. Awesome work on apologetics
for the advanced student.
Budziszkewski, Jay. What We Can’t Not Know: A Guide. Dallas: Spence Publishing, 2003. This book
is an evangelical work defending natural theology in the tradition of C. S. Lewis.
24
Craig, William Lane. Reasonable Faith. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 1994.
Five Views on Apologetics, ed. Steven B. Cowan. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. This counterpoint
series debates the differing methodologies in the field of apologetics.
Geisler, Norman. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1999. This
is the most complete reference tool in Christian Apologetics today. The bibliography is superb.
_______. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1976.
_______ and Frank Turek. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. Wheaton: Crossway, 2004.
This book utilizes Dr. Geisler’s 12 step apologetic methodology.
_______ and Peter Bocchino. Unshakable Foundations: Contemporary Answers to Crucial Questions about
the Christian Faith. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001. This work is an excellent introduction to
foundational truths in apologetics and a biblical, rational worldview.
_______ and Thomas Howe. When Critics Ask. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor, 1992.
Is Your Church Ready? Motivating Leaders to Live an Apologetic Life, gen. ed. Ravi Zacharias & Norman
Geisler. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. This book inspires the pastor to equip church people in
apologetics.
Groothuis, Douglas. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against The Challenges of Postmodernism.
Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 2000. Dr. Groothius gives biblical and philosophical
arguments for the correspondence view of truth while demonstrating the fallacies of postmodernism.
Guinness, Os. God in the Dark. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1994. Excellent study of the problem of
doubt in the Christian life.
Guinness, Os. Long Journey Home. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook, 2001.
McDowell, Josh and Bob Hostetler. Beyond Belief to Convictions: What You Need to Know to Help Youth
Stand Strong in the Face of Today’s Culture. Wheaton: Tyndale, 2002. This book demonstates and
provides solutions regarding the apathy and relativism that reign in our young people today.
McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Nashville: Nelson, 1999. This book is an
evidential apologetic tool to demonstrate that God exists, the Bible is reliable, and Jesus is God.
Moreland, J. P. Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987.
Outstanding critique on naturalism.
______ & Kai Nielsen. Does God Exist? The Debate between Theists and Atheists. Buffalo, NY.:
Prometheus, 1993.
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. New York MacMillan, 1943. Rev. ed., 1952. This work has been used
by God to change thousands of lives.
Mayers, Ronald B. Balanced Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1984. Mayers seeks to balance both
classical and presuppositional apologetic methodologies.
Moreland, J.P. Scaling the Secular City. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1956.
25
Nash, Ronald. Faith and Reason. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,1988. Nash is a coherentist apologist.
Sproul, R.C., John Gerstner, Arthur Lindsley, Classical Apologetics: A Rational Defense of the Christian
Faith and a Critique of Presuppositional Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.
Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1998.
Van Til, Cornelius. The Defense of the Faith. Philadelphia: The Presbyterian & Reformed, 1955. Van
Til argues for the presuppositional approach in apologetics.
Zacharias, Ravi. Can Man Live Without God? Dallas: Word, 1994. This work utilizes a cultural
apologetic approach.
APOLOGETICS (HISTORICAL/EVIDENTIAL):
Bloomberg, Craig. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1987.
France, R. T. The Evidence for Jesus. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986.
Groothuis, Douglas. Jesus in an Age of Controversy. Eugene, Oreg.: Harvest ouse< 1996.
Habermas, Gary. The Historical Jesus. Joplin, Mo. College Press, 1996. Gary Habermas’ material is
worth its weight in gold! His website is awesome as well.
McDowell, Josh. He Walked Among Us. San Bernardino, Calif.: Here’s Life, 1988.
Wilkins, Micheal J. and J. P. Moreland, ed. Jesus Under Fire. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
CULTS & WORLD RELIGIONS:
Corduan, Winfried. Mysticism: An Evangelical Option? Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1991.
Gomes, Alan, gen. ed. Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements. 16 vols. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1995.
Groothius, Douglas R. Confronting the New Age. Downers Groe, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1988.
_______. Unmasking the New Age. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1986.
McDowell, Josh, Handbook of Today’s Religions. San Bernardino, Calif.: Here’s Life Publishers, 1983.
Tucker, Ruth. Another Gospel: Alternative Religions and the New Age Movement. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1989.
CULTURAL ANALYSIS:
Baue, Frederic W. The Spiritual Society: What Lurks Beyond Postmodernism. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001.
Bellah, Robert N., William M. Sullivan, Ann Swidler, and Steven M. Tipton. Habits of the Heart. New
York: Harper and Row, 1985.
26
Bloom, Allan. The Closing of the American Mind. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1987.
Bork, Robert. Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline. New York: Regan
Books, HarperCollins, 1996.
Carson, D. A., gen ed. Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.
Chesterton, G.K. Orthodoxy. 1908. Reprint, San Francisco: Ignatius, 1995.
Eliot, T. S. Christianity & Culture. New York: A Harvest Book, 1948, 1967.
Geisler, Norman and Frank Turek. Legislating Morality. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1998.
Guinness, Os. The Gravedigger File. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983. This books offers
excellent insights secularization, privatization, and pluralization-using aspects drawn from sociology
of religion.
_______. A Time for Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. This is an awesome and insightful
critique of the postmodern loss of truthfulness in our Western culture and a call to restoration.
Johnson, Philip E. Reason in the Balance. Downers Grove IL.: Inter-Varsity, 1995. Incredible
resource in evaluating scientific naturalism.
Hunter, James Davidson. Culture Wars. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. Many ways this book is
now a classic text, required reading for anyone interested in cultural analysis and cultural apologetics.
McCallum, Dennis, gen. ed. The Death of Truth: What’s Wrong with Multiculturalism, the Rejection of Reason,
and the New Postmodern Diversity. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1996.
Noll, Mark A. The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
Olasky, Marvin. Prodigal Press: The Anti-Christian Bias of the American News Media. Westchester, IL.:
Crossway, 1988.
Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death. New York: Penguin Books, 1985.
Schlossberg, Herbert. Idols for Destruction. Wheaton, IL.: Crossway, 1990.
Schmidt, Alvin J. Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2001.
ECONOMICS:
Beauchamp, Tom L., and Norman E. Bowie. Ethical Theory in Business. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall, 1979.
Brookes, Warren T. The Economy in Mind. New York: Universe Books, 1982.
Chewning, Richard, John W. Eby, and Shirley J. Roels. Business Through the Eyes of Faith. San
Francisco: Harper & Row, 1990.
27
Clouse, Robert, ed. Wealth and Poverty: Four Christian Views of Economics. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1984.
Houck, John, and Oliver Williams, eds. The Judeo-Christian Vision and the Modern Corporation. Notre
Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1982.
Nash, Ronald H. Social Justice and the Christian Church. Milford, Mich.: Mott Media, 1983.
Olasky, Marvin N., ed. Freedom, Justice, and Hope. Westchester, IL.: Crossway, 1988.
Rae, Scott, and Kenman Wong. Beyond Integrity: A Judeo-Christian Approach to Business Ethics. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
Schaeffer, Franky. Is Capitalism Christian? Wheaton: Crossway, 1985. This book contends that
“democratic capitalism allows man more freedom to achieve his rightful place in the universe as a
creature of dignity made in the image of God than any other socio-economic system. This does not
mean perfect. There is room for improvement. For example, poverty has not been eliminated from
democratic capitalist societies. Nor does perfect justice exist in them. But when compared with
other systems in the real world, democratic capitalism is vastly superior because it provides more
freedom for its citizens, it consistently out produces socialist and other managed societies, it allows
for a great deal of class mobility, it accommodates dissent and reform, it tends to prevent power or
wealth from being concentrated in the hands of the few.” Jacket Cover.
ETHICS:
Annas, Julia. The Morality of Happiness. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Beckwith, Francis J. Politically Correct Death. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.
__________. Do the Right Thing. Boston: Jones and Bartlett, 1996.
Roger Chris & Michael Slote, Virtue Ethics (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997, 2003. This book
is for the advanced reader in ethical theory. Anscombe’s famous article, “Modern Moral
Philosophy” is the first chapter.
Feinberg, John S. and Paul D. Ethics for a Brave New World. Wheaton: Crossway, 1993.
Fournier, Keith A., and William D. Watkins. In Defense of Life. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1996.
Geisler, Norman L. Christian Ethics: Options and Issues. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989.
Haurewas, Stanley L. Suffering Presence. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1986.
Moreland, J. P. and Norman L. Geisler. The Life and Death Debate. Westport, Conn. Praeger, 1990.
Pojman, Louis P. Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 1995.
Rae, Scott. Moral Choices. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
Ryrie, Charles C. Biblical Answers to Contemporary Issues. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974, 1991. Dr.
Ryrie presents easily understandable biblical answers to divorce, suicide, abortion, demonism,
women’s rights, debt, racism, situational ethics, and evolution.
28
Smith, R. Scott. Virtue Ethics and Moral Knowledge: Philosophy of Language after MacIntyre and Hauerwas.
Aldershot, UK: Ashgate, 2003. He offers a critique of A. MacIntyre and S. Hauerwas’ position on
linguistic virtue theory.
GOVERNMENT:
Beckwith, Francis J. and Michael E. Bauman. Are You Politically Correct? Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus,
1993.
Budziszewski, Jay. Written on the Heart: The Case for Natural Law. Downers Grove, IL.: InterVarsity,1997. One of the greatest books I’ve ever read on natural law theory.
Eidsmoe, John. Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of Our Founding Fathers. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 1987.
Gaede, S. D. When Tolerance is No Virtue. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1993.
Geisler, Norman L. “A Premillennial View of Law and Government.” Bibliotheca Sacra 142 (JulySeptember 1985): 250-266.
Gregg, Samuel. On Ordered Liberty: A Treatise on the Free Society. Lanham, MD: Lexington, 2003.
Hatch, Nathan. The Democratization of American Christianity. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University
Press, 1991.
Kirk, Russell, The American Cause. Wilmington, Delaware: ISI Books, 2002.
______. The Roots of American Order. Wilmington, Delaware: ISI Books, 2003.
Nash, Ronald H. Freedom, Justice, and the State. Washington, D.C.: University Press of America, 1980.
Neuhaus, Richard John. The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America, 1980.
Scruton, Roger, The West and the Rest: Globalization and the Terrorist Threat. Wilmington, Delaware:
Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2002. This book explores the differences between Western and
Islamic societies in view of Westernization.
HUMANITY:
Christian Perspectives on Being Human, ed. J. P. Moreland and David M. Ciocchi. Grand Rapids: Baker,
1993.
Ellingsen, Mark. Blessed Are the Cynical: How Original Sin Can Make America a Better Place. Grand
Rapids: Brazos Press, 2003.
Habermans, Gary, and J. P. Moreland. Immortality: The Other Side of Death. Nashville: Nelson, 1992.
Heibert, Paul. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985.
Guinness,Os. The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life (Nashville: Word
Publishing, 1998, 2003). Since finding purpose in life is at the heart of our “human quest,” this book
29
offers tremendous insights on the nature and fulfillment of that longing. This is a book I would like
to read every year; it is so filled with practical wisdom and thought-provoking statements.
Keyes, Dick, Seeing Through Suspicion: A Reconsideration of the Power of Suspicion (Downer’s Grove, IL.:
InterVarsity Press, 2006). Written by the L’Abri director of Southborough, MA., Keyes insightfully
explores “cynicism” and its manifestations in view of both the impact of modernism and
postmodernism in our Western culture.
Lasch, Christopher. The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations. New
York, Warner, 1979.
Lingenfelter, Sherwood. Agents of Transformation. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996.
________. Transforming Culture. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.
Moreland, J. P. and David M. Ciocchi, eds. Christian Perspectives on Being Human. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 1993.
Pentecost, J. Dwight. Designed to Be Like Him. Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 1994.
Piper, John, and Wayne Grudem. eds. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Wheaton, IL.:
Crossway, 1991. Every evangelical should own this phenomenal work.
Mark D. Regnerus, Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers (Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 2007). This work offers a striking sociological analysis regarding the sexual values
and teenagers in today’s culture. He argues that evangelical teenagers aren’t less sexually active than
their non-evangelical counterparts. In fact, he argues that the real significant difference is that
evangelical teens simply feel guiltier about their behavior. Thus, he concludes that while religion may
“influence” adolescent sexual behavior, it “rarely” motivates sexual decision-making.
Richard, Ramesh. Mending Your Soul: The Spiritual Path to Inner Wholeness. Nashville: Broadman &
Holman, 1999. This is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read on the human condition regarding
having a spiritual hole-in-the heart.
Schoch, Richard W. The Secret of Happiness: Three Thousand Years of Searching for the Good life. New York:
Scribner’s, 2006.
Thomas, Robert. Who am I? The Christian Hunger for Self-Identity. London: Christian Focus
Publications, 2002.
Vitz, Paul C. & Susan M Felch, editors. The Self: Beyond the Postmodern Crisis (Wilmington, DE.: ISI
Books, 2006). Exploring the identity, dilemma (s) of the self in view of modernism and
postmodernism from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, theology, literature,
biology, and physics, this work claims that the Judeo-Christian worldview provides the best answers
to understanding ourselves. This is a challenging, very thought-provoking work. To be sure, not all
evangelicals will agree with some of the claims made.
Willard, Dallas. The Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO:
NavPres, 2002.
________. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. San Francisco: Harper &
Row, 1998.
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INTELLECTUAL LIFE:
Adler, Mortimer J. The Great Ideas: A Lexicon of Western Thought. New York: Macmillan, 1952, 1992.
This is one of the best books I’ve ever owned on the history and scope of ideas on important aspects
of Western thought.
_______ and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1972.
Glaspey, Terry W. Great Books of the Christian Tradition. Eugene, Oreg.: Harvest House, 1996.
Great Thinkers of the Western World, ed. Ian P. McGreal. New York: Harper Collins, 1992.
Guinness, Os. Fit Bodies, Fat Minds. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994. This book offers an
outstanding assessment and response to anti-intellectualism in American evangelicalism.
Moreland, J. P. Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul. Colorado
Springs: NavPress, 1997. This book is outstanding in understanding the role of the mind in
Christian living. It is required for the spiritual life course.
Sertillanges, A.G. The Intellectual Life. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1946.
Sire, James W. Sire, James W. Habits of the Mind. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Excellent thoughtful work on developing the mind.
_______. How to Read Slowly. Wheaton, Ill.: Harold Shaw, 1978.
_______. Discipleship of the Mind. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1990.
Wells, David F. No Place for Truth. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
PHILOSOPHY:
Audi, Robert. Belief, Justification, and Knowledge. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 1988.
_______. The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Blackwell Companions to Philosophy. Oxford: Blackwell Series. Blackwell Companions offers indepth
articles and encyclopedic references. They are absolutely vital for graduate scholarship. Each book is
dedicated to a specific subject (e.g., Political Philosophy; Ethical Theory; Modern Philosophy).
Brown, Colin. Christianity & Western Thought: A History of Philosophers, Ideas, & Movements. Downers
Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1990. This book is a sweeping survey of Christianity and Western thought
from the ancient world to the Age of Enlightenment.
Clark, Kelly James, ed. Philosophers Who Believe. Downers Grove, IL.: Inter-Varsity, 1993. This book
is an excellent biographical source that give reasons why philosophers believe in the God of the
Bible.
Copan, Paul, Scott B. Lulely, Stan W. Wallace, Philosophy: Christian Perspectives of the New Millennium.
Norcross, Georgia, 2003. This work is an excellent book by evangelical Christian theologians,
apologists, and philosophers who seek to integrate their faith and scholarship in the university.
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Articles were written by people like Ravi Zacharias, Alister McGrath, J.P. Moreland, and J.
Budzsiszewski.
Edwards, Paul. The Encyclopedia of Philosphy, 4 vols. New York: Collier-Macmillan, 1974.
Geisler, Norman. Philosophy of Religion. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1974.
Geivett, R. Douglas, and Brendan Sweetman, eds. Contemporary Perspectives on Religious Epistemology.
New York: Oxford, 1992.
Hicks, Peter. The Journey So Far: Philosophy Through the Ages. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
Plantinga, Alvin. God and Other Minds: Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God. Ithaca, N.Y.:
Cornell University Press, 1967.
Van Til, Cornelius. A Christian Theory of Knowledge. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Inter-Varsity, 1969.
______. In Defense of the Faith: A Survey of Christian Epistemology. Nutley, N.J.: Presbyterian and
Reformed Publishing, 1977.
SCIENCE & PHILOSOPHICAL NATURALISM:
Barrow, John, and Frank Tipler. The Anthropic Cosmological Principle. Oxford: Clarendon, 1986.
Connell, Richard J. Substance and Modern Science. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press,
1988.
Craig, William Lane, and Smith Quentin. Theism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology. Oxford:
Clarendon, 1993.
Corey, M.A. God and the New Cosmology: The Anthropic Design Argument. Boston: Rowman and
Littlefield, 1993.
Dembski, William. A Darwin’s Nemesis: Phillip Johnson and the Intelligent Design movement. Downer’s
Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
______. The Design Inference: Eliminating Chance through Small Probabilities. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1998.
Denton, Michael. Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. London: Burnett Books, 1985.
Johnson, Philip. Darwin on Trial. Downers Grove, IL.: Inter-Varsity. 1991.
______. The Right Questions. Downer’s Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 1991.
Moreland, J.P. ed. The Creation Hypothesis. Downers Grove, IL.: Inter-Varsity, 1993.
______. Christianity and the Nature of Science: A Philosophical Investigation. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989.
This is an outstanding work in exploring the relationship between science and theology. It is very
impressive contribution to the integration of Christianity and Science. Dr. Moreland is a Dallas
Seminary graduate.
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Morris, Henry. Scientific Creationism. El Cajon, Calif.: Master Books, 1985.
Polanyi, Michael. “Life’s Irreducible Structure.” Science 160 (June 1968): 1308-1312.
Pearcey, Nancy R. and Charles Thaxton. The Soul of Science. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 1994. This
work is also an outstanding book that explores the historical development of science via Christianity.
Dr. Pearcey was taught by Francis A. Schaeffer.
Ross, Hugh. The Fingerpoint of God. Orange, Calif.: Promise Publishing, 1989.
______. The Creator and the Cosmos. Colorado Springs NavPress, 1993.
Sarfati, Jonathan. Refuting Evolution. Glen Forest, Ark.: Master Books, 1999, 2000.
Sproul, R.C. Not a Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology. Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker, 1994.
Thaxton, Charles, and Walter Bradley. The Mystery of Life’s Origin. New York: Philosophical Library,
1984.
Wells, Jonathan. “The History and Limits of Genetic Engineering.” International Journal on the Unity of
the Sciences 5 (Summer 1992): 132-150.
______. Icons of Evolution. Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2000.
Willard, Dalas. The Divine Conspiracy. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisc, 1998.
Wright, Richard T. Biology Through the Eyes of Faith. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1989.
THEOLOGY:
Berkof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1949.
______. The History of Christian Doctrines. Repr. Ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974.
Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill, 2 vols., [Ford Lewis Battles
Edition] Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1936.
Buswell, J. Oliver. A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion, 2 vols. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
1962-63.
Chafer, Lewis Sperry and John F. Walvoord. Major Bible Themes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1954.
______. Systematic Theology, 4 vols. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1998; reprint from Chafer’s 8 vols.
Edition. Dallas: Dallas Theological Seminary Press, 1948.
______. Systematic Theology, abridged edition, 2 vols. ed. by John F. Walvoord, Donald Campbell, and
Roy Zuck. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1988.
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Baker, Grand Rapids, 1985.
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter Elwell. Grand Rapids: Wheaton, 1984.
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Geisler, Norman and William Nix. A General Introduction to the Bible. Chicago: Moody Press, 1968,
1986.
Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology, Vols 1-3. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2002, 2003, 2004.
Volume 4 will be published in 2005. Volume 1 presents the most exhaustive work on prolegomena
known in systematic theology.
Gonzalez, Justo. A History of Christian Thought. 3 vols. Nashville: Abingdon, 1970.
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology. 3 vols. New York: Scribners, 1877.
House, Wayne H. Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 1992.
Lightner, Robert P. Handbook of Evangelical Theology: A Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and
Review. Grand Rapids: Kregel Books, 1995. This work is an excellent survey in presenting the major
evangelical positions of major issues in theology.
Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1998.
Ryrie, Charles C. Dispensationalism: Revised and Expanded. Chicago: Moody Press, 1966, 1995).
Shedd, W. G. T. Dogmatic Theology. 3rd. ed. 3 vols. New York: Scribners, 1891.
______. A History of Christian Doctrine. Repr. Ed. 2 vols. Minneapolis: Klock and Klock, 1978.
Walton, Robert. Chronological and Background Charts of Church History. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
1986.
Wells, David. No Place for Truth, or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1993.
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