Issues in Metaphysics......................................................... 1–2 A study of the nature of reality and its ultimate categories fun- damental to apologetics and other subjects. Special attention is given to worldviews such as naturalism and postmodernism that challenge the Christian worldview’s commitments about the nature of reality. Philosophy of Religion....................................................... 1–2 A survey of philosophical issues that arise in relation to theistic religions. Problems such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, religious language, faith and reason, etc. are discussed in the context of demonstrating that historic Christianity can provide reasonable solutions. Ethics........................................................................................ 1–2 A philosophical and theological evaluation of various ethical systems and the application of those systems to high profile moral issues in society. Bioethics. ................................................................................ 1–2 A survey of and Christian apologetic response to some of the most critical ethical issues of the day coming from biomedi- cal research and practice. The course addresses the difficult questions involved in areas such as human reproduction, cloning, abortion, end-of-life issues, organ transplant, genetic engineering, euthanasia and more. Scientific Apologetics. ....................................................... 1–2 A survey of the issues and ideas involved in the relationship between science, philosophy and the biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to scientific issues and controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question. A History of Christian Apologetics.................................... 2 A survey of apologists and apologetic activity from the time of the apostles and the early Church Fathers to the great apolo- gists of our own century. Modern Apologetics: Theory & Method.......................... 2 A study and evaluation of the various modern approaches to the apologetic task (e.g., evidentialism, presuppositional- ism and combinationalism) and religious epistemology, with constant reference to the theological underpinnings and the nature and value of Christian apologetics inside and outside the church. Spiritual Formation & the Life of the Mind..................... 2 A course designed to enhance the personal spiritual develop- ment of the apologist. Special emphasis is given to the impor- tance of defending the faith with humility and reverence, as well as defining the role of apologetics in the overall mission of the Church.
Contemporary Theology: Survey & Critique.................. 2 A survey of contemporary theological trends with special emphasis on apologetic critique of the unorthodox elements in positions such as process, liberation / political, femi- nist / goddess, gay / lesbian, environmental, racial / ethnic and postmodern theologies. Cultural Apologetics........................................................... 1–2 A study of the ways in which the truths of the Gospel and the Christian worldview are reflected in elite and popular cultural products such as art, literature, film, music and television. Christian Faith in the Public Square.............................. 1–2 An exploration of the proper model for Christian involvement in public discourse, policy and activity. Attention is given to the intelligent analysis and critique of key social issues with respect to the Christian worldview and techniques for the defense of the Christian position in public forums. Comparative Religions....................................................... 2–3 A survey of the beliefs, practices and sacred texts of the major non-Christian religious traditions of the East and West. Special attention is given to the critique of the various belief systems along with ways in which Christians can effectively commu- nicate and defend the Gospel to people of other faiths. (Same as ISCL 556) Cults of America................................................................... 1–3 The distinctive features of the cults of America with their significance in the development of religious thought. Special attention is paid to their mistreatment of the central features of orthodox Christian doctrine and apologetic responses. (Same as TTHT 726) Mormonism: Doctrine & History........................................ 2 A survey of the doctrine and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1820 to the present. Emphasizes Joseph Smith, Jr., the beginning of the church, Mormon doctrinal development and change and a critique and response vis-à-vis the Bible and the original Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Occult.............................................................................. 2–3 An overview of and Christian response to a range of occult ideas and practices. Topics include divination, ritual magic, sor- cery, spiritism, witchcraft, Satanism, as well as occult elements in various New Age beliefs and practices. Special Topics in Christian Apologetics....................... 1–3 The program occasionally offers courses by special lecturers or visiting scholars to address their areas of expertise on an elective basis. May be repeated for credit.
CSAP 624
CSAP 641
CSAP 625
CSAP 643
CSAP 645
CSAP 626
CSAP 627
CSAP 651
CSAP 629
CSAP 653
CSAP 632
CSAP 655
CSAP 636
CSAP 656
CSAP 638
CSAP 680
184
School of Professional Studies
B i ola Un i vers i t y
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker