Learning how to think biblically in your faith journey so that through sound knowledge, spiritual discipline, and the power of the Holy Spirit you might be compelled to share your faith with others in a persuasive, loving, and culturally relevant way.
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Course Description:
This course is an introduction to apologetics in which we will focus on the mandate presented in 1 Peter 3:15. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This will be achieved by studying the defense of Christ through the lenses of common objections and contemporary challenges to the truth of Christianity. Trusting in the full sufficiency of scripture we will seek to develop these answers with thorough investigation of God’s word. Readings, discussions, journal reflections and guest speakers will accompany scripture and help us to develop sound personal apologetic responses.
Course Objectives and Outcomes:
Our weekly rhythm will seek to cover one topic pertaining to the study of apologetics from a variety of angles. We will begin the semester with broad apologetic topics and finish with more specific areas such as evil, suffering, sexuality, race, war, science, politics and history.
In the case of school holidays, modified schedules, or student presentations it may be subject to change. The calendar on the website should be consulted in the case of an absence.
Our typical week will look as follows:
This course is an introduction to apologetics in which we will focus on the mandate presented in 1 Peter 3:15. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This will be achieved by studying the defense of Christ through the lenses of common objections and contemporary challenges to the truth of Christianity. Trusting in the full sufficiency of scripture we will seek to develop these answers with thorough investigation of God’s word. Readings, discussions, journal reflections and guest speakers will accompany scripture and help us to develop sound personal apologetic responses.
Course Objectives and Outcomes:
- Understand the biblical importance of apologetics and develop an appreciation for its relationship to evangelism and the ministries of the church.
- Cultivate a thoughtful and fact based defense for having confidence in the truth of scripture and the Christian faith.
- Recognize and evaluate different apologetic approaches so that you can be prepared for the variety of questions and types of non-Christians with whom you may be interacting.
- Identify common objections and challenges that have been brought against the Christian faith and be able to provide a rebuttal or critique.
- Be able to identify reliable sources for biblical, theological, cultural, historical, and scientific arguments and know how to research should you desire further study or need deeper explanations for yourself or others.
- Ultimately, be able to think biblically in your faith journey so that through sound knowledge, spiritual discipline, and the power of the Holy Spirit you might be compelled to share your faith with others in a persuasive, loving, and culturally relevant way.
Our weekly rhythm will seek to cover one topic pertaining to the study of apologetics from a variety of angles. We will begin the semester with broad apologetic topics and finish with more specific areas such as evil, suffering, sexuality, race, war, science, politics and history.
In the case of school holidays, modified schedules, or student presentations it may be subject to change. The calendar on the website should be consulted in the case of an absence.
Our typical week will look as follows:
SATURDAY/SUNDAY HOMEWORK
- Complete assigned reading with post it annotations
- Actively listen and engage with scripture studies by asking questions, following along in your own bible and taking notes.
- Take notes during readings, lectures, videos and guest speakers.
- Complete some form of reflection that shows knowledge of the book reading, the scripture references, and the supplemental information. (More on methods and the purpose behind this will be covered in class. Please also consult the reflections page for links.
- Research and read additional sources on the weekly topic in preparation for class discussions. Use the resource page as a start.
- Participate respectfully during class discussions through the use of your reflections and additional resources. Be prepared to answer questions and listen actively in hope of learning new information, not just in the desire to respond. Journaling/note taking is encouraged.
- Throughout the week students should document any conversations, sermons, or bible studies in which they participate with both Christians and non Christians. Recording other’s questions and responses so they may reflect on them through an apologetic viewpoint in their journal. The hope being that students engage the knowledge learned academically in practical real life interaction not just the classroom.
The information gathered throughout the week will assist you in writing papers, completing quizzes and preparing final presentations. Notes, journaling and class participation are a requirement of the class but will not be graded for content. The effort which you put forth in these areas will be reflected in the content of your papers, quizzes and final presentations. This is a dual credit college course and will be graded as such. Doing the work and completing the readings is up to you because the consequence, either positive or negative falls on you. Ultimately, the goal of this requirement is not about grades but about preparation to defend your faith in an increasingly lost world and that will require a great depth of knowledge and understanding. This is about kingdom gain more than academic gain.
Course Texts:
The below books will be provided by the school, you may choose to purchase your own copy for easier annotations. The instructor will provide all other readings digitally or in class.
Craig, William Lane. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Wheaton, IL, Crossway Books, 2008. (Audio versions available through audible)
McDowell, Sean. A New Kind of Apologist: Adopting Fresh Strategies, Addressing the Latest Issues, Engaging the Culture. Eugene, OR, Harvest House Publishers, 2016.
Course Policies:
Grades (See rubrics for more specific requirements)
Course Texts:
The below books will be provided by the school, you may choose to purchase your own copy for easier annotations. The instructor will provide all other readings digitally or in class.
Craig, William Lane. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Wheaton, IL, Crossway Books, 2008. (Audio versions available through audible)
McDowell, Sean. A New Kind of Apologist: Adopting Fresh Strategies, Addressing the Latest Issues, Engaging the Culture. Eugene, OR, Harvest House Publishers, 2016.
Course Policies:
Grades (See rubrics for more specific requirements)
- 300 points
- 3 Quizzes once a month 100 points each (50 verbal/ 50 written)
- 3 Quizzes once a month 100 points each (50 verbal/ 50 written)
- 150 points
- Journal 75 points per quarter (150)
- Journal 75 points per quarter (150)
- 25 points
- Blog entry on the website
- Blog entry on the website
- 200 points
- Final research writing
- Final research writing
- 125 points
- Final verbal presentation
- Final verbal presentation
- TARDIES: Any student who arrives to class after the late bell rings is considered tardy. He/she should report to the secondary office for a tardy slip. The secondary office will keep a record of tardies, and excessive tardies will result in lunch detention, afternoon detention, or additional consequences outlined in the Handbook.
- ABSENCES: If a student is absent from a class, he/she should approach the teacher the day following the absence to make a plan for missed classwork and assignments. Failure to communicate with the teacher upon return to class will result in loss of points/credit on assignments according to this course’s late/missing work policy.
- TRUANCY/SKIPPING CLASS: If a student misses class due to truancy or skipping class, he/she will not be allowed to make up missing work from that class.
- Any instance of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, copying homework, etc.) will result in a loss of credit on the assignment and a referral to the office.Multiple instances of academic dishonesty may lead to detention, suspension, and possible loss of credit in this course as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
- STUDENT LAPTOPS/TABLETS/E-READERS: Students may use personal devices for academic work only.Any unapproved or inappropriate use of a student device may result in a loss of this privilege and/or consequences detailed in the Parent/Student Handbook.It is the student’s responsibility to complete the required paperwork for access and Wi-Fi, and to have it on file with Mr. McDermott.
- CELL PHONES: Cell phones may not be used during class time unless specific permission is given by the teacher.Any unapproved or inappropriate use of a cell phone during class will result in confiscation of the device for the remainder of the school day.
- Be respectful of your instructor, classmates, and self
- Listen to gain knowledge not just to respond or refute
- Speak truth with humility and love
- Receive correction with kindness and a desire to improve
- Above all, honor God with all that you say and do