Bachelor of Ministry & Bachelor of Theology

PE420D Christian Apologetics

Semester 1, 2012

Malyon College is an approved institution of the Australian College of Theology

PE420D is offered by Malyon College as part of the Bachelor of Ministry and Bachelor of Theology PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 2

authorized for distance and contact delivery by the college, which is an accredited award of the Australian College of Theology (ACT). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 3

MALYON COLLEGE (www.malyon.edu.au)

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, cross- cultural 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 (www.actheology.edu.au)

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. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 4 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

UNIT OUTLINE

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. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 5

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. Explain the place of apologetics in the Christian faith, both theologically and historically. 2 Formulate basic yet solid responses to major critiques of the Christian faith. 3 Defend and commend the Christian worldview in response to alternative worldviews.

RATIONALE

Given the breadth of the issues explored, this unit cannot be expected to equip students with a complete apologetic response to any one critique of, or alternative to, the Christian faith. Rather, this unit will develop students in their ability to flexibly and rapidly integrate and deploy their theological, philosophical, and historical knowledge in forming cogent and coherent responses to alternative constructions of reality. This unit serves as a comprehensive introduction to Christian apologetics, that they may continue their reading and thinking in areas of interest and concern upon completion of this subject.

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. Contact students: a. Lectures – 3 hours per week; b. Preparation and reading – 4 hours per week; c. Assignments – 3 hours per week. 2. Distance students: a. Home study, forum posts and reflections – 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. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 6

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.

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. Forum participation (25%, assessing section A of the Unit Outline). 2. Research assignment (45%, assessing section B of the Unit Outline). 3. Scripted dialogue (30%, assessing section C of the Unit Outline).

On campus students are required to attend 80% of lectures and distance students are required to submit 80% of the forums and sign off on completing the activities to pass.

REQUIRED RESOURCES

In order to complete the unit, the student will be required to have access to the following resources:

McGrath, Alister E 1992, Bridge-Building: Effective Christian Apologetics, IVP, Leicester.

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. The lecture schedule, below, lists what students should read in preparation for the following week’s lecture. In this, the readings from the set texts are compulsory, whilst the readings from additionally listed books and articles are strongly encouraged, though not mandatory.

PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 7

LECTURE SCHEDULE Each lecture is on a Tuesday night from 6:15pm until 9:00pm. BB = set text by McGrath / UND = set text by Sire Wk Date Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Preparation for the following week 1 14 Feb “What story am I Unit What is BB: 9-91; John Stackhouse mp3 (1 hour) “The One in?” … A narrative Introduction + apologetics Best Approach to Apologetics!” (2011); Avery Dulles, "The Rebirth of Apologetics." First Things: A approach to The Apologist’s Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life 143 apologetics Prayer (2004): 18-23; Olive Tree “Australian Communities Report” 2011 (4pp summary) 2 21 Feb Apologetic highpoints Apologetic types and UND: 9-44, 242-50; Joe Boot, “Broader Cultural across the ages strategies with and Philosophical Challenges,” 152-77, in Beyond Opinion, ed. Ravi Zacharias (Thomas Nelson, verificationism as ideal 2007); Dave Benson “Confessions of a Recovering Biblicist” (3pp.) http://wonderingfair.com/2011/08/03/confessions-of- a-recovering-biblicist/; “Adventures in doubt” http://wonderingfair.com/2011/05/04/adventures-in- doubt/ (3pp). 3 28 Feb Foundations: Christian Theism: key UND:45-86; BB: 95-131; Alister McGrath mp3 (1 epistemology, revelation, tenets of the faith, and hour) “Why God Won’t Go Away” (2011) presuppositions, and the role of the Bible worldview analysis 4 6 Mar Philosophical Challenges to Workshop: UND: 211-41; BB: 132, 139-48; 223-29; Tim Keller, Christianity 1: deism, atheism, Debating God’s The Reason for God chapter 2 “How could a good God allow suffering?” pp. 22-34 science, miracles, and evolution Existence 5 13 Mar Philosophical Challenges to Christianity 2: evil and BB: 165-176; Tim Keller, The Reason for God, suffering, postmodernism chapter 7 “You Can’t Take the Bible Literally” pp. 97-114; Dave Benson “Is God Pro-Genocide?” (4pp.) http://wonderingfair.com/2011/06/29/is-god- pro-genocide/ 6 20 Mar Historical Challenges to Christianity Open BB: 160-165; N. T. Wright, “Jesus’ Resurrection and 1: the reliability of the Scriptures; Discussion Christian Origins” Gregorianum 2002 83/4, 615- 635. revisionism and The Da Vinci Code Session 7 27 Mar Historical Challenges to Christianity Workshop: BB: 132-39; Tim Keller “Deconstructing Defeater 2: the historicity of Christ and his Jesus on Beliefs” (9pp, pdf). Resurrection, and the emergence of Trial the church 3 April Study week 8 10 Apr Behavioural Challenges to Workshop: BB: 148-60; 176-187; 213-223; David Benson, Christianity 1: Behaviourism and Structuring an “Good News for Cutters, Old and New” http://wonderingfair.com/2011/04/27/good-news- Freudianism Apologetics Talk for-cutters-old-and-new/ (3pp); David Benson, “Many Paths, One Door?” (pdf, ~24pp) 9 17 Apr Behavioural Challenges to An Apologetic BB: 188-212; David Benson, “New Wine Skins: Christianity 2: Method: unpacking Toward a Nuanced Engagement of Science by Evangelicals”; David Benson “Naturalistic Faith” Anthropological, sociological the approach used for http://wonderingfair.com/2011/03/30/naturalistic- and psychological challenges the research faith/ (3pp) (inc. feminism) assignment 10 24 Apr Worldviews 1: agnosticism and Marxism, naturalism, UND:87-140; Tim Keller, The Reason for God, scientism and secular humanism chapter 3 “Christianity is a Strait-Jacket” pp. 35-50; 11 31 Apr Worldviews 2: Moral Worldviews 3: nihilism UND: 141-210; BB: 230-35. relativism and existentialism 12 8 May Worldviews 4: Eastern Worldviews 5: New age, BB: 239-266; Stackhouse, Humble Apologetics, 161- pantheistic monism syncretism, and occultism 205, 227-32. 15 May Study week 13 22 May Apologetics as science Open Discussion Session and art; humble and prayerful apologetics Semester examinations PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 8 UNIT LECTURER 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 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 pre- evangelistic blog wonderingfair.com, and remains a part of Kenmore Baptist Church.

Office number (07) 3354-5656 (Tuesday only) E-mail [email protected] PE420D, 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 Writing Guide is available to all students on the Moodle site; it should be studied by all students, 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 Writing 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 900- 1100 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 & 3rd level – 2% b. List of References and referencing: i. 1st level – 1% ii. 2nd & 3rd level – 2%

Bachelor’s students at the advanced undergraduate degree 400-level should note that grades are awarded on the following criteria: Units at advanced level build upon foundational studies. Critical issues are introduced and evaluated; documents analysed; and critical and evaluative faculties of the student are developed. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 10

Pass – The candidate demonstrates an engagement with primary sources, has begun to grasp the foundational features of the discipline as that intersects with the topic, and evidences engagement with a range of scholarly viewpoints. Credit – The candidate demonstrates a pronounced ability in engaging with primary sources, a sound grasp of the foundational features of the discipline, and shows promise in the task of critically evaluating a range of scholarly viewpoints. Distinction – The candidate demonstrates a pronounced ability to engage primary sources, a sound grasp of the foundational features of the discipline, and an ability to evaluate critically a range of scholarly viewpoints. High Distinction – The candidate demonstrates a pronounced ability in the analysis of primary sources and in the tasks of evaluating and assessing empathetically a range of scholarly points of view, and an ability to evaluate critically a range of scholarly viewpoints. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 11

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

Requirement 1: Reflection and Forum Participation on Apologetic Approach (Section A of the Syllabus)

1. Reflection Activities. Throughout each module are reflection activities that will assist you to process and apply the information. They are equivalent to the questioning and discussion that occur in attendance lectures. Each reflection activity must be completed with a response of at least 30 words. These will not be seen by anyone except you. You will be required to submit an honesty report at the end of the semester in which you will indicate that you have completed each of the reflection activities (see below).

2. Forum Activities. Each module has a forum activity that must be completed online. The first six are assessed, while forums on week 7-13 are not assessed, even as they are compulsory. Failure to complete the forum activities is viewed as failure to complete the unit requirements. You may like to interact with other forum postings.

Forum posts weeks 1-6:

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. In your own praxis, what is the role of apologetics in relation to theology, evangelism and mission? (Week 1) 2. 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) 3. 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) 4. Which question or objection have you found is most frequently raised by those outside the church, as you present the gospel? (Week 4) 5. Considering both Australian culture and Biblical Theology, why does (or doesn’t) apologetics matter? (Week 5) 6. What are the three most important principles underlying effective apologetics? (Week 6)

Forum posts weeks 7-13:

The following seven forum posts (weeks 7-13) are non-assessable but compulsory— equivalent to class interaction for on-campus students. For each of these seven forum posts, students are to choose one issue addressed in that week’s class lectures (e.g. week 7: a question or objection concerning the historicity of Christ, his resurrection, or the emergence of the church), and write two paragraphs as though in dialogue over email with a friend: PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 12

Paragraph 1 = frame the issue (question or objection) in the most persuasive form you can, from your friend’s perspective (50-100 words) Paragraph 2+ = reply to your friend’s views (above) in 300 words or less.

Forum posts are 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 in forums 1-6. All contributions should be gathered together in one document and printed for submission of this assessment task. You may wish to interact with other students’ forum posts, across all 13 weeks, however this is not a course requirement.

The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:

1. Sound grasp and communication of underlying course content. 2. Relevant and insightful application of course content to personal experience. 3. Insightful engagement with other contributors that adds to the discussion. 4. Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.

Forum Posts 1-6 Length: 1500 words References: none/as required Due: Tuesday 17 April (week 9 of lectures) Mark allocation: 25%

Forum posts 7-13 and Reflection Activities Length: 100-400 words per forum post, and 30 words (minimum) per reflective activity References: none Due: each week, but printed for submission with the following report by Tuesday 29 May Mark allocation: 0% PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 13

Report on Completion of Reflection Activities

I have written at least 30 words in response to the following Reflection Activities.

Activity  Activity  Activity  1.1 5.1 9.1 1.2 5.2 9.2 1.3 5.3 9.3 1.4 5.4 9.4 2.1 6.1 10.1 2.2 6.2 10.2 2.3 6.3 10.3 2.4 6.4 10.4 3.1 7.1 11.1 3.2 7.2 11.2 3.3 7.3 11.3 3.4 7.4 11.4 4.1 8.1 12.1 4.2 8.2 12.2 4.3 8.3 12.3 4.4 8.4 12.4 PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 14

Requirement 2: Research Assignment (Section B of the Syllabus)

Students are to select one critique of the Christian faith considered in the unit (see section B of the Outline and Contents) and present an essay that equally:

1. Defines and discusses the critique. 2. Presents a Christian response to the critique.

1. Accurate understanding and portrayal of the critique in contemporary context. 2. Challenges to this critique are reasonable and well-presented, clearly evidencing independent thinking. 3. The response demonstrates a variety of apologetic types in an integrated argument. 4. The list of references is appropriate. 5. Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.

Length: 2500 words References: At least 8 meaningful references Due: Tuesday 5 June (after week 13 of lectures) Mark allocation: 45% PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 15

Requirement 3: Scripted Dialogue (Section C of the Syllabus)

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 their beliefs and commending a Christian worldview. This dialogue must begin by first explaining the relevant details of the person’s particular context (in less than 300 words); namely, study, job, sympathetic acquaintances, personal experiences, hopes and fears.

1. A sympathetic understanding of the person’s beliefs and objections to Christianity. 2. The use of strategic questioning to expose faulty presuppositions. 3. The timely deployment of relevant evidence in defending and commending Christianity. 4. The appropriate appeal to experience in demonstrating the existential relevance of Christianity. 5. The list of references is indicative of appropriate research. 6. Requirements for the writing of assignments have been adhered to.

Length: 2000 words References: At least four meaningful references Due: Tuesday 8 May (week 12 of lectures) Mark allocation: 30% PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 16 SAMPLE ASSESSMENT COMMENT SHEET

ASSESSMENT COMMENT SHEET Unit: Student: Requirement: Title (abbrev):

Key Criteria Comments [--- Criterion1 ---]

[--- Criterion 2 ---]

General comments:

Submission: Length: Format: Date: Lecturer: Mark/Percentage: Grade: PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 17 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. understands cultures and contexts and is able to minister in a range of  contexts d. 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 2. A contribution that this unit should make 3. A possible function of this unit, but not targeted 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. PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 18 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). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 19

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).

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). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 20

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).

Section C: Alternatives to Christian Belief

Baggini, J., Atheism: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: OUP, 2003). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 21

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 & 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). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 22

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). PE420D, Christian Apologetics Page 23 ACT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

KEY POLICIES

Students should take note of the following ACT policies:

1. Unit Moderation Policy. 2. Academic Misconduct Policy. 3. Academic Appeals Policy.

ACCESSING DOCUMENTS

These and other policy documents are publically available in the following handbooks, through links on ACT’s home page (www.actheology.edu.au):

1. Undergraduate Handbook. 2. Postgraduate Handbook. 3. Student Policy Handbook. 4. International Student Handbook. 5. Distance Education Handbook.

These should be read in conjunction with the ‘Recent Updates’ link found on the home page.