Apologetics II 386DS (Video Course)

I. Course Overview

Christian apologetics is a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views.  Christians must be prepared to explain what they believe and why they believe it, with gentleness and respect.  Apologists have based their defense of Christianity on historical evidence, philosophical arguments, scientific investigation and other disciplines.  This two-part course is arranged with the linear learning method in mind, starting with an overall view of apologetics and progressing through systematic theology, while seeking to address and answer the most popular and prominent questions related to defending the faith of Christianity.

II. Goals and Objectives

This course is designed to be highly interactive in helping class participants understand the diversity of approaches that have been taken in defining the meaning, scope, and purpose of apologetics.  These approaches will stem primarily from the basic foundations of systematic theology.  As a result of participating in this discovery learning process, students will possess:

1. A biblical understanding of Christian apologetics, its definition, and its many forms.
2. A biblical understanding of Christian apologetic tenets in relation to systematic theology.
3. A biblical understanding of the apologetic stance on other major beliefs of the Christian faith.

III. Required Texts

1. <The Holy Bible>. <>. <year/edition/translation student’s choice >

IV. Additional Readings

1. Hindson, Ed & Ergun Caner. 2008. A popular encyclopedia of apologetics: Surveying the evidence for the truth of Christianity. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.
2. Holman Christian Study Bible. 2007. The apologetics study bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers
3. House, H. Wayne & Joseph M. Holden. 2006. Charts of apologetics and Christian evidences. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishers.
4. Powell, Doug. 2006. Guide to Christian apologetics. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

V. Course Requirements

The course grade will be based on the following elements:

1. Class Attendance: (10%)

Class attendance is required for JBTS students. Attendance will be checked at each class session. A student who misses more than 25% of class meetings will forfeit credit for the class and receive a failing grade. Students are also expected to be in class on time. If a student is late to class three times it will count the same as an absence. (AS 1 ,2 3)

2. Reading Assignments: (10%)

The reading of the class texts is also a very important component of this course. It is expected that you will read the texts very closely and thoughtfully and according to the course schedule.

1. Complete all reading assignments of the course. There is no substitute for reading the Scriptures!
2. Read from the suggested additional reading lists to supplement Bible reading.
3. Use your reading report to keep track and to mark the percentage of the assignment read. Completed Reading Reports are due by the evening of the final exam. Note: “Reading” here involves reading the assignments with careful, thoughtful understanding and insight for thoughtful interaction preparation. (AS 1,2, 3, 4, 5)
4. Notebook Assignment: (10%)

Keep a notebook (preferably a 3-ring binder) devoted to the content of study. The notebook should contain the course handouts, your notes and research, and any assignments that you do for this course. Organizing these materials now will make them accessible in the future as you continue your studies and as you may have opportunity to teach the book. (AS 1, 2, 3, 9)

4. Academic Character: (10%)

Cheating in any form compromises your grade and lowers the quality of your education. Classmates who cheat may lower your grade by inflating grades, etc. To clarify, using someone’s work without giving that person proper credit (i.e. properly citing them) or passing other people’s works off as your own is considered plagiarism regardless of whether you got the material from a book, the Web. (AS 1, 2, 3)

5. Research Paper: (30%)

The research paper must be double spaced (12 pt. font) and at least- Bachelors (7-9 pages,), Masters (12-15 pages), Doctorate (17-20 pages). This will include a title page which must indicate the student’s name, the course name and number, and other pertinent data. They must each include a bibliography as well. These papers must be written with care, as they constitute a portion of the student’s grade. Title page and bibliography do not count in the page count. (AS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9)

6. FINAL EXAM: (30%) – Open-book essay to be turned in within two (2) weeks from last day of class

VI. Grading Scale

A 90-100 (4.0) B 89-80 (3.0) C 79-70 (2.0) D 69-60 (1.0) F below 60 (0.0)