04ST530 : Apologetics Winter 2016 : Course Syllabus

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1 04ST530 : Apologetics Winter 2016 : Course Syllabus Instructor: William C. Davis, Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology, RTS; Professor of Philosophy, Covenant College davis@covenant.edu 10 Krupski Loop; Lookout Mountain, GA Texts, Required: Frame, John, Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief (Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2015) ISBN (paperback). Murray, Michael (ed.), Reason for the Hope Within (Eerdmans, 1999) ISBN (paperback). Plantinga, Alvin, Warranted Christian Belief (Oxford University Press, 2000) ISBN (paperback). Stackhouse, John, Humble Apologetics: Defending the Faith Today (Oxford University Press, 2006), ISBN Davis, Frame in the Context of Recent Apologetics (from Speaking the Truth in Love, pre-publication draft sent via ) (Texts, Recommended: Oliphint, Scott, The Battle Belongs to the Lord) Exams: Final Exam distributed January 5, due by February 5, 2016 (postmarked or e- mailed) Papers: Students will complete one of the following. Final Draft is due February 12, 2016 at midnight (by or postmark). #1. Apologetic Exchange: focused and annotated text of an apologetic exchange with a non-christian. Target length (total): 3500 words. [Notes: (a) A first exchange (at least one substantive from each party) showing the potential of the contact is due on January 29. (b) Annotation/commentary should not exceed 50% of this exercise.] #2. Meta-Apologetic Critical Assessment: a 3000-word explanation and assessment of a source published in the last ten years (2003 or later) dealing with apologetics. The assessment should focus on methodological matters. [Notes: (a) If a Rough Draft is submitted by January 29, it will receive comments and suggestions. The Final Draft would then be due one week after the comments were returned or February 12, whichever is later. (b) Only one student may write on a particular source, so first-come, first-served.] #3. Apologetic Response: a 3000-word response to an attack leveled against the faith published in the last five years (2008 or later). [Notes: (a) If a Rough Draft is submitted by January 29, it will receive comments and suggestions. The Final

2 Draft would then be due one week after the comments were returned or February 12, whichever is later. (b) Only one student may write on a particular source, so first-come, first-served.] Participation: In-class activities (debates, puzzle solutions, role-playing, etc.) will contribute to this portion of the grade, along with attendance. Attendance will be taken discretely three times each weekend (Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon). Grading: Grades will be calculated using the following percentages: Final Exam... 40% Paper... 45% Participation. 15% Schedule of Topics, Readings & Assignments: Jan. 8-9 Jan Jan The Apologetic Tasks (The Biblical Imperative to Defend the Faith) (no reading or writing assignments, but Davis, Frame in the Context of Recent Apologetics is recommended) Meta-Apologetics (Theories of Defending the Faith) Reading: Frame (pp ) & Stackhouse (all) Reading: Plantinga (chps 3, 5-9, 13; i.e. pp , , ) Apologetic Challenges Answered (Defending the Faith) Murray (chps 1, 2, 4, 5, and three chapters to be selected by the class; i.e. 1-46, , and roughly 60 other pages as selected). Jan. 29 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 12* First Exchange of s due (for Apologetic Exchange option) (Optional Rough Draft of Meta-Apologetic or Apologetic Response paper) Final Exam Due (postmarked or ed) Final Draft of Papers Due (postmarked or ed) *or 10 days after comments sent from instructor to student Extension Policy All assignments and exams are to be completed by the deadlines announced in this syllabus or in class. Extensions for assignments and exams due within the normal duration of the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. Extensions of two weeks or less beyond the date of the last deadline for the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. A grade penalty may be assessed.

3 Extensions of greater than two weeks but not more than six weeks beyond the last deadline for the course may be granted in extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, family emergency). For an extension of more than two weeks the student must request an Extension Request Form from the Student Services Office. The request must be approved by the Professor and the Academic Dean. A grade penalty may be assessed. (RTS Catalog p. 42 and RTS Atlanta Student Handbook p. 14) Any incompletes not cleared six weeks after the last published due date for course work will be converted to a failing grade. Professors may have the failing grade changed to a passing grade by request. (RTS Catalog p. 42)

4 Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: ST 530 Apologetics Professor: William C. Davis, PhD Campus: Atlanta Date: January 2016 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Rubric None Mini-Justification Course Essay (Apologetic Exchange, Meta-Apologetic Assessment, or Apologetic Response) each require students to analyze and assess current challenges to the rational viability of Christian faith commitments. Successful essays will be able to articulate command of key biblical and theological concepts and presuppositions. Required readings and class lectures provided background material and clarification of the needed concepts of presuppositions. Classroom discussion and lectures are organized around the use of biblical texts (especially in their original languages) as sources for the content and method necessary to the defense of the faith. The Reformed tradition in Apologetics is rich and subtle, but more in the practices of the tradition than in the doctrinal standards and symbols. Close attention is given to the history of Reformed practice. Reformed Apologetics insists on defending faith in the Triune God of the Bible (and not just a general theism); moreover, faithful defenses of Christian faith start

5 Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Preach Worship Shepherd Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Church/World Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. from hearts growing in grace and exhibiting the love of Christ. Extensive attention is given to the role of sanctification and the fruit of the Spirit in Apologetics. Lives detached from the Word of God will be apologetically inert, but the primary desire must be a desire to see the lost won and Christ s honor defended. The principal focus on classroom discussion and the course assignments is love for and outreach to non-christians. Close consideration is given to the importance of ecumenical peace as part of the church being a hermeneutic of the gospel, however. The focus is dialogue with non- Christians, but some time is devoted to strategies for teaching other believers how to deal with doubt and defend the faith. The worshipping community is the truth embodied, and thus plays a part (albeit secondary) in the study of apologetics Because effective defenses of the faith depend on love for the lost and a vital body life, the task of nurturing the local congregation gets extensive attention in classroom discussion and lectures. Consideration of work within denominational structures focuses on the importance of dealing charitably with fellow believers who approach apologetics differently. The rubric for the Meta-apologetic Critical Assessment option among the Essays includes an evaluation of this (charity with others who disagree).

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