AmaZing Grace Biblical Seminary Erumelikkara, Kumarapuram (P. O) Aluva, Ernakulam. Kerala, India. Pin-683 565. Ph. 8547473926. ****************************************** CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS Course Description Christian Apologetics is the rational defense of the Christian faith, equipping believers with biblical, philosophical, and historical arguments to respond to objections and misconceptions about Christianity. This course provides a foundational understanding of apologetics, its biblical basis, and its relevance in defending faith in a secular world. It explores key arguments for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, addressing contemporary challenges such as atheism, moral relativism, and cultural objections to Christianity. Through this study, students will develop critical thinking skills, strengthen their theological knowledge, and gain confidence in engaging in meaningful discussions about their faith with clarity and respect. Course Objectives Understanding Christian Apologetics Developing Faith Defense Skills Exploring Key Arguments for God's Existence Establishing the Reliability of the Bible Strengthening Theological Knowledge Addressing Contemporary Challenges Encouraging Practical Application Highlighting the Role of Evidence and Reason Course Requirements: Reading Assignments - Students must read based on the syllabus and study assigned secondary sources. Class Presentations - Students will present some topics Reflection Papers - Two short papers (3-5 pages) Final Exam - A comprehensive exam covering the syllabus COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION Class Participation 5% Reading Report 20% Main Term Paper/Assignment 15% Final Examination 60% Outline of the Course 1. Introduction to Apologetics Definition and importance of apologetics. Biblical foundations and its relevance to defending faith. Approaches: defense and offense in apologetics. 2. Why Study Apologetics? Biblical command to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15). Understanding Christian doctrines and countering false teachings. Addressing challenges from culture, media, and moral relativism. Guarding against apostasy and misconceptions about Christianity. 3. Guidelines for Effective Apologetics Importance of prayer, scripture memorization, and humility. Engaging with opposing views respectfully and rationally. Strategies for preparing and delivering convincing responses. 4. Common Challenges to Christianity Addressing objections to the Bible's reliability, contradictions, and moral teachings. Countering claims of alternative religions and atheistic views. 5 Arguments for the Existence of God Cosmological, Teleological, Ontological, and Moral Arguments. Pascal's Wager and experiential arguments. 6. Nature and Attributes of God Key attributes like omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and sovereignty. 7. The Bible as Final Authority Unique features of the Bible: continuity, survival, influence, and reliability. Manuscript evidence, historical validation, and responses to criticisms. 8. Historical Reliability of Scripture Examination of New and Old Testament manuscripts. Archaeological evidence supporting biblical accounts. 9. Resurrection of Jesus Christ Death Burial Empty tomb Theories for the Resurrection of Jesus Objectives of the Christian Apologetics Understanding Christian Apologetics To define apologetics and its importance in defending the Christian faith. To distinguish between defensive and offensive approaches in apologetics. Developing Faith Defense Skills To equip individuals with biblical, philosophical, and historical arguments to address questions about Christianity. To prepare believers to respond effectively to common objections and misconceptions about the Bible, Jesus, and Christian doctrine. Exploring Key Arguments for God's Existence To familiarize readers with major arguments such as the Cosmological, Teleological, Ontological, and Moral arguments. To highlight the role of evidence in establishing the rational basis for belief in God. Establishing the Reliability of the Bible To demonstrate the uniqueness, continuity, and accuracy of the Bible through manuscript evidence, archaeology, and fulfilled prophecy. To address and refute claims of contradictions, errors, and myths in Scripture. Strengthening Theological Knowledge To deepen understanding of core Christian doctrines, including the attributes of God, the Trinity, and the resurrection of Jesus. To emphasize the historical and theological significance of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Addressing Contemporary Challenges To provide strategies for engaging with modern objections to Christianity, such as moral relativism, atheism, and skepticism. To counter false teachings and cultural criticisms of Christianity with well-informed, respectful responses. Encouraging Practical Application To guide believers in using apologetics in real-world scenarios, such as personal evangelism and discussions with skeptics. To foster an attitude of humility, gentleness, and reliance on prayer in apologetic engagement. Highlighting the Role of Evidence and Reason To stress the importance of logical reasoning, historical validation, and personal experiences in defending the faith. To encourage the use of internal and external evidence tests for verifying biblical claims. The note has been compiled from the following sources. Norman L. Geisler, Christian Apologetics (Michigon: Baker Publishing Academy, 2013). Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, Evidence That Demands A Verdict (Nachville: Thomas Nelson Publications, 2017). Peter Kreeft and Ronald K Tacelli, Hand book of Christian Apologetics (Illinois: Intervarsity academy, 2003) Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1999). Lee Strobel, The Case For Christ (Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998)