Apologetics for a Christian Worldview: Methodology and Selected Issues

Apologetics for a Christian Worldview - Methodology and Selected Issues explores the role of argument and rhetoric in Christian apologetics, and strategic issues for Christian apologetics in a late modern pluralistic setting.

The course aims at equipping the students with deeper understanding of the role of argument and rhetoric in apologetics, providing students with an opportunity to work in depth and independently with a relevant apologetic challenge.

After completed course the student has attained the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge

The student

• has a grasp of the roles and limitations of argument and rhetoric in Christian apologetics
• has an understanding of the issue of evil in Christian apologetics, related to worldviews and popular culture
• has an understanding of how to respond critically and creatively to current apologetic issues

Skills

The student

• can critically reflect on the roles of argument and rhetoric in Christian apologetics
• can analyse, evaluate, and formulate arguments and rhetorical approaches
• can reflect critically on the issue of evil, as a topic in Christian Apologetics, as it relates both to different worldviews and to popular culture
• can communicate on critical issues for Christian apologetics, with awareness of methodology and the dual role of argument and rhetoric
• can present arguments and rhetorical approaches for Christian apologetics in writing and orally

General competence

The student

• can respond to relevant questions and challenges to the Christian faith
• can present arguments and rhetorical approaches in writing and orally

Part A: Argument and rhetoric in Christian Apologetics (5 ECTS)

This part will develop the area of methodology in apologetics from 3KL220-1, by focusing on the roles of argument and rhetoric Christian apologetics. Both the ideals, opportunities and limitations of argument and rhetoric will be discussed.  

Part B: «Evil» as a case in Christian Apologetics (5 ECTS)

This part introduces the issue of «evil» in Christin Apologetics. It will approach the issue from three directions:

1. A Christian response to evil. 2. A debate on evil between representatives from different worldviews. 3. Evil and the problem of evil as reflected in popular culture.

In all three settings, the emphasis is on worldview perspectives.

Part C: A selected topic from "the apologetic canon» (10 ECTS):

1. Faith and Knowledge
2. Pluralism and Truth
3. God and Reality
4. Good and Evil
5. Sources and History
6. The Identity and Resurrection of Jesus
7. Humanity, personal identity
8. The Justification for Ethics 
9. Students are introduced to recommended readings.

The 3KL221N course is offered online.

The curriculum is introduced through a series of web lessons, with a variety of digital learning resources.

Eight digital / local sessions with lectures and workshops will be offered. The workshops will focus on presentation of and response to proposed projects, as well as on formulating appropriate arguments and rhetorical approaches.

The digital /local sessions in 3KL221N are not compulsory, but students are encouraged to be present in order to create a fertile learning environment.

The main focus of the 3KL221N course will be developing and working on the project assignment, with supervision from lecturers.

a) A 1000 word (plus minus 20%) written assignment with questions on the two first elements of the course: The role of argument and rhetoric in Christian apologetics, and the issue of the problem of evil.

b) A project proposal in 500 words for the final essay, along with a proposed curriculum of 700 pages.

The final assessment of 3KL221N is comprised of two parts:

1) An essay of 3000 words (plus minus 20%) on a selected apologetic issue. (60 % of the final grade)

2) An oral presentation and defence of the essay. (40 % of the final grade)