Online · School of Divinity · Theological Studies

Introduction to Apologetics

APOL-500

CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022  Course Description

This course surveys the basic issues in apologetics such as apologetic method, the biblical basis for apologetics, and the relationship between faith and reason. Then it turns to consideration of various apologetic issues, including the inerrancy of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the existence of God. Finally, the student will be exposed to major worldviews extant today and will consider responses to modern apologetic challenges to Christianity, such as postmodernism, and religious pluralism.

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/).

 Rationale

Scripture states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15 [NKJV]). Throughout this course, the student will be equipped with different methodologies and approaches to apologetics which will give him/her a foundation for defense in the face of various worldviews and religions.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Examine key issues related to the field of Christian apologetics.

B. Construct Christian apologetic arguments to defend the teachings of historic, orthodox Christianity. C. Critique worldviews contrary to historic, orthodox Christian teachings.

D. Communicate Christian apologetic arguments with respect toward other positions.

 Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/liberty)

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word

E. Interactive Turabian-Based Writing Guide (https://rise.articulate.com/share/er1g36fWyDNZkE3q1GA6CLbk3rQSmUiQ)

    Course Assignments

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Textbook readings

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words (CLO: A, B, C, D).

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Thesis Statement - Opening Stage Assignment

The student will design a thesis statement that expresses a clear, precise, and concise critique of a worldview opposed to orthodox Christianity and a defense of Christianity against that worldview. It will be one sentence (25 to 75 words) long accompanied by a title page in current Turabian format. For optimal points, the student will submit a draft thesis statement to the professor for input before submitting a final thesis statement. This thesis statement will be foundational to the research, writing, and final stages of the “Self-Selected Apologetics” argument assignment (CLO: A, B, C).

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Analysis and Critique - Research Stage Assignment

The student will analyze and critique a self-selected worldview building upon the previously submitted thesis statement. A template will be used. The completed template must demonstrate a working knowledge of the worldview selected by the student and a critique based on course readings as well as outside research on the chosen worldview. The template will be completed with footnotes in current Turabian format. Inserted content should range from 125-375 words (CLO: A, B, C).

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Expansion and Defense - Writing Stage Assignment

The student will expand significantly on the previously submitted analysis and critique as well as construct a defense of Christianity against the opposing worldview. This assignment builds on the previous “Self-Selected Apologetics Argument” assignments and will be the bulk of the final assignment to which later an introduction and conclusion are added. A template will be used. Although no title page is required, footnotes and bibliography according to current Turabian format are required. At this point, the length of the paper will be about 1950-2350 words (CLO: A, B, C, D).

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Introduction and Conclusion - Final Stage Assignment

The student will add an introduction and conclusion to the final argument, making any adjustments necessary based on faculty feedback on the previous “Self-Selected Apologetics Argument” assignment. The final argument submission will be 2200-2600 words long submitted in a paper format according to current Turabian formatting format (CLO: A, B, C, D).

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Existence of God Assignment This assignment, using a template will be completed in three parts:

1. A short argument for the existence of God to be used in an actual conversation. 2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

(CLO: A, B, D).

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Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Jesus and the New Testament’s Reliability Assignment

This assignment, using a template will be completed in three parts:

1. A short argument for the reliability of the New Testament’s account of Jesus to be used in an actual conversation. 2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

(CLO: A, B, D).

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Problem of Evil Assignment This assignment, using a template will be completed in three parts:

1. A short defense or theodicy related to the problem of evil to be used in an actual conversation. 2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

(CLO: A, B, D).

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Cults Assignment This assignment, using a template will be completed in three parts:

1. A short defense of Christianity against a specific cult to be used in an actual conversation. 2. A report on the logistics of the conversation.

3. A reflection on the conversation.

(CLO: A, B, D).

Short Argument: Jesus the Resurrection and the Way Assignment

In this short argument, the student will argue for the uniqueness of Jesus in a 4-5-page paper (not counting the title page or the bibliography) in current Turabian format. The student will choose a topic and using course materials and further research, construct a short argument as a short academic paper (CLO: A, B, D).

Short Paper: The Emotional Problem of Evil Assignment

In this short paper, the student will present God’s answer to the problem of evil and suffering in a 4-5-page paper (not counting the title page or the bibliography) in current Turabian format. The student will use course materials and further research for this short academic paper (CLO: A, B, D).

 Course Grading

10

Discussions (2 at 75 pts ea) 150

30

Course Requirements Checklist

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Thesis Statement - Opening Stage Assignment

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Analysis and Critique - Research Stage Assignment 70

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170 100

70

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Jesus and the New Testament’s Reliability Assignment 70

70

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Cults Assignment 70

100

Short Paper: The Emotional Problem of Evil Assignment 100

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Problem of Evil Assignment

Short Argument: Jesus the Resurrection and the Way Assignment

Total

 Course Policies

1010

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Expansion and Defense - Writing Stage Assignment

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Introduction and Conclusion - Final Stage Assignment

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Existence of God Assignment

Extra Credit

No additional “for credit” assignments will be permitted beyond those given in the course requirements stated above.

Course Changes

Course requirements are subject to change by the administration of the University at any time with appropriate notice.  Policies

Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process,

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including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or

the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

Course Attendance

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

             Grading Scale

        A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D-

940- 1010

920- 939

900- 919

860- 899

840- 859

820- 839

780- 819

760- 779

740- 759

700- 739

680- 699

F

679 and below

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

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Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).

 Additional Items

Program Learning Outcomes for APOL 500

APOL 500 supports the following academic programs in the Rawlings School of Divinity:

Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) Master of Arts (Christian Apologetics) Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Master of Arts in Religion

Master of Divinity

The program learning outcomes for these programs are listed with the program in the Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog. This course is related to at least one of the program learning outcomes listed for each of these programs and contributes to your success in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are described. Here is the link to the catalog page where this information can be found:

Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/ (https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/))

 Schedule

  When Topic Notes

   Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

   Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Thesis Statement - Opening Stage Assignment Discussion: Introduction to Apologetics

   Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Existence of God Assignment

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Analysis and Critique – Research Stage Assignment

 Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

 Apply Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Expansion and Defense – Writing Stage Assignment

   Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

  Apply

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Jesus and the New Testament Reliability Assignment Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Introduction and Conclusion – Final Stage Assignment

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    When Topic Notes

 Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

 Apply Short Argument: Jesus the Resurrection and the Way Assignment

   Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Apologetics Field-Based Activity: The Problem of Evil Assignment Short Paper: The Emotional Problem of Evil Assignment Assignment

 Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

 Apply Discussion: World Religions

 Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

  Apply Apologetics Field-Based Activity: Cults Assignment

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