Unit code T7204
Unit name Christian Apologetics
Unit weighting 9 cp
Prerequisites 9 cp
Exclusions N/A
Curriculum objective This course unit examines the history and shape of Christian apologetics. It considers models of apologetics found in Scripture and throughout church history in order to make application of them to contemporary challenges to the Christian faith.
Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- demonstrate a well-developed understanding of the nature of Christian apologetics and the various approaches available
- analyse the various cultural and theological forces that have changed the current environment for Christian apologetics
- analyse classic and contemporary literature on apologetics
- develop arguments and defences for Christian life and faith
- apply the results of their study to contemporary questions raised by the society
Content
- Apologetics in review
- Features of the current cultural and theological context
- Modern and postmodern models of apologetics
- Existence and character of God
- Identity and relevance of Jesus
- Reliability of scripture
- Problem of evil and suffering
- The Christian apologist in contemporary contexts
Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:
- Critically review recent writings in Christian apologetics [Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
- Articulate a contemporary defence of the Christian faith [Outcomes 4, 5]
- Critically evaluate possible responses to recent questions raised by the non-Christian community [Outcomes 2, 4, 5]
