A1. Introduction to Apologetics

Apologetics

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Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience . . .

1 Peter 3:15–16, NIV

?If you could say just one thing to someone about the hope you have, what would it be?

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Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience . . .

1 Peter 3:15–16, NIV

apologia

apo = counterlogia = words

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20, NIV

Reasoned argumentsfor Christian truth claims

Counter-argumentsto other ideas

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web

Knowing

Showing

Knowing

the Holy Spirit’s witness

encouraging evidence

Showing

proclaiming

persuading

defending the reasonableness of Christian truth claims

showing the inadequacy of non-Christian truth claims

the Holy Spirit’s conviction

?What are the most common objections to Christianity which you encounter?

What are the most common alternative worldviews which you encounter?

worldview clashes

Worldviews

A worldview is an interpretation of influences, experiences, circumstances and insight.

J. Mark Bertrand, Rethinking Worldview

A worldview framework

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Perspectives / foundations

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Perspective and foundations

Worldviews like maps

A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being.

A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being.

salvation

reality

• Is the physical world all there is?

•Or is it an illusion?

• Is there a God? What kind of God?

•Why is there suffering?

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Imagine you are part of this conversation

•How would you feel?

•What worldview is being expressed?

•What would you want to say?

humanity

•What makes us human?

•Are we just animals? Or spiritual?

•Does life have any meaning?

•What happens when we die?

•Why do we suffer?

Collateral

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What worldview is Vincent (Tom Cruise)expressing?

How would you have wanted to respond?

knowledge

•How do I know what’s true?

•What is truth? Does it matter?

•What kinds of truth are there?

•What are good and bad reasons for believing something?

•Where does wisdom come from?

•Where does meaning come from?

The History Boys

The History Boys

morality

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•Do good and evil exist?

•Are there any moral absolutes?

•Should any action be tolerated?

•How do we know right and wrong?

•What values should we live by?

•What do goodness or beauty mean?

The Dark Knight

What’s the solution to our most basic need?

•Self

•Human progress

•Nothing at all

•Spirituality

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