History of Apologetics (ST 513) | Online Summer Intensive

Core Course Objectives

Examine how the reasoned defense of Christianity has evolved from New Testament times to the present day.
Analyze the methodologies used by influential apologists such as Justin Martyr, Augustine, and Cornelius Van Til.
Study how the Church has historically adapted its defense to address specific challenges, including: paganism, Gnosticism, rationalism, and postmodern thought.
Equip yourself to address the doubts and denials of people living in today's postmodern mindset.

Key Topics of Study

The Patristic Period: Understanding the early defense against Roman paganism and internal heresies.

The Middle Ages & Reformation: Exploring the synthesis of faith and reason and the shift toward biblical authority.

The Enlightenment Challenge: Defending the faith against the rise of rationalism, humanism and more.

Modern & Postmodern Defense: Navigating current cultural shifts and the diverse methodologies of the 21st century.

Foundational Texts

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer

Defending Your Faith by R.C. Sproul

"The defense of the faith is not a luxury or intellectual vanity. It is a task appointed by God that you should be able to give a reason for the hope that is in you as you bear witness before the world. Christianity is based on far more than naked human reason but by no means upon less." — R.C. Sproul

Core Course Objectives

Examine how the reasoned defense of Christianity has evolved from New Testament times to the present day.
Analyze the methodologies used by influential apologists such as Justin Martyr, Augustine, and Cornelius Van Til.
Study how the Church has historically adapted its defense to address specific challenges, including: paganism, Gnosticism, rationalism, and postmodern thought.
Equip yourself to address the doubts and denials of people living in today's postmodern mindset.