Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Practical Application Of Biblical Theology To Christian Apologetics, Matthew T. Johnson

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

Many Christians are skeptical regarding the practical relevance of theology for the common believer. Exploring how the subdiscipline of biblical theology can be applied can effectively dispel this misconception. In particular, the apologetic applications of biblical theology’s primary deliverances underscore the relevance theology has to the average Christian. Given the growing need for effective Christian apologetics, it would be wise for the Church to further explore biblical theology and to incorporate it into the defense of Christianity. Existing scholarship has largely overlooked biblical theology’s apologetic potential. Thus, there is a need to explore this relationship for the benefit of the …

Why Ancient Worldwide Ziggurat/Pyramid Complexes Support The Biblical Babel Account, Anne Habermehl

Proceedings of the International Conference on Creationism

Although the best-known feature of Babel was the tower that Noah’s rebellious descendants began to build in Shinar, the Bible says that they were constructing a “city” there as well. No details are included about the Babel city and tower. However, as this paper will show, the city that accompanied the tower was most likely composed of temples and various other religious structures, and the tower was a ziggurat (stepped pyramid).

If we look around the world, we see many ancient pagan complexes consisting of ziggurats together with temples and other buildings. It appears that after the Babel dispersion, far …

Evangelical Scholars Recognize Lds Scholarship

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

A recent article by two evangelical scholars will be of interest to FARMS subscribers. "Mormon Scholarship, Apologetics, and Evangelical Neglect: Losing the Battle and Not Knowing It?" evaluates contemporary Latter-day Saint scholarship and finds it erudite, sophisticated, and rigorous, providing a robust defense of the Mormon faith-and thus meriting serious attention from the evangelical community.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: A Classical Critique, Michael W. Cunningham

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

In 2005, American sociologist Christian Smith coined the term “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism” in his book, Soul Searching, The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. At the time, this phenomenon was heralded as a new “religion” for emerging generations, yet it ascribes to no formal text, deity, or doctrine. It serves as a self-focused compilation of secular philosophy, politics, culture, and spirituality flavored with fragments from popular religions. While there is no formal MTD doctrine, there are five affirmations: (1) A God exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on Earth, (2) God wants …

No Mere Materialism: The Revelatory Nature Of Death In C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, Laurel Wood

Global Tides

This paper explores the role which death plays in the narrative of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy. During the time of the trilogy’s composition, materialist philosophy was becoming increasingly popular in the Western world as individuals looked to science as the source of absolute truth. As a former materialist, Lewis was alarmed by this development and confronted materialist ideology in numerous fiction and non-fiction works.

Blending textual evidence from the trilogy with scholarly commentary, this paper demonstrates that Lewis uses death, particularly the fear of annihilation and the afterlife which it evokes, to bypass materialist assertions of the atheistic nature of …

Islamic Feminism At The Crossroads Between Apologetics And Defending Women: Rajaa Alsanea’S Girls Of Riyadh In Context, Noureddine Bendouma, Salim Kerboua

Journal of International Women's Studies

The concept of Islamic feminism provides a dialectic relationship that suggests that the two very different and seemingly irreconcilable trajectories of Islam and feminism are joining forces to achieve gender equality and social justice. It also evokes the question of which weighs more than the other, and prompts queries and worries about Islam, egalitarianism, and the oppression of Muslim women. This paper examines the Islamic feminism’s order of precedence in the predicament of defending women versus defending Islam. By employing feminist methodologies and the method of textual analysis, this article probes whether the Islamic feminist project is solely about women’s …

Apologetics And Disability: Reframing Our Response To The Question Of Suffering, Rochelle Scheurermann

Great Commission Research Journal

A prominent question that is asked when people consider God is how to account for suffering if God is good and all-powerful. For Christians, answering this question is a major part of apologetic and evangelistic training. But what if the way we have traditionally approached this question is not good news for everyone? This paper examines the suffering question in light of disabilities and suggests a new way to engage in apologetics that is centered in creation (not fall) and celebrates the gifts and opportunities that come through a diversity of ability.

The Prophecy Of Prophecies: Correcting Harold Hoehner’S Interpretation Of Daniel’S 70 Weeks, Nathan Jarrett

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

Attacks against the Bible’s divine inspiration are rampant in today’s society. One of the most popular apologetic methods used to defend the doctrine of inspiration is messianic prophecy. Though many predictions fulfilled by Jesus Christ have been identified, no prediction found in the Old Testament is quite as precise or as controversial as the prophecy of Daniel’s 70 weeks. While various interpretations of Daniel 9:24-27 have been promoted, this article defends the interpretation popularized by Harold Hoehner as the most convincing. Though Hoehner may have provided the most accurate interpretation historically, the purpose of this article is to correct mistakes …

Rabboni: Christ's Resurrection Through The Eyes Of Mary Magdalene, Thomas J. Gentry Ii

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

In John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene (hereafter, Mary) holds a significant place in the resurrection narrative. She is the first to tell the disciples of the empty tomb (vv. 1-10), and she experiences a direct encounter with the resurrected Jesus (vv. 11-18). Given the significance of these events, the purpose of this essay is to explore John’s record of Mary’s report of the empty tomb and her dialogue with the risen Jesus. The discussion entails a brief overview of each encounter with special consideration for their apologetic significance. The relevance of Mary’s testimony in these matters is also considered from the …

From Modernity To Post-Modernity: The Apologetic Legacy Of Paul Tillich, Michael W. Cunningham

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

Paul Tillich, dubbed an “apostle to the intellectuals,” was one of the twentieth-century’s influential and infamous theologians. Tillich’s apologetic of doubt, method of correlation, and non-traditional lifestyle challenged the cultural and religious norms of his day. The study of Paul Tillich’s theology provides perspective on the origins of subjective apologetics and process theology. His focus on ontology made his works accessible and famous. It put the human at the center of the process as they reasoned up to God instead of accepting unquestioned authoritative doctrines. By embracing existential doubt, he connected to the masses by appealing to the “being” and …

In The Wake Of Euthyphro's False Dilemma, Gregory S. Mckenzie

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

All moral apologists, at one time or another, engage with the Euthyphro dilemma and all theologians engage, at one point or another, the issue of continuity or discontinuity of the Mosaic Covenant and Torah in general. The general view among apologists is that correct theology can be determined by its logical consistency and explanatory power considering philosophical, existential, and scientific principles. This study examines how answering the Euthyphro dilemma as a false dilemma, which is a common position among apologists actually produces theological contradictions primarily in the realm of theology proper and specifically immutability, issues in hamartiology and an improper …

Bailey's Book Addresses Apologetics In A New Era, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Missional Apologetics: Keys To The Hearts And Minds Of Urban Young Professionals?, Sven Östring

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"research study in Australia indicated that one of the top spiritual repellents for non-Christian people is a focus on philosophical discussions and debating ideas. In spite of this, a significant percentage of Australian young professionals are still willing to consider changing their worldview if presented with the right circumstances and evidence. This article explores how apologetic material can missionally connect with the hearts and minds of urban young professionals. The Greater Sydney Conference and the South Pacific Division Adventist Media Center developed this approach based on a preliminary qualitative research study of an evangelistic series."

Denominational Incompatibility And Religious Pluralism: A Non-Pluralist Response To A Pluralist Critique, Matthew Stinson

Global Tides

Religious Pluralism is the view that no one religion is correct, and no religion enjoys special status in relation to the Ultimate. Recently, Samuel Ruhmkorff has defended Religious Pluralism from what we'll call 'The Incompatibility Objection': many religions appear to make incompatible claims about ultimate reality, and therefore they cannot all be true. Ruhmkorff defends Religious Pluralism from the incompatibility problem by applying a “subsets of belief” defense that non-pluralists may use in response to denominational differences within a religion. He argues that non-pluralists are faced with denominational incompatibility within whatever religion they are asserting is uniquely true. He further …

Ad Fontes: Desiderius Erasmus’ Call For A Return To The Sources Of A Unified And Simple Christian Faith, Amanda Kieffer

The Kabod

Desiderius Erasmus’ humanism greatly shaped his view of Christianity. He developed a “philosophy of Christ” that led him to seek peaceful reforms from within the Church while attempting to maintain unity. He was a consummate scholar and inspiring figure of his time. Unfortunately, his interactions with Luther did not bring out the best in him, or in Luther for that matter, but there is still much to be learned by modern Christians from Erasmus’ views on reform that can be applied to the modern Church.

John Calvin, Authority, And The Evangelical Conviction Of The Evidentness Of Truth, Joshua Miller

The Kabod

John Calvin stands apart as a singularly powerful figure in the history of Western Civilization. His thought undergirds the fundamental principles of liberal democracy that dominate the most advanced nations on earth in the modern age, and his theology continues to influence the doctrine and leadership of the Reformed church’s many inheritors. This paper emphasizes and identifies the importance of understanding of Calvin’s views on secular and ecclesiastical authority and evaluates them.

A Critical Analysis Of Neural Buddhism's Explanation Of Moral Transformation, Jeffrey R. Dickson

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

As non-theistic arguments for morality become increasingly sophisticated and complex, they are harder to criticize without first admiring their skillful design and near-artistry. One such argument involves a relatively new innovation that is the child of naturalism and eastern philosophy—Neural Buddhism. Like two world-renowned designers collaborating on a new garment, Naturalism and Buddhism have come together in this distinct program to offer something inventive, especially in its explanation of moral transformation. However, this critical analysis will ultimately reveal that Neural Buddhism’s explanation of moral transformation is incapable of providing good answers to several compelling criticisms.

An Incongruent Amalgamation: John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism On Naturalism, Jeffrey M. Robinson

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

John Stuart Mill's utilitarian principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number, often surfaces in cultural debates in the contemporary West over the extent and foundations of moral duties. Given the drift from its historical Judeo-Christian moorings, naturalism now provides much of the epistemic grounding in Western culture in relation to moral duties. The amalgamation of Mill’s utilitarianism and naturalism has resulted in a cultural and epistemic disconnect. Naturalism is hard-pressed to provide consistent epistemic support for Mill’s utilitarian principle. This essay provides a number of suggestions as to why Mill’s utilitarianism may be inconsistent on naturalism.

The Eternal Progression Argument Against Mormonism, Jonathan R. Pruitt

Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal

This paper argues that Mormon cosmology plus the Mormon view of the origin of human persons results in an undercutting defeater for Mormonism. The approach is modeled after Plantinga’s evolutionary argument against naturalism. The first step is to show that Mormon cosmology is relevantly like naturalism. The second step is to show that the origin of human persons ins relevantly similar to naturalistic evolution so that it faces the same kind of defeaters as the conjunction of naturalism and naturalistic evolution.

Emotional Doubt And Divine Hiddenness, A. Chadwick Thornhill

Eruditio Ardescens

This essay will seek to develop a possible model for addressing the existential problem of divine hiddenness and the emotional doubt that it might cause in the life of a believer. In doing so, it will identify several potential "root causes" for the experience of the existential problem of divine hiddenness and attempt to guide a hurting individual through dealing with their doubt by applying misbelief therapy.

A Christian Response To Islam: Is Islam A Peaceful Religion?, Steven E. Tsoukalas

The Asbury Journal

The following is a lecture delivered on 6 October 2005 as part of the Theta Phi Lecture Series at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky As a Christian response to Islam, it covers several topics in relatively brief fashion. In the evangelistic encounter, the goal of which is a holistic encounter, the Christian must keep in mind the social-religious dynamics ofMuslims and incorporate this knowledge into a missiologically healthy approach that is built on a sound epistemological foundation. In short, for both a Christian response to Islam and evangelism of Muslims, Christians must possess a solid epistemology as foundational to "a …

The Atheistic Influences Of The Christian Apologist, Eric Mcglaughlin

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

C.S. Lewis, though considered a great apologist for the Christian faith, did not become a Christian until the age of thirty-one. The many years spent as an atheist not only influenced his writings after his conversion, but allowed him to become a great apologist.

Wordsmiths As Warriors: The Intellectual Honesty Of G.K. Chesterton And C.S. Lewis, Daryl Charles

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

The writings of G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis are rich with creativity and intellect, and maintain a strong defense for Christianity. They are models for the Christian apologist through their direct engagement with the world while loving it as Christ did.

Presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

Full Issue 1997 (Volume 1)

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

The collected papers presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

The Abolition Of Man: First Principles And Pre-Evangelism (Or "What C.S. Lewis Taught My Brother"), Ted Dorman

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

In his work, The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis expresses a powerful analysis of the modern philosophies of the day. By defending what was deemed subjective and revealing the end point of modern thought, he communicates the Gospel in a way that resonates with unbelievers.

Presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

C.S. Lewis: Lightbearer In The Shadowlands, Angus Menuge

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

Angus J.L. Menuge discusses editing his book, Lightbearer in the Shadowlands: The Evangelistic Vision of C.S. Lewis.

Presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

C.S. Lewis And Christian Scholarship, Bruce Edwards

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

While well-loved and known for his profound impact on Christian apologetics, C.S. Lewis also made a mark on the world as a skilled academic. By observing his life one can see that his Christian work and academic work were not distinct, but born from the same desire to follow Christ.

Presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

The Apologetics Of Chesterton And Lewis In A World Marked By Disbelief, Michael R. Smith

Inklings Forever: Published Colloquium Proceedings 1997-2016

In an age characterized by meaninglessness and relativeness, arguments once thought to be timeless are challenged by a postmodernism world view that evaluates all ideas as equal and flawed just the same. G.K Chesterton and C.S. Lewis are two sources of authority regularly referenced by current apologists, and provide a variety of logically sound arguments for Christianity.

Presented at the 1997 Frances White Ewbank Colloquium.

Perspectives In Apologetics, Nick Van Til

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Luther's Apologetics, Siegbert Becker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The renewed interest in the construction of a Christian apologetic which is stirring in Protestantism ought also to stimulate Lutherans to take a fresh look at the possibilities of defending the Christian faith before an unbelieving world. As Protestantism shortens its lines in an attempt to strengthen its position, it behooves a Lutheran theologian to come to a clear understanding of the nature and the place of apologetics in the Christian witness.