Lecture 1: Introduction to TH 701 - Presuppositional Apologetics and Evangelism

Course Overview

• Main Topic: Biblical and Theological development of presuppositional apologetics.
• Goals: Evaluate empirical systems, provide knowledge of presuppositionalism for ministry, and study evangelism within this framework.
• Key Figures: Cornelius Van Til, Greg Bahnsen, John Frame.

Presuppositional Apologetics (PA)

• Foundation: Focuses on worldview analysis rather than empirical evidence alone.
• Key Differences: Presuppositional apologetics vs. classical (e.g., Josh McDowell).
• Focus Areas: Anthropology, epistemology, metaphysics, harmartiology.
• Educational Goals:
  • Consistent PA methodology.
  • Scriptural basis for PA.
  • Introduction to Van Til, Bahnsen, Frame.
  • Understanding different apologetics systems.
  • Cultivating biblical apologetic application in ministry.

Required Texts

1. Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen
2. Five Views on Apologetics by Steven B. Cowan
3. Apologetics to the Glory of God by John Frame
4. Christian Apologetics by Norman Geisler
5. Charts of Apologetics and Christian Evidences by Wayne House
6. Every Thought Captive by Richard Pratt
7. The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

• Significance: Heavy focus on reading primary sources for comprehensive understanding.

Course Schedule Highlights

• Initial Focus: Foundational concepts, church history, and apologétiques systems.
• Specific Studies: Existence of God, problem of evil, Van Til & presuppositionalism, worldview comparisons.

Apologetics Overview

• Definition: Defense of the Christian faith against objections (not “apologizing”).
• Key Verses: 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 10:5.
• Debated Issue: Whether to lay aside Christian convictions for neutrality in proving faith (circular reasoning controversy).

Methods of Apologetics

• Key Methods: Classical, Evidential, Cumulative Case, Reformed Epistemological, Presuppositional.
• Presuppositional Focus: Foundation, anthropology, and how worldviews align with reality.
• Practical Application: Preaching, counseling, evangelism.
• Student Preparation: Providing the right foundation for using evidences effectively.

Historical Context

• Early Church: Defense against Jews, Romans, Greek philosophers, Gnostics.
• Patristic Period Notables: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria.
• Augustine: Defended Christianity intellectually, launched Christian theistic epistemologies.
• Medieval Apologists: Anselm (ontological argument), Thomas Aquinas (cosmological and teleological arguments).
• Reformation to Modern Period: Calvin (innate sense of deity), Pascal, Anselm, Butler, Reid, Paley, Kierkegaard.

Conclusion

• Overall Goal: Equip students with a strong presuppositional apologetic methodology rooted in Scripture and ready for practical application.

Additional Notes:

• Engagement with primary sources will help in comparing and contrasting different apologetics systems.
• Emphasis on gently and reverently defending faith while maintaining intellectual integrity.