Sire, James A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics, IVP Books, Downers Grove, Ill 2006
Chap. 1 What is Apologetics? P13-26 He provides a purpose definition : to win converts and be faithful to Jesus ; “Christian apologetics lays before the watching world such a winsome embodiment of the Christian faith that for any and all who are willing to observe there will be an intellectually and emotionally credible witness to its fundamental truth.”
Biblical foundation: 1 Pet 3:13-18 The setting may have been defense against persecution here, as Christians looked odd to their neighbors and authorities then. In Greek, apologia had to do with responding to a charge before the court. Peter emphasized that good character was important as an example. Acts. 2:1-42 On Pentecost Peter gave a explanation of what was happening and related it to scriptures. Acts 17:1-9 Paul often argued with the Jews from the scriptures. He may have tried to show that the messiah was to suffer and then say that Jesus was him. Some were convinced, many were not and got mad. Acts 17:16-34 in Athens Paul reasoned with philosophers and Greeks who did not know the scriptures. 1 Cor. 2:1-5 in Corinth Paul did humble spiritual demonstrations in power and love. May have used a heart felt emotional appeal. 2Cor 10:1-6 Paul may have addressed believers here who were straying. Destroying strongholds and obstacles. However this is also useful for academics and false philosophies. 1Jn 1:1-4 gives rational apologetic reasoning and testimony of witnesses. Jn. 20:30 ‘many miracles’ The gospels themselves are apologetic tracts and set froth a case for the Christian faith. Jn.1:1-18 5 reasons why we know God are given. He was the source of all being, light to men, knowledge, men born of the spirit and given grace. A central truth is that Jesus was the son of God and our savior.
Kent State. Allan Bloom’s book The Closing of the American Mind, has the theme of truth being relative and the struggle with moral values.
Chap. 2. The Value of Apologetics p.29-35 The 1st and most important reason is to strengthen the faith of believers. A student raised a Christian goes to public school and is confronted by many who don’t believe. He is often given little defense for his faith at church, and sometimes the phrase just take it on faith. For a new believer in HS or college the challenge is greater. Here their close friends and family may also not believe. He/She is called to justify her faith to them. Thus Sire recommends apologetics for every church. Apologetics is closely related to evangelism. When the barrier to faith is intellectual doubt, something has to break it. Schaeffer is unique in that he gave a critique of culture. Many Christians have the advantage of a supportive community of believers and friends when they hit hard spots; Often non-Christians do not. We need sensitivity to culture and to others views, to communicate well. One of the biggest reasons people give is that many Christian they know are hypocrites. We can agree with them on this. We need to demonstrate faith in our lives by living it. A good question is-Why should anyone believe anything al all?
Chap. 3 Limits of Apologetics p. 39-52 Rational arguments are often not involved in coming to faith; still there is a role for apologetics in answering objections to the gospel. We can make reasonable arguments but not provide certitude. The success of any argument lies with the hearer or skeptic who decides for himself. In one on one dialog we can sometimes find the sticking point and address it. The truth for the faith is cumulative and not resting on one argument. The combination of many points can be strong. Intellectual assent is not belief. Belief and faith happens with the HS. Prayer is always needed. Unusual divine appointments need to be followed. 4 factors behind success of his lectures or discussions: 1. The student leaders on campus and member wanted the event to occur. 2. The sponsoring group spent time in prayer, 3. The students promoted the event by posters, brochures, etc. 4. The students invited their friends; use question Why believe anything at all?
Carnegie Mellon Univ. p.53 sometimes a harsh question is answered fellow students, or the person hangs himself. Nihilism holds that nothing can be shown true.
Chap. 4 Contents of Apologetics p.55-70 There is a different approach for a lecture and a small group discussion or a one on one. A lecture to nonbelievers: need to have follow up by an on campus group. 1.A variety of views will be present: Some want to stump the chump, some are seeking, some are just curious. 2. I must win the right to be heard and establish credibility. Need to be accurate and true, not to simplistic. Address something of interest. 3. respect the audience, careful on jokes on questioner. 4. Maintain credibility, and project humility, respect others who hold contrary opinions. Question and Answer time: Can be used to expound on issues and be more personal. Save some time for this. You can answer a Q with a Q at times to clarify. Never pretend. The most troubling questions those about evil. Can focus on free will, or on not knowing all, or Jesus example of suffering. A talk to believers: Try to understand the audience and where they are at. May have varieties of intelligence and faith. Must offer simple explanations with some depth. Modernity- postmodern Informal talk to small group: Use a casual attitude and tone; don’t sacrifice structured logical points; be more open for questions and interruptions. Private Conversations: Low key and calm; answer their questions and areas of interest. Remember to show respect and others may be listing who need to hear. Arguments may be more effective for the bystander as he does not have to admit he is wrong. The friend: Mutual respect and concern; One beggar helping another find bread; may need to tell the truth. Traveling; find ways to insert faith and Jesus into the conversation.
Chap. 5 The arguments of apologetics: p.73-81 The Case for Jesus: Come and meet him; come and see. Do you want to know my wife? I can tell you about her; but if you really want to know her you must meet her. So it is with Jesus. Read the gospel of John asking for Jesus to show himself to you. Sire, J Why should anyone Believe anything at all? The Historical reliability of the Gospels: Barnett, P. Is the New Testament Reliable? IV press, Downers Grove, Ill, 1986; The internal coherence of the Christian worldview: The new age view(you are divine) Sire, J. The Universe next door, IV press, Downers Grove, Ill 2004 Arguments for individual Aspects of the Christian Faith: The existence of God, deity of Christ, etc. Kreeft, P. Handbook of Christian Apologetics, 1994; Moreland Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity, 1987. Personal Experience for God: This is personal argument or testimony. Colson, C. The Good Life, 2005; Downing, D. The Most Reluctant Convert, 2002; Scott, J Why I am a Christian, IV press 2004; Lewis, Surprised by Joy, 1955 Answers to Objections to the Christian Faith: The problem of evil: Blocher, H. Evil and the Cross, IV Press 1994, Kreeft,. Making Sense out of Suffering 1986 Evolution View p 79; Relativism and truth: This is common in the Univ. humanities and Social Science Depts. Groothuis, D. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism, IV Press, Downers Grove, Ill, 2000; Netland, H. Encountering Religious Pluralism: IV Press, Downers Grove, Ill, 2001; Pearcey, N. Total Truth: Liberating Christianity form its Cultural Captivity, Crossway, Wheaton , Ill, 2004
Religion as an Illusion: Nicholi, A. The Question of God: Free Press, NY, 2002
Chap. 6 The Call to Apologetics p.85-101 He became interested in IVCF at Univ. of Neb. Advice for the apologist: Seek the Kingdom and will of God under JC, read many books, and practice. He gave talks on world views and this developed into his book the Univ. Next Door. The Philosopher Albert Camus, recognizing the inadequacy of his own existential philosophy, sought a Methodist minister and gave his life to Christ. Mumma, H. Albert Camus and the Minister, Paraclete, Brewster, Ma. 2000 The discipline of apologetics is not mentioned in scripture , but it is related to pre-evangelism. Calling is defined by Os Gunness in his book The call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life,Word, Nashville 1998. “Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so directly that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service.” The call is to others for God. You will find yourself reading a lot. Some requirements: 1. Delight in Intellectual life, 2. a Passion for what can be learned form the Bible, 3. A life of Holiness, 4. Love of People, 5. a Growing ability to communicate well. Note more arguments by lost by arrogance than are ever lost by poor reasoning; thus the need for humility. Need to be able to think well- to recognize, construct, critique and recast arguments. Need to do research to keep up with important information and be a good teacher. Need to be able to present a winsome argument, and clear away objections. In his talk “Why should anyone believe anything at all” He takes a light, neutral and objective look at many views and philosophies and suggests the best reason we should believe a view is because it is true. http://www.bethinking.org/truth-tolerance/intermediate/why-should-anyone-believe-anything-at-all.htm