Fostering academic excellence and biblical virtue to equip students for lives as local and global Christian servants.

Apologetics

Course Catalog ID:
901
Subject Categories:
Bible and Worldview
Description

In our day, secular thought is portrayed as intelligent and having absolute, scientific truth, while faith is equated to irrational, unthinking trust. The reality is that both portrayals are seriously flawed. How do we stand up for the faith in a culture that considers faith irrational? Apologetics is not about apologizing for anything — it is about a rational response to genuine criticisms and questions about the faith. The Apostle Peter implores to “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you… with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16). This study is intended to develop a basis for a rational, respectful answer to the challenges to Christian faith. It will review classical apologetics beginning with the topics of logic and rationality, as well as the history, strengths and limitations of such approaches. It will also examine presuppositional apologetics and address the necessary worldview foundations for an effective defense of the faith. In addition, this course will delve into creative apologetics like the work of C.S. Lewis. Topics addressed will be the question of faith, knowing God, the problem of sin, the problem of miracles, historical knowledge, the reliability of scripture, the person of Christ, and the Resurrection. A variety of media forms will be employed to illustrate the truths and topics that lead students to be confident in dealing with difficult questions as well as everyday spiritual conversations. The goal is to be clear on what we believe and why we believe.

Prerequisites
Grade Levels*:
10, 11, 12
* Enrollment restricted based on Date of Birth and Grad Year (whichever is more limiting). Enrollment outside these levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.
Notes and Conditions

Transcript Planning: On a TPS transcript this course lists for credit as Bible/Worldview.

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Reviews from Students and Parents

“This class was hands-down one of my favorite classes that I’ve taken here at TPS. I’ve always been interested in apologetics, and now walking away from this course I am excited about how much I’ve learned! This class truly helped me put things in a new perspective and realize the importance of being able to defend our Christian faith. To be honest, I enjoyed the homework. I found the forum posts each week to be extremely interesting and I liked the fellowship and different perspectives when responding to others’ thoughts. And the reading assignments were amazing — the books in this class were some of the best I’ve ever read! The handouts were well-done too. Additionally, I loved the focus on about how this is only the start of our apologetics journey — the teacher really is so encouraging, and I’m excited to live out what I’ve learned!”

Emma S
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Student

“Apologetics at TPS has helped me to realize, more than I ever have, the undeniable proof of God in the world around us and within ourselves. It has equipped me with the tools to knowledgeably and confidently defend my faith. Before taking this class I had questions about my faith, and was almost afraid in a sense to talk about it with others, but now I’ve gained the understanding to take advantage of the opportunities to share it that I would have always passed up.”

Daniel A
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Student

“I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be in this apologetics class. It was challenging, encouraging, and helped grow my spiritual roots even deeper. Not only does this class provide students with more reasons and proof for God and the Christian faith, it also examines the beliefs, practices, and worldviews held by religions all around the world.”

Greta B
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Student

“This course covers the proofs and arguments for (and against, to an extent) Christianity in a thorough and comprehensible manner. The weekly assignments helped me think through the content we covered, and the groupwork (which was a lot more fun than I expected) allowed me to build friendships and discuss ideas with my classmates.”

Hannah L
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Student

“This class inspired me to dive deeper into understanding world religions and giving me a heart for those who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and savior. The teacher has been excellent as he explains concepts with a passion and love for the Lord. I truly cannot say enough good about this class and the way it changed my walk with the Lord.”

Delaney W
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Student

“This course helped me dive deeper into my relationship with God and my understanding of my faith. It forced me to think carefully about topics that I never before had given much thought to. Rather than push away my doubts and questions, it encouraged me to embrace and ponder them as evidence for God. Through taking this course, I expanded my knowledge and am now better prepared to share and defend my faith as I head to college.”

Lily D
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Student

“This course allowed me to have a better understanding of my faith. Many questions I had about Christianity were answered, allowing me to be able to defend my faith better. 1 Peter 3:15 says ‘…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’. This course has prepared me to do just that.”

Jennifer O
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Student

“This was one of my favorite TPS classes ever. In Apologetics you will learn defenses for the Christian faith, as well as introductions into what people of other faiths believe. My favorite part of this course was how much civility and respect was given to everyone; the teacher has a passion for the lost and it’s contagious! I’ve definitely grown more confident in my faith and am more excited to share it with others!”

Genevieve K
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Student

“My relationship with God has grown so much through this course. I learned practical ways to defend my faith, and I also learned more about the character of God and how to improve my relationship with him. During this course I became prepared to share my faith with others even while my own faith was still growing. I would definitely recommend this course for anybody who wants to share their faith with the world.”

Abigail H
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Student

“Previously, I had some misconceptions and doubts in my faith, but this course has taught me not to be afraid of it. Instead I should face them and uncover why I have such doubts by looking through the Bible or even talking to my parents. It has given me new strength especially throughout this rather troubling year with all the darkness in the world. Basically, apologetics has taught me not only how to defend my faith, but that I am and always will be a child of God.”

Phoebe L
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Student