Apologetics/Social Psychology

Apologetics—a study of evidences for Christianity.

This class is based on two principles:

  1. 1 Peter 3:15, “always be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”
  2. The WHOLE Bible is authoritative for ALL areas of our lives.

The class is broken into 3 six-week sections.

The first six weeks focuses on comparing the Creation model of history vs. the Evolution model of history. Your students will see that they can fully trust the history of the first 11 chapters of Genesis and see that the overwhelming evidence of scientific studies points towards an intelligently designed world rather than one built up by random processes.

The second six weeks focuses on such questions as “How do we know God exists?, “Is the Bible the Word of God”, “Is Jesus God?” “Is the Resurrection for real?” Your students will see that the Bible is the most accurate book of ancient history with no contradictions or statements of untruth in it. It is a reliable foundation on which to build one’s life.

The final six weeks focuses on comparing the world’s major religions and cults with the Bible. Your students will see the strengths and weaknesses of the major religions and cults and understand the uniqueness of Christianity when put alongside those religions and cults. A special emphasis will be placed on examining the cults of Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witness.

Course Goals

  1. Each student should leave this class with a clear understanding of basic Christian beliefs.
  2. Each student should have an understanding that Christian beliefs are revelatory, yet also logical and rational, falling well within the bounds of historical, scientific, and textual research.
  3. Each student should be able to defend his faith at a foundational level and have the resources to defend his faith at deeper and more difficult levels.

Grades

A+ 98-100% D+ 68-69%
A 93-97% D 63-67%
A- 90-92% D- 60-62%
B+ 88-89% F 0-59%
B 83-87%
B- 80-82%
C+ 78-79%
C 73-77%
C- 70-72%

Extra-credit is available on a person-by-person basis. If you do not do the classwork, do not expect me to plan extra credit for you.

Sonshine Club: Extra-credit will be offered to anyone who is interested in helping out in after-school bible clubs at various local elementary schools. Talk to me.

Class Preparation

Bring to class EACH AND EVERY day:

  • All class handouts
  • Bible
  • Textbook
  • Notepaper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Homework

Homework is due on the day it is due. All late homework will receive no more that half credit.

Do not ask what assignments you are missing. It is your responsibility to keep up with your completed assignments. A well-organized notebook will reveal completed work and any work that has been omitted.

Assignments handed in are to be in complete sentences and typed.
You will be given 15 class preparation points each semester. Ocassionaly I will ask you to show me your textbook and bible. You will lose points if you do not have both.

Class Rules

On-time attendance is mandatory. You will be given 15 attendance points per semester. Absences, excused or unexcused, cost 2 points, tardys, excused or unexcused, cost 1 point. You are expected to be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. (Otherwise, you are tardy)
No eating or drinking in the classroom with the exception of bottled water.

Basic kindergarten rules.

  • Share everything.
  • Play fair.
  • Don’t hit people.
  • Put things back where you found them.
  • Clean up your own mess.
  • Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
  • Say you are sorry when you hurt somebody.
  • Wash your hands before you eat.
  • Flush.
  • Warm cookies and milk are good for you.

Think.