Evidentialist Method Apologetics
Liberty University Theological Seminary and Graduate School
Lynchburg, VA
The Evidentialist Method
Apologetic Method Analysis
A Paper Presented to
Dr. C. Fred Smith
In Partial Fulfillment for the Masters Degree in Theology
APOL 500
Introduction to Apologetics
John P. Griffith (L24793480)
January 22, 2013
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Summary of the Evidentialist Method 3 Critique of the Evidentialist Method 4 Popular Evidentialists 4 Conclusion 5 Bibliography 6
Introduction
Apologetics comes in several different methods that are utilized to defend one’s faith and also to evangelize. One method of apologetics is Evidentialism, also known as Natural Theology. Evidentialism is probably the most popular form of apologetics, if not the one that leads the field. Our current world demands proof and supporting data and Evidentialism stresses the deliverance of accurate substantiation with the hope of bringing cynics and criticizers to the truths of Christianity. Evidentialism continues to excel in the field of apologetics and does well in confronting the major worldviews with the truths of the Christian faith that can be proven with factual analysis. This review will provide the reader with a summary of the Evidentialist Method, a critique of the Evidentialist Method, and a list of some of the more popular Evidentialists.
Summary of the Evidentialist Method Apologetics comes from 1 Peter 3:15 and is most properly defined as giving a defense. In his commentary, John Walvoord states, “(apologian, the “defense” which a defendant makes before a judge; (Acts 22:1; 25:16) for their hope in Christ.” It is the impetus for Evidentialist apologetics to follow this call and seek to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Another writer, Dan Story, states, “This is ‘evidential’ apologetics, and it works on the premise that the weight of the evidence will always
Lynchburg, VA
The Evidentialist Method
Apologetic Method Analysis
A Paper Presented to
Dr. C. Fred Smith
In Partial Fulfillment for the Masters Degree in Theology
APOL 500
Introduction to Apologetics
John P. Griffith (L24793480)
January 22, 2013
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Summary of the Evidentialist Method 3 Critique of the Evidentialist Method 4 Popular Evidentialists 4 Conclusion 5 Bibliography 6
Introduction
Apologetics comes in several different methods that are utilized to defend one’s faith and also to evangelize. One method of apologetics is Evidentialism, also known as Natural Theology. Evidentialism is probably the most popular form of apologetics, if not the one that leads the field. Our current world demands proof and supporting data and Evidentialism stresses the deliverance of accurate substantiation with the hope of bringing cynics and criticizers to the truths of Christianity. Evidentialism continues to excel in the field of apologetics and does well in confronting the major worldviews with the truths of the Christian faith that can be proven with factual analysis. This review will provide the reader with a summary of the Evidentialist Method, a critique of the Evidentialist Method, and a list of some of the more popular Evidentialists.
Summary of the Evidentialist Method Apologetics comes from 1 Peter 3:15 and is most properly defined as giving a defense. In his commentary, John Walvoord states, “(apologian, the “defense” which a defendant makes before a judge; (Acts 22:1; 25:16) for their hope in Christ.” It is the impetus for Evidentialist apologetics to follow this call and seek to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Another writer, Dan Story, states, “This is ‘evidential’ apologetics, and it works on the premise that the weight of the evidence will always
Bibliography: Booth, Anthony Robert. "The Two Faces of Evidentialism." Erkenntnis 67:3 (2007), http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/195447959 (accessed January 18, 2013). Story, Dan. Defending Your Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997. Story, Dan. Engaging the Closed Minded: Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999. Sudduth, Michael. "Reformed epistemology and Christian apologetics." Religious Studies 39:3 (2003), http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/197230405/abstract?accountid=12085 (accessed January 18, 2013). Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition od the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983. [ 1 ]. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books, 1983-), 1Peter 3:15. [ 2 ]. The Holy Bible: New International Version, Biblegateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Peter 3:15&version=NIV (accessed January 18, 2013). [ 3 ]. Dan Story, Engaging the Closed Minded: Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999), 64. [ 4 ]. Dan Story, Defending Your Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997), 4.