2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
Apologetics
2009–2010
AP 771 Apologetics in a Global Setting
Purpose:
• To understand the phenomenon of globalization
• To examine the application of Reformed
apologetics in a global context
• To study the major issues raised for the
church because of globalization
• To relate globalization to Christian missions
Topics covered include comparative sociology, the clash of civilization,
the issue of religion and violence, the phenomenon of desecularization,
traditionalism versus modernizing, contextualization,
and postmodernism.
Fall semester. Mr. Edgar.
AP 843 Intercultural Apologetics
Purpose:
• To understand the contemporary task of apologetics in the
context of global interchanges and clashes of cultures
• To establish a proper understanding of the relationship
between Christian world- and life-views and various
cultural contexts in which apologists must function
• To develop a Reformed theology of religions
as well as strategies to deal with other
religious challenges to Christian claims
• To become sensitized to various non-Western expressions
of Christian faith in a rapidly emerging post-European
and post-North American era of Christendom
• To give a focused attention to the contributions of
Harvie M. Conn as a model of intercultural apologist
Topics covered include justification for cultural and intercultural
apologetics, the definition of culture, religion and culture, towards
a Reformed theology of religions, responding to the challenges of
other religions to Christian faith, and unity and diversity in Christian
witness to the world.
Spring semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Park.
AP 861 Theodicy
Purpose:
• To understand the problem of evil from a biblical point of view
• To be familiar with the major options as
expressed through the ages
• To develop apologetic answers for the problem of evil
Topics covered include key biblical texts; the doctrines of God’s
power, goodness, and justice; examinations of the classical writings
on the subject by Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Leibnitz, Moltmann,
Plantinga, Blocher, and others.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Edgar.
AP 883 The Problem of Knowledge
and Christianity
Purpose:
• To focus on various problems of epistemology
• To seek to demonstrate the necessity of a
consistent Christian epistemology
• To develop principles necessary if one wants
an adequate account of knowledge
Topics covered include foundationalism, coherentism, and the
justification of knowledge.
Spring semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Oliphint.
AP 891 Jacques Ellul as an Apologist
Purpose:
• To be thoroughly acquainted with the work of
the French sociologist Jacques Ellul
• To interact with his views on power, ethics,
Scripture, politics, economics, and technique
Topics covered include the study of several of Ellul’s books, using
an inductive approach. Special emphasis will be on the major
themes in his writings, such as technique, propaganda, economics,
and power.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Edgar.
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