Trinity Baptist Church: Sunday School

Apologetics

Feb. 15, 2009 � April 12, 2009

Leaders:

Neil Shenvi

Jim Hebda

Course description:

Does God exist?� Why is there evil and suffering in the world?� Aren't all religious claims equally true?� Is the Bible historically accurate?� Doesn't science eliminate the possibility of miracles?� In this class, we will study topics in apologetics, the branch of theology concerned with providing a rational defense of the gospel.� We'll outline biblical answers to modern objections to the central tenets of Christianity in order that we may "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that [we] have" (1 Pet. 3:15).� The course material will be based on the book Reason for God by Tim Keller (which I highly recommend to everyone, regardless of whether you take this class!).� The book is available in the book stall.

Week 1: What is apologetics (1 Pet. 3:15-16, Acts 17:15-34)? � What is the Biblical basis for apologetics?�

Week 2: The existence of God (RFG, Ch. 8 and 9). � How do we know that God exists?� What can we know about God from nature?� Is faith in God reasonable?

Week 3: Pluralism and relativism (RFG, Ch. 1). � Is all truth relative and culturally determined?�� Are all religious claims equally true?� Is there such a thing as absolute morality?

Week 4: The problem of evil, suffering, and divine judgment (RFG, Ch. 2, Ch. 5). � If God is good, why is there evil in the world?� How can a loving God send people to hell?

Week 5: Religion versus the gospel (RFG, Ch. 3, Ch. 11). � Isn't religion responsible for oppression and injustice?� Does religion take away one's freedom?�

Week 6: Creation and evolution (RFG, Ch. 6.� Guest teacher: Jim Hebda). � What does the Bible say about the origins of life, the universe, and everything?�

Week 7: Engaging other religions (Guest teacher: Jim Hebda). � What are the differences between historic Christianity and the beliefs of other groups like the Mormon church or the Jehovah's Witnesses?�

Week 8: The historicity and authority of Scripture (RFG, Ch. 7, Ch. 13 ).� Is the Bible historically accurate?� Did the Resurrection really happen?� How do we know that the Bible is trustworthy?

Week 9: Miracles and quantum mechanics. � Does modern science prove that miracles cannot occur?� Doesn't science adequately explain all natural phenomena?