This course is an introduction to Christian apologetics and its relationship to evangelism. The course will teach the biblical, theological and historical foundations of Christian apologetics. Additionally, the course will serve as a primer of cultural exegesis and cultural hermeneutics, the goal of which is to equip students with the critical analytical tools to engage contemporary of cultural issues as they relate to matters of faith. Topics include comparative worldview, science and faith, secularism, aesthetics and ethics. Through required and recommended readings, group discussions and lectures the student will gain a clearer understanding of how to navigate and respond pastorally to some of today ‘ s most challenging issues while at the same time formulating a cohesive Christian response to them.
Course Syllabus:
Andrew Bannister
He is the Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity and an Adjunct Speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, speaking and teaching regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the wider world. From universities to churches, business forums to TV and radio, he regularly addresses audiences of both Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues relating to faith, culture, politics and society.
He holds a PhD in Islamic studies and have taught extensively at universities across Canada, the USA, the UK and further afield on both Islam and philosophy. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at The Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at Melbourne School of Theology.
He is the author of An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur’an (a groundbreaking and innovative study that reveals many of the ways the Qur’an was first composed) and Heroes: Five Lessons From Whose Lives We Can Learn, an exciting and fast-moving look at the lives of five incredible giants of the Christian faith. His latest book, The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (or: The Dreadful Consequences of Really Bad Arguments), is a humorous engagement with the New Atheism. He also co-wrote and presented the TV documentary, Burning Questions.
When not travelling, speaking, or writing, he is a keen hiker, mountain climber and photographer.