Degree Specializations--Christian Apologetics
Master of Arts Requirements:Concentration in Christian Apologetics
Christian Apologetics emphasizes the primary task of “defending” the truth-claims of Christianity in the context of alternative philosophical and religious viewpoints. It attempts to show that essential Christian claims are true, that specific criticisms of Christianity are false or inadequate, and that competing belief systems are significantly problematic. Christian apologetics is much broader in scope and more diverse in method than is often understood.
The M.A. concentration in Christian Apologetics orients students to the breadth and depth of defending a Christian worldview. The program allows students to focus on Christian apologetics while encouraging them to take a variety of related courses in philosophy, theology, and historical theology from as many as six different full-time professors at Lincoln.
1. M.A. Core Courses*
21
Required
for all areas of concentration:
LS600 Shaping the Mind of a
Leader
3
LS601 Shaping the Heart of a
Leader
3
CH801 Implementing Restoration
Movement Principles
3
Required for
concentrations in Theology and Philosophy:
NT610-611 Interpreting the New
Testament
6
OT610-611 Interpreting the Old
Testament
6
2. Concentration Requirements for Christian
Apologetics**
27
Required
Courses:
21-24
AP604 Christian Truth-Claims in
a Modern/Postmodern World
Electives
in Christian Apologetics:
AP603*** Approaches to
Apologetics
AP605*** Science,
Philosophy, and Theology
AP606*** Biblical &
Philosophical Ethics
TH500 Contemporary
Religious Movements: Cults and the Occult
TH610 Kierkegaard: 19th
Century and Today
TH607 Christology
TH710 Insights for
Ministering to Contemporary Minds
TH807 Critical
Hermeneutics Today
PH602 or PH603 (Ancient
Philosophy or Medieval Philosophy)
PH701 or PH702 (Modern
Philosophy or Contemporary Philosophy)
PH714 Metaphysics &
Epistemology
CH602 Early Christian
Centuries
Extended Research Paper
3
or
Thesis
6
Total
48
Advisor: Dr. Rich Knopp
* See the notes for the M.A. degree description to see how the number of required hours may be reduced for some students.
** While other courses might be substituted with advisor approval, this is a preferred list of allowable courses for a specialization in Christian Apologetics. All are three semester-hour classes.
*** At least two of these courses (AP603, AP605, AP606) are required.