Master's Specialization 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 MA 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.

LS 600 Shaping the Mind of a Leader 3
LS 601 Shaping the Heart of a Leader 3
CH 801 Implementing Restoration Movement Principles 3
Required for concentrations in Theology and Philosophy
NT 610-611 Interpreting the New Testament 6
OT 610-611 Interpreting the Old Testament 6
* See the notes for the M.A. degree description for information on how the number of required hours might be reduced for some students.
Required Courses 21-24
AP 604 Christian Truth-Claims in a Modern/Postmodern World 3
Electives in Christian Apologetics:
AP 603*** Approaches to Apologetics 3
AP 605*** Science, Philosophy, and Theology 3
AP 606*** Biblical Philosophical Ethics 3
TH 500 Contemporary Religious Movements: Cults and the Occult 3
TH 610 Kierkegaard: 19th Century and Today 3
TH 607 Christology 3
PH 701 Modern Philosophy 3
TH 710 Insights for Ministering to Contemporary Minds 3
PH 602 or 603 Ancient Philosophy or Medieval Philosophy 3
PH 701 or 702 Modern Philosophy or Contemporary Philosophy 3
PH 714 Metaphysics & Epistemology 3
CH 602 Early Christian Centuries/td> 3
Extended Research Paper (3) or Thesis (6) 3-6
Advisor: Dr. Rich Knopp

** While other courses might be substituted with advisor approval, this is a preferred list of allowable courses for an M.A. specialization in Philosophy.
*** At least two of these courses (AP603, AP605, AP606) are required.
48 credit hours