Christian Apologetics: Defending the Faith with Truth and Grace
A 20-lesson self-study course introducing biblical Christian apologetics, including worldview thinking, arguments for Godβs existence, the reliability of Scripture, the identity and resurrection of Jesus, the problem of evil, science and faith, religious pluralism, common objections, and respectful gospel conversations.
Course Description
Christian apologetics is the thoughtful explanation and defense of the Christian faith. This course equips students to understand what they believe, examine reasons for Christian belief, respond to common objections, and communicate with people of different worldviews with gentleness and respect.
Across 20 lessons, students will study the biblical foundation of apologetics, worldview questions, arguments concerning God, Scripture, Jesus Christ, the resurrection, miracles, suffering, morality, science, religious diversity, skepticism, and practical conversations. The purpose is not merely to win arguments, but to help students love God with their minds and bear faithful witness to Christ.
What You Will Learn
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain the biblical purpose and proper attitude of Christian apologetics.
- Identify assumptions and basic components of a worldview.
- Describe several major philosophical arguments used in discussions about Godβs existence.
- Discuss historical questions concerning the reliability and transmission of the Bible.
- Explain the biblical and historical importance of Jesusβ identity, crucifixion, and resurrection.
- Respond thoughtfully to questions about evil, suffering, miracles, science, morality, and religious pluralism.
- Distinguish evidence, argument, assumption, and conclusion.
- Recognize the limits of an argument and avoid overstating evidence.
- Conduct apologetic conversations with honesty, humility, gentleness, and respect.
- Connect apologetics with evangelism and Christian discipleship.
Study Method
Read each assigned Scripture passage, work through the lesson carefully, complete the reflection exercise, answer four review questions, and submit the written assignment in your own words.
Course Overview
Course Roadmap
The course begins with the biblical foundation and purpose of apologetics, then develops worldview and reasoning skills. Students examine arguments about God, morality, Scripture, Jesus, and the resurrection. Later lessons address evil and suffering, miracles, science and faith, religious pluralism, skepticism, difficult biblical questions, and practical conversations.
Course Principle: Christian apologetics should combine conviction with intellectual honesty. Students should distinguish established facts from interpretations, acknowledge uncertainty where it exists, represent opposing views fairly, and speak with gentleness and respect.