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The objective of this conference was to introduce and examine the subject of biblical apologetics, its basic principles, its proper and improper use, and the opposing schools of apologetic philosophies. A particular and necessary emphasis was given to the defense of Paul's gospel, the One Faith of the Body of Christ.
Links to session notes*:
Session I
Introduction to Pauline apologetics: Defense of
the One Faith
Phillip W. Dennis
Session II
Apologetics and the Normative Hermeneutic
Robert Walsh
Session III
Pauline Apologetics and Evangelical Religions
James Hilston
Session IV
Pauline Apologetics and Non-Evangelical
Religions (PDF 149KB)
Steve Rodabaugh.
Session V
Pauline Apologetics and Atheism
Phillip W. Dennis
*Not all are yet available online
Abstracts of sessions:
Session I
Introduction to Pauline apologetics: Defense of the One Faith
Speaker: Phillip W. Dennis
This session presented the groundwork for subsequent sessions. It discussed what constitutes apologetics and briefly outlined the different schools of apologetics which have been employed by Christian theologies. The apologetic method discussed in detail was the presuppositional method. Though presuppositionalism has been mainly used by those of a covenantalist persuasion, it was shown here and in subsequent sessions that a consistent presuppositional approach must be used to defend the One Faith of Paul's gospel. In this session also was given a "whirlwind" overview of how a defense of the One faith always uses a consistent appeal to Biblical authority.
Session II
Apologetics and the Normative Hermeneutic
Speaker: Robert Walsh
Expanding upon points from the introductory session, the second presentation focused on the idea of Biblical authority in all realms of human knowledge. Biblical authority implies a consistent epistemology and involves the method of attaining the truth which God has revealed. This is the Normative Hermeneutic. From the Normative Hermeneutic we generate from Scripture the complete family of doctrines for God's elect. This in turn brings us to Paul's distinctive gospel and the Seven "Ones" which describe the One Faith that our apologetics must self-consciously strive to protect. Included in the Seven "Ones" is the Pauline eschatology, the non-optional doctrine that is to be defended.
Session III
Pauline Apologetics and Evangelical Religions
Speaker: James Hilston
The doctrine of the distinctiveness of Paul's gospel stands in opposition to nearly every current popular evangelical view - in fact, the mid-Acts position is often fired upon from both Covenantal and Dispensational camps. Session III demonstrated how, amid this doctrinal crossfire, we are to defend the Pauline distinctives against attacks from the Covenantalists and the non-Pauline Dispensationalists.
Session IV
Pauline Apologetics and Non-Evangelical Religions
Speaker: Steve Rodabaugh.
Pauline distinctiveness cuts across the grain of every non-evangelical view, including Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Judaism, liberal protestantism and Islam. Session IV showed that the mid-Acts position gives a detailed refutation of each non-evangelical religion, thereby demonstrating the defense of Paul's gospel from non-evangelical quarters.
Session V
Pauline Apologetics and Atheism
Speaker: Phillip W. Dennis
Session V examined the results which ultimately follow a rejection of God's revelation and, particularly, Paul's gospel in this age. The final stage of this rejection is atheism - the belief in man's total autonomy and independence from God. This session also discussed why "classical" apologetics (evidentialism) fails to challenge the unbeliever in his fundamental presuppositions. A typical evidentialist approach to debating atheists will be critically examined to expose its weaknesses. Presented here is an outline how a correct presuppositional approach, on the other hand, reduces the "wisdom" of the unbeliever to foolishness.
Complete audio tape album sets of the 1999 Conference with study outlines are available for $19.95. To purchase these, click here for Order Information.