Prof Craig Hazen – The Value of Christian Apologetics
I am struck that what many would consider the intellectual enterprise [of Christian apologetics and Christian philosophy] hasn’t really gone over well in many churches across the country [and, for that matter other western nations - Roger]. People don’t really think this is of particular value to the Kingdom.
I have a great belief in the power of Christian thinking – clear Christian thinkers as a tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit to push the Kingdom forward. I actually think this is the Great Hope for Christianity – making a new wave of gospel penetration in our own generation by getting people to think clearly about their faith again. Not only that – pastors have really dropped the ball on this by and large because they have forgotten how clear Christian thinking – apologetics, defending the faith, deeply understanding the faith, being able to articulate it, being able to offer clear answers to tough questions – actually deepens people’s faith and builds their courage in Christ.
If you are struggling with deep-seated doubts, you’re not likely to be the most valiant witness for our Lord. When those troubling questions get answered, I’ve seen the transformation that takes place in people. They turn into some of the most courageous Christians I’ve ever seen. And there’s something that accompanies that courage – confidence – you start to have confidence in what you believe. You’re much more likely to share your faith and to be at ease when you do it, because you are not sitting there worrying, “I wonder what they’re going to ask me next”. People you are dialoguing with sense the peace in you and the fact that you are settled in what you believe.
Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D.
Director of M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics
Professor of Comparative Religion and Apologetics
(Transcripted from a presentation entitled Making Sense of Christianity, presented at the 2010 Set Forth Your Case Conference)
Jan Palmer
on February 3rd, 2011
I am so grateful for Faith Interface and the resources supplied here. I learned long ago, when I began to question my faith, that understanding and knowledge are vital elements if we are to move beyond a feel-good gospel. There is so much that passes for Christianity today that is off base, shallow, and worth the derision it generates. It often pains me to know that my association with these “Christians” calls my own faith, integrity, and intelligence into question. Good theology only comes from searching the Scriptures and engaging our minds as well as our spirits – and it is good theology that leads to not just spiritual health, but whole health. God invites us to “Come, let us reason together” – and it is so exciting to accept that invitation to a journey of discovery and a solid faith.
Martin Asher Smith
on February 6th, 2011
We are called to spread God’s Kingdom, not build the local Church, and I am wondering if the present fad on the academic church is one that presupposes a superiority for much of their ways. Certainly there is much here that is of great blessing for the body.
However I am coming to the view that it is not so much what you say but how you say and it. Or rather they the two are the same and attempting to separate them intellectually without appreciating their relationship, you break their integrity.
Our aposteriori experiences influence our a priori paradigm of reality. Somewhere in the midst of this interaction we ‘live’.
So to conclude I believe that there is great value to learned in, for lack of a better term higher knowledge, but let us not forget our humanity.
Tim
on February 7th, 2011
Well said, Craig. I couldn’t agree more!