Date of Award
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
College
Barnett College of Ministry & Theology
Department
Department of Christian Ministries and Religion
Primary Advisor
Dr. Alan J. Ehler
Second Advisor
Dr. Yoon Shin
Third Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Archer
Abstract
This thesis argues that contemporary apologetic approaches correlate to, or derive their methods from, different anthropological models with various degrees of accuracy, and that an interdisciplinary study of humanity leads to proper conclusions for apologetic method. Three of the most utilized contemporary apologetic methods are Traditional Apologetics, Presuppositionalism, and Experiential/Narratival Apologetics. Each method reflects an assumption of human persons as thinkers, believers, or desirers, respectively. Interdisciplinary research from theology, sociology, psychology, economics, and neuroscience corroborates the anthropological assumption of humans as essentially desirers. This research leads to at least three important implications for apologetic method, including a focus on persuasion over argumentation, creativity over rigidity, and community over individuality.
Recommended Citation
Spiller, Austin J., "Anthropology & Apologetics: A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Apologetic Method Through Their Anthropological Assumptions" (2020). Master of Divinity (MDiv). 2.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/mdiv/2
Included in
Christianity Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons