Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Pillars and Bridges HOW TO PROCLAIM AND UPHOLD THE GOSPEL THROUGH APOLOGETIC METHOD AND STRATEGY by stephen j. wellum 18 the southern baptist theological seminary
What does apologetic method and strategy have to do with W our understanding and practice of evangelism? For many people, to ask such a question is strange, since it is common to think that apologetics and evangelism belong in distinct domains. In apologetics, we defend the truth of Scripture, give reasons for why we believe the gospel, and challenge the unbelief of the non-Christian. But is not evangelism something different? Is it not less polemical than apologetics? Is not evangelism more about sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ as we call people to repentance and faith than about arguing for the truth of the gospel? Although some people distinguish apologetics from evangelism in this way, in truth, this is an artificial and unhelpful distinction. In fact, it is especially unhelpful if one embraces a presuppositional view of apologetics. Why? Because properly understood, presuppositionalism involves both the defense and proclamation of the gospel. As such, as a method and strategy, a presuppositional approach is vitally necessary to help the church fulfill her calling to proclaim Christ Jesus and to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). To explain why this is the case, let me develop two points. First, I’ll explain what a presuppositional approach to apologetics is. Unfortunately, there are not only varieties of apologetic approaches known as “presuppositional,” there are also a number of misconceptions of the view. Second, after clarifying what presuppositionalism is, I’ll then explain why it is crucial to a sound defense and proclamation of the gospel. What Is Presuppositional Apologetics? Without describing every use of the term “presuppositional,” let me describe how I am using the word. “Presuppositions” refer to one’s ultimate summer 2022 19
Page 1 and 2: 4 The Changing Face of Apologetics
Page 3 and 4: Summer 2022. Vol. 90, No. 1. Copyri
Page 5 and 6: President’s Message r. albert moh
Page 7 and 8: “How do we speak to a culture tha
Page 9 and 10: . albert mohler, jr. de-Christianiz
Page 11 and 12: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 In the midst
Page 13 and 14: y kyle d. claunch The Expulsion of
Page 15 and 16: kyle d. claunch under the administr
Page 17 and 18: kyle d. claunch in Genesis 1-11 tha
Page 19: kyle d. claunch reading, the interp
Page 23 and 24: stephen j. wellum Defining Presuppo
Page 25 and 26: BIBLES • AUTHOR EVENTS • CHRIST
Page 27 and 28: Playing Offense HOW CHRISTIAN NATUR
Page 29 and 30: andrew t. walker theology. Instead,
Page 31 and 32: “If God’s world is one of order
Page 33 and 34: Is it ok to be friends with unbelie
Page 35 and 36: “THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO BUILD H
Page 37 and 38: Master of Arts Biblical Counseling
Page 39 and 40: “A FEW YEARS AGO, EVANGELICALS DI
Page 41 and 42: Discover the explosive power of Jes
Page 43 and 44: “SURVEYS SHOW THE GREATEST BARRIE
Page 45 and 46: y timothy paul jones Christ’s App
Page 47 and 48: LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY Equipped Today
Page 49 and 50: THIRTY TO SIXTY SECONDS. That’s h
Page 51 and 52: Wes Fowler talks with church member
Page 53 and 54: The Southern Baptist Theological Se
Page 55 and 56: news & features Southern continues
Page 57 and 58: alumni kitchens, sbts alum, promote
Page 63 and 64: interview In 1997, three conservati
Page 65 and 66: interview investigation and the ant
Page 67 and 68: Master of Divinity Learn to defend

Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?