This department seeks to ground students in the basic principles of sound argumentation, debate, and discourse, and to equip them with a basic understanding and critique of various currents of thought, both past and present, that they will encounter in their study and defense of theology. Emphasis is on developing and applying a sound apologetic method and ethics.
AP14 – Logic (2 Credit Hours)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Dr. L. Anthony Curto
Description: An introduction to the basic principles of logic, equipping students to detect logical fallacies, formulate proper arguments, and communicate rationally and persuasively. Emphasis is on developing coherent theological arguments.
* Please note that this course is offered in the fall (it previously was offered in the spring).
AP16 – Philosophy for Theologians (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: ST11, AP14
Instructor: Dr. Scott Cook
Description: A survey of the major figures, developments, and schools of thought of western philosophy from Ancient Greece to the present-day, with a particular focus on the relevance of the material for graduate-level theological work.
AP21 – Introduction to Apologetics (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: ST11, AP11, AP14
Instructor: Dr. L. Anthony Curto
Description: An introduction to the task and method of defending the Christian faith. Attention is given to a survey of major philosophical schools from ancient to modern times, together with critical analysis and evaluation of major apologetic methods and systems. Preparatory to AP22 – Advanced Apologetics.
AP22 – Advanced Apologetics (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisite: AP21
Instructor: Dr. L. Anthony Curto
Description: An examination of the Presuppositional apologetic methodology of Cornelius Van Til, together with a rebuttal of his critics and instruction in the employment of the Transcendental Argument.
AP41 – Cults (2 Credit Hours)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Dr. Scott Cook
Description: A critical examination of ancient heresies (Montanism, Judaizing Christianity, Arianism, and Pelagianism) as they have influenced modern movements (e.g. Charismatic Churches, Religious Legalism, Unitarianism, Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and various other cults).
AP42 – Ethics (3 Credit hours)
Prerequisites: ST11, AP22
Instructor: Mr. James “Bebo” Elkin
Description: A development of a Christian world-and-life view, including examination of the basis for Christian ethics as it is found in God’s Word. Includes an examination of the role of God’s Law in the construction of Christian ethics, as well as the application of Christian ethics in the modern world, using the Ten Commandments as the foundation.
AP50 – Contemporary Apologetics Seminar
Prerequisites: AP22
Instructor: Dr. Scott Cook
Description: An application of the principles of presuppositional apologetics to theoretical and practical issues in apologetics. Conducted as a seminar class focused on primary source readings, discussion, and lectures about current topics in apologetics. Focuses on contemporary objections to presuppositional apologetics, difficult theological issues used to argue against the Christian Faith, and contemporary cultural issues that men are sure to face in the pastorate.
AP52 – Presuppositionalism & Modern Thought
Prerequisites: AP22
Instructor: Dr. Scott Cook
Description: An application of presuppositional apologetics to modern thought from Aquinas to Kant and Hegel.
