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Christian Apologetics Degree Courses

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For full program details, visit Biola’s academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program’s academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Required Courses

The following courses are required for the program:

CSAP 510 - Apologetics Research and Writing

Research skills for the use of library, internet and key apologetics reference works. Methods of scholarly and journalistic writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation of data and testimony. Note(s): Must be taken within student's first academic year.

CSAP 529 - Scripture: Authority, Canon, and Criticism

A course addressing the essential issues in defending the Scriptures against perennial attacks. Topics include historical reliability, inerrancy, canonization and divine inspiration of Scripture including an examination and critique of modern biblical criticism.

CSAP 625 - Philosophy of Religion

A survey of philosophical issues that arise in relation to theistic religions. Problems such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, miracles, religious language, faith and reason, etc. are discussed in the context of demonstrating that historic Christianity can provide reasonable solutions. Note(s): Normally to be taken during student's last academic term.

CSAP 626 - Ethics and Apologetics

A philosophical and theological evaluation of various ethical systems and key historical figures in ethics in order to understand and effectively engage with contemporary ethical views and mindsets. 

CSAP 628 - Why God Allows Evil

An integrated survey of the problem of evil, pain, and suffering from biblical, theological and philosophical perspectives with special reference to God's ultimate goodness and love toward humankind.

CSAP 629 - Scientific Apologetics

A survey of the issues and ideas involved in the relationship between science, philosophy and the biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to scientific issues and controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question.

CSAP 651 - Worldviews and Comparative Religions

A survey of the beliefs, practices and sacred texts of the major non-Christian religious traditions of the East and West. Special attention is given to the critique of the various belief systems along with ways in which Christians can effectively communicate and defend the Gospel to people of other faiths.

CSAP 691 - In Defense of the Resurrection

An investigation of a wide range of issues that have been used through history to call into question the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, such as miracles, the nature of history, the historical reliability of the New Testament, contradictions in the resurrection accounts, and various naturalistic theories. Students will learn to respond to popular objections to the resurrection as well as formulate a positive case.

Elective Courses

The following elective courses are offered regularly:

CSAP 601 - Continuing Study 1: Introduction to Apologetics

A series of coordinated lectures by experts in various areas of apologetics addressing some of the most serious intellectual challenges to the Gospel and the Christian worldview. Note(s): CSAP 601, CSAP 602 and CSAP 603 do not need to be taken in sequence.

CSAP 606 - Continuing Study 2: Basic Apologetics Resources

This course is an introduction to some of the basic resources in Apologetics. Topics include arguments for God’s existence, the reliability of the Bible and the resurrection, evil, and world religions.

CSAP 604 - Continuing Study 3: Applied Apologetics

A special course designed for students with apologetics background through credit and/or noncredit courses in the basic content of CSAP 601, CSAP 602, CSAP 603 or approved courses, who need to make up credits upon being admitted to the degree program.

CSAP 627 - Issues in Bioethics

A survey of and Christian apologetic response to some of the most critical ethical issues of the day coming from biomedical research and practice. The course addresses the difficult questions involved in areas such as human reproduction, cloning, abortion, end-of-life issues, organ transplant, genetic engineering, euthanasia and more.

CSAP 643 - Cultural Apologetics

A study of the ways in which the truths of the Gospel and the Christian worldview are reflected in elite and popular cultural products such as art, literature, film, music and television. 

CSAP 644 - Ministry and Youth Apologetics

A course in how (and why) to effectively teach apologetics to junior high and high school students. Consideration will be given to practical teaching methods for engaging students with apologetics material in light of current trends.

CSAP 646 - Defending Biblical Sexual Ethics

Sexual ethics are some of the most important issues in culture today. In this class, we look distinctly at what it means to hold a biblical sexual etching and then explore some of the most pressing cultural issues through that lens.

CSAP 647 - Conversational Apologetics

How can we best communicate with people who see the world differently? This course focuses on best practices in communicating in person and online. Emphasis is placed on listening, finding common ground, and building relationships in order to best articulate and defend the faith relationally.

CSAP 660 - CS Lewis: Life and Thought

A reading and discussion course covering the breadth of Lewis' work as one of the premier apologists of the 20th century.

CSAP 663 - Philosophy of AI

This course equips students to gain a proper understanding of the philosophical and the theological assumptions that underlie artificial intelligence. Emphasis will be given on the contemporary controversies surrounding machine consciousness vs. human consciousness. The course also explores issues such as the nature of algorithms, machine learning and robotic technology.

CSAP 680 - Special Topics in Christian Apologetics

The program occasionally offers courses by special lecturers or visiting scholars to address their areas of expertise on an elective basis.

CSAP 681 - Special Topics in Philosophical Apologetics

In-person lectures by experts in advanced apologetics topics.

Core Program Courses

The following courses make up the program-specific requirements:

CSAP 541 - Essential Christian Doctrine I

A presentation and biblical defense of the essential Christian doctrines with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions.

CSAP 542 - Essential Christian Doctrine II

A presentation and biblical defense of the essential Christian doctrines with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions. 

CSAP 638 - Spiritual Formation and the Life of the Mind I

A course designed to enhance the personal spiritual development of the apologist. Special emphasis is given to the importance of defending the faith with humility and reverence, as well as defining the role of apologetics in the overall mission of the Church.

CSAP 639 - Spiritual Formation and the Life of the Mind II

A practical course designed to enhance the personal spiritual development of the student. 

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