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Essay / Presupposed Apologetics: The Moral Argument for...
A Christian apologetic method is a verbal defense of the biblical worldview. Evidence gives a reason why we believe. This article will address the philosophical question of the existence of God from the moral argument. The presupposed apologetic method of Reformed thinkers Cornelius Van Til and John Frame will serve as a framework. The topics covered here could undoubtedly be developed in more depth, but that would be moving forward, here is the big picture. Apologetics comes from the Greek word “apologia” which means verbal defense. The Greek word is used in the verse “Always be ready to answer” (1 Peter 3:15) and in the negative form: “Men have no excuse” (Romans 1:20). In Reformed terms, as stated by Frame, this can be defined as "the application of Scripture to unbelief." An apologist needs a good attitude to start. The Golden Rule: “treat people as you would like them to treat you” (Matthew 7:12 NASB), “speak the truth in love” (Eph.4:15), and demonstrate “ gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15) are some biblical guides. A great example is when Jesus met the woman at the well. He didn't worry about external factors: he was a man; she was a woman, he was Jewish; she was a Samaritan. She lived in sin; He was without sin. Instead, he spoke gently to her, offering her the hope of living water and eternal life. Then, when she had a question about worship, he answered her directly: “God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Jesus showed his worth, his love, his gentleness, his goodness and his truth. It is the goal of a Christian apologist to do the same. The definition of presupposition is a belief that takes precedence over other beliefs. In the presuppositi...... middle of paper...... 2000.The Holy Bible. New international version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.Frame, John M. Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P & R Publishing, 1994.Frame, John M. Doctrine of the Knowledge of God: A Theology of Lordship. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1987. Dawkins, Richard. The illusion of God. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. Kreeft, Peter and Tacelli, Ronald K. Handbook of Christian Apologetics. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994; p. 47.Kant, Emmanuel. The Critique of Pure Reason. Internet. Public Bookshelf: http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Outline_of_Great_Books_Volume_I/transcende_bi d.html. Accessed March 2011. Van Til, Cornelius., Jerusalem and Athens. ER Greehan, editor. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Co., 1980: pp... 3-21.