Apologetics
PRESENTATIONS:
For “Case For Christ” attendees, here is a shortened, focused resource sheet with links for the websites: CaseForChristResources2013
For CEC 2013 attendees here are the two resources: The Comparison of different types of Creationism and the Handout and Resources List:
Comparison of YEC, OEC, TE – Types of Creationism
EvolFaithCEC2013Handout – Handout and Resource List – CEC2013HenniganResources
For a list of presentations available by Bruce Hennigan, click this link: HenniganPresentations
FOR LINK TO RESOURCES USED IN “FAQs From the Faithless” click this link:Apologetics2012Resources
Bruce Hennigan, M.D. is a trained apologist. What is an apologist? The field of apologetics is the area of the defense of the Christian faith. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.
Apologos is the original Greek word in the above scripture from which we get the English word “defense”. There is nothing to apologize for. Rather, Apologetics is the discipline of developing a rational, reasonable case in favor of the truth of the Christian worldview. Apologetics includes scientific evidence, philosophy, history, and archeological evidence demonstrating that the foundation for Christianity is sound, reasonable, rational, and real. Christianity is not based on fairy tales or myths but is, instead, based on real, historical events that actually took place in first century Palestine. In today’s culture when certain religions have been subordinated by terrorists and fanatics, there has been an unreasonable backlash of strident voices claiming that all religions are dangerous and should be done away with.
However, Christianity does not fall into this broad, generic category and has been the foundation for all of Western culture. George Barna in his book “Seven Faith Tribes of America” points out that two our of every three or 67% of Americans call themselves Christians. But, when you look at what they believe, these people are far from committed Christians much less practicing a robust Christian faith. Many of them believe in God, but when you ask them about this “God”, he does not match the God of the Bible. Only one out of every six Americans can claim to be committed Christians who follow the Biblical precepts of Christianity.
Rather, most people follow a religion. As Ravi Zacharias has said, “Religion begins with man. Theology begins with God.” Apologetics goes beyond the religions and failings of man and instead points to true knowledge of the God of the Bible, theology. Apologetics serves in the 21st century, to awaken the sleeping Christian and challenge that person to ask the question “What do I believe?” and “Why do I believe it?” Our changing culture has now reached a level of doubt and skepticism and hostility to Christianity that is not deserved based on Christian precepts. Christians themselves are to blame and apologetics will help to alleviate this problem. There is now a growing number of rational, reasonable, critical thinkers arising in America who are challenging the lies of society and the presuppositions of skeptics and atheists who lump all religions together as dangerous. We are the apologists; defenders of the faith. Not militant. Not dangerous. But reasonable, rational, respectful, and educated. Got questions? We have answers!
To help Christians prepare for those tough answers in a culture that is increasingly hostile to the Christian faith, the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention under the leadership of Mike Licona instituted a training program in apologetics. The Certified Apologetic Instructor certificate or CAI is given to those individuals who complete a rigorous training program in apologetics as wells as a communications seminar. For more information, click here.
Bruce is a Certified Apologetic Instructor and has also become a Volunteer Apologist with Reasons to Believe, a science faith think tank dedicated to resolve conflicts between science and scripture.
Bruce is an officer of the Shreveportchapter of Reasons to Believe as well as the Shreveport Bossier Christian Apologetic Network.
If you would be interested in having Bruce speak at your church or organization, contact him at brucehennigan@me.com.
Be prepared!
Link to a presentation on the Extra Dimensional Nature of God is a our SBCAN link.
