My guest is Dr. Paul Copan, a noted defender of the faith and professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Paul has authored over a dozen books on apologetics, as well as edited and contributed to many more. He is with me today to discuss this vitally important topic of, in the words of Peter, “giving a reason for the hope within.” (I Peter 3:15)
In this podcast we discuss:
What is “apologetics”?
How Paul got interested in studying apologetics
Why it is important all Christian students understand apologetics
Understanding Christianity as a “knowledge tradition” rather than just a “belief tradition”
Why speaking in terms of “world views” requires atheists to also defend their beliefs
Some examples of how non-Christians and Christians have been helped by apologetics
Biblical passages that seem to say faith is important, not reason
“The problem of evil”--a common objection requiring a response (and a response)
The role of the Holy Spirit in apologetics
The most important apologetic topics to understand today
Old Testament ethical challenges like God possibly commanding genocide
Responding to challenges to the biblical view of sexuality
The importance of a proper understanding of faith and science
How to begin studying apologetics
Tips for having good apologetic conversations ”with gentleness and respect”
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
Paul Copan’s website www.PaulCopan.com
Paul Copan, True For You But Not For Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith
_________, Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God
_________, Is God a Vindictive Bully? Reconciling Portraits of God in the Old and New Testaments
________, That’s Just Your Interpretation: Responding to Skeptics Who Challenge Your Faith
________, How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong? Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless
________, When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics
Paul Copan, et al., eds., Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science
_________, Three Views on Christianity and Science
_________, The Apologetics Study Bible
Paul Copan, Paul Gould, et al., The Worldview Bulletin newsletter
Paul Gould, Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World
Jana Harmon, Side B Stories: Atheist conversion to Christianity podcast
Ruth Tucker, Walking Away From Faith: Unraveling the Mystery of Belief and Unbelief
William Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith website
Palm Beach Atlantic University: Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion
Reasonable Faith campus ministry