Welcome to the Apologetics class.
There are three parts to this class. The first part involves reading the textbooks. The second part consists of exploring key apologetic issues. The third part includes learning about key thinkers in the field of Apologetics. The first text book is one of the most popular and helpful books on the subject of Apologetics. The second consists of any two books from an award winning series on Apologetics. Part two examines key issues confronting the Christian faith. Topics include: the reliability of Scripture, the existence of God, evolution vs. Creation, the resurrection, the problem of evil and suffering. Also included are the subjects of humanism, pluralism, hedonism, atheism and agnosticism. |
Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 NLT |
Part three consists of learning from significant apologists such as C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, William Craig Lane, and Josh McDowell.
Unless a lesson is defined by a specific reading assignment or activity, spend two hours to complete each lesson. This includes the time it takes to write your summary. There is more than two hours worth of resources for many of the lessons. Choose those that interest you the most.
Don't forget to join the Modesto Bible College (MBC) Group so you can have your paper reviewed and review others.
Unless a lesson is defined by a specific reading assignment or activity, spend two hours to complete each lesson. This includes the time it takes to write your summary. There is more than two hours worth of resources for many of the lessons. Choose those that interest you the most.
Don't forget to join the Modesto Bible College (MBC) Group so you can have your paper reviewed and review others.
Text Books (Required)
- So What's The Difference? by Fritz Ridenour.
- The "Case for..." book series by Lee Strobel. You will choose from the series.
Recommended Resources (Optional for further study).
Books
- Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell
- More than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell
- Answers to Life's Difficult Questions, Rick Warren
- The Reason for God, Timothy Keller
- Reasonable Faith, William Lane Craig
- Seven Men Who Rule from the Grave, Dave Breese
Lesson 1
- Read Chapters 1-3 in So What's The Difference by Fritz Ridenour.
- Write a Summary Paper.
- Join the MBC Group and have your paper reviewed and review another.
Lesson 2
- Read Chapters 4-7 in So What's The Difference by Fritz Ridenour.
- Write a Summary Paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 3
- Read Chapters 8-12 in So What's The Difference by Fritz Ridenour.
- Write a Summary Paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lessons 4-9
Pick one book of your choice from "The Case for..." series list below.
- The Case for Christ. Evidence for Jesus. Includes focus on his resurrection.
- The Case for Faith. Answers to the toughest objections to Christianity.
- The Case for a Creator. Scientific evidence that points towards God.
- The Case for Grace. Testimony of transformed lives.
- The Case for Hope. Looking ahead with confidence and courage.
Lesson 4
- Read the first third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 5
- Read the middle third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 6

- Read the last third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 7
- Pick another book of your choice from "The Case for..." series from the list in Lesson 4. Read the first third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 8
- Read the middle third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 9
- Read the last third of the book you picked.
- Write a Summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another at MBC Group.
Lesson 10
Is the Bible reliable and how was the canon created? Can we trust the Bible? How was it put together? Is it complete? These are important questions that must be answered for Christians to believe in the truthfulness and completeness of the Bible.
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
The Reliability of the Bible
CARM
GotQuestions.org
CARM
- Is the Bible Reliable?
- What is meant by the inspiration of the Scriptures?
- Inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible.
- What is the verbal plenary inspiration of the Bible?
- Can we trust the New Testament as a historical document?
- Questions about the Bible.
GotQuestions.org
- Is the Bible Reliable?
- Is the Bible true?
- Why Should I Trust the Bible?
- Why Should I Believe in the Bible?
- Questions about the Bible
- The Bible Explored: A Brief History (8:19) Canadian Bible Society
- The Bible Explored: Can I Trust the Bible? (8:30) Canadian Bible Society
- How did we get the Bible? (3:30) Three Minute Theology
- Is the Bible truly God's Word? (4:25) GotQuestions.org
- Why is the Bible Reliable? (5:37) The Veritas Forum
- How do you make sense of contradictions in the Bible? (8:16) The Veritas Forum
- Can We Trust the Bible? (7:13) Seedbed
- What It Means That the Bible is Self-Authenticating (3:05) The Gospel Coalition
- Errors in the Bible? (7:05) Cross Examined
- How Do I Defend the Bible? (5:10) Ravi Zacharias
- Why believe the Bible Rather than the Qur'an? (3:44) RZIM Canada
- Five Reasons You Can Trust Your Bible (28:00) J. Warner Wallace
The canon of Scripture.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Video
CARM
GotQuestions.org
- How and When Was the Canon of the Bible Put Together?
- How Do We Decide Which Books Belong in the Bible...?
- The Closed Canon — What are the Implications?
Video
- Why You Can Rely On the Canon ( 8:43) The Gospel Coalition
Lesson 11
Does God exist? Is God real and if so, what evidence supports his existence?
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God is the best proof that God exists. — Sabina Wurmbrand |
CARM
EveryStudent.com
Answers in Genesis
Videos
- Who made God?
- Does God exist?
- Why does God exist?
- How can I know if God exists or not?
- Questions about God.
- Does God exist?
- Who is God?
- Is there an argument for the existence of God?
- Is there a God?
- Is God real? How can I know for sure that God is real?
- What is the cosmological argument for the existence of God?
- What is the ontological argument for the existence of God?
- What is the teleological argument for the existence of God?
- What is the transcendental argument for the existence of God?
- Questions about God.
EveryStudent.com
Answers in Genesis
Videos
- Does God exist? (5:40) GotQuestions.org
- Who is God? (2:37) GotQuestions.org
- Is God Real? (2:45) Answers in Genesis
- God is the Best Explanation of the Origin of the Universe (7:15) Reasonablefaith.org
- Five Reasons to Believe God Exists, Reasonablefaith.org
- Does God Exist Series: Proof? (3:53) Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
- Six Proofs for Gods’ Existence (8:42) World Video Bible School
Lesson 12
Are we the result of a Creator or the product of evolution? Are we divinely planned and sovereignly purposed or just the result of random chance and progressive development? The answer to this question impacts the issues of accountability, value and worth.
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Answers In Genesis
Institute for Creation Research
Videos
- The problem of genetic improbability.
- Is carbon dating reliable?
- Creation Evolution Debate (list of articles)
GotQuestions.org
- What does the Bible say about creation vs. evolution?
- How does creationism vs. evolution impact how a person views the world?
- How do beliefs about creation impact the rest of theology?
- Why is biblical Creationism so important?
- Questions about Creation
Answers In Genesis
- What is Biblical Creation and Why is it important?
- Unity…at what cost?
- Does Young-Earth creation matter? (Why recent creation?)
- Is the gospel all that matters? (Are we wasting our time?)
- Where did morality come from?
- Good without God?
Institute for Creation Research
Videos
- Why does creation matter? (3:00) Answers in Genesis
- Worldview (3:56) Answers in Genesis
- What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God? (3:50) GotQuestions.org
- Imago Dei: The Image of God (2:09) ERLC
Lesson 13
Are science and faith mutually exclusive? Does a person have to make a choice between the two? Can someone be both a scientist and Bible believing Christian?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.

CARM
GotQuestions.org
Institute for Creation Research
Videos
- Is Christianity anti-science?
- Christianity and Science.
- Has science disproven Christianity?
- Is the Scientific Method a philosophy?
- Are Christians against science?
GotQuestions.org
- Do Faith in God and Science Contradict?
- Why is the science community so opposed to creationism?
- Is creationism scientific?
Institute for Creation Research
- Man of Science, Man of God: Isaac Newton
- Man of Science, Man of God: Gregor Johann Mendel
- Man of Science, Man of God: Michael Faraday
- Biblical Faith is Not “Blind” — It’s Supported by Good Science
- Do Creationists Reject Science?
- Molecular Magic’s “Magician”
- What is Science?
- Six Evidences of a Young Earth
Videos
- 10 Top Christians in Science on Science and Faith (6:27) The Veritas Forum
- What is Science and Scientism? (3:11) The Veritas Forum
- The limits of science in the search for identity. (5:47) The Veritas Forum
- Can the Bible be Reconciled with Science? (2:51) The Veritas Forum
- MIT Professor Finds Meaning of Life in God, not Science. (3:16). The Veritas Forum
- Why did Modern Science grow up in the West? (3:47) The Veritas Forum
- Does the Bible teach that the earth is flat? (4:19) GotQuestions.org
- Check This Out (Video series). Answers in Genesis
- Six Thousand Years with Ken Ham (6:54) Answers in Gensis
Lesson 14
If God is so powerful and loving, why is there so much suffering and evil in the world? Why does God allow such hardship and wickedness? Answers to this question help resolve major dilemmas in the minds of both Christians and non-Christians.
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Answers in Genesis
Videos
- Why does God allowing suffering in the world?
- If God is all powerful and loving, why is there suffering in the world?
- Why does God allow bad things to happen?
- Could God have made a world without suffering?
- What is evil?
GotQuestions.org
- What is Plantiga’s free will defense, and how does free will address the problem of evil?
- What does the Bible say about suffering?
- Why does God allow the innocent to suffer?
- What is the Biblical solution to the problem of evil?
- What is the problem of good?
Answers in Genesis
- Japan Tsunami Reminder
- More Than a Spiritual Problem
- A Lesson from a Hurricane
- Suffering and Death
- “Lost” Without Genesis (Coping with the “Death Wave”)
- Hurricanes are “Acts of Man,” not “Acts of God”
Videos
- The Problem of Suffering and the Goodness of God (1:58:56) The Veritas Forum
- With all this suffering, how could there by a God? (8:03) The Veritas Forum
- How Long? (A Thought on the Problem of Evil) (3:40) Three Minute Theology
- What is Evil? (11:17) The Veritas Forum
- Who is resposible for evil? (7:38) Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
- How could an all-powerful, all-loving God allow evil to exist? (5:53) John Ankerberg Show
- Why Does God Allow Evil? (6:47) GotQuestions.org
- Why does God allow natural disasters, like Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Tsunamis? (4:02) GotQuestions.org
- Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? (3:39). GotQuestions.org
- God Takes Responsibility to Bring You Through Suffering (1:51) Radical
- David Platt Explains the Meaning of Jeremiah 29:11 (7:17) Radical
- Walking through Dark Days and Difficult Times (5:29) Radical
- “Why Is There Evil in the World?” (2:27) Living Waters
- “Why Do Bad Things to Happen to Good People?” (2:23) Living Waters
Lesson 15
What is the evidence for and importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? What is the significance that Jesus lived after he died? Is there any confirmation of the event?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Josh McDowell
The Veritas Forum
Vidoes
- Did Jesus rise from the dead?
- Jesus’ resurrection what physical.
- How can we be sure of the resurrection of Jesus?
- Is the Easter Story of Jesus’ Resurrection True?
- Is the empty tomb of Jesus historical?
- Does the Bible provide extraordinary evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?
- More articles on the resurrection of Jesus.
GotQuestions.org
- Is Jesus dead?
- Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ true?
- Why should I believe in Christ’ resurrection?
- Why is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ important?
- Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?
- Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
Josh McDowell
- Why does it matter whether the resurrection is true?
- Why is the resurrection important?
- Resurrection Facts to be Reckoned With
- Exploring Popular Theories Explaining the Empty Tomb
- Who would die for a lie?
The Veritas Forum
Vidoes
- LEE STROBLE - The Case for Christ (39:52) Passion City Church
- Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? (6:04) GotQuestions.org
- Did the Jews Invent the Resurrection? (3:00) Cross Examined
- Gospel of Luke Ch.24 (5:15) The Bible Project
- Easter Sunday: The Savior is Risen (6:10) Radical
- Did Jesus go to Hell between His Death and Resurrection? (4:27) GotQuestions.org
- Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection? GotQuestions.org
- Evidence Jesus Christ Rose from the Dead (8:53) The Veritas Forum
- How do you make sense of the resurrection of Jesus? (11:02) The Veritas Forum
- How do we know the resurrection happened? (3:24). J. Warner Wallace
Lesson 16
What does the Bible say about gender issues? What is a woman's role in the church? What does the Bible say about abortion and sexual identity? Why does it matter?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
The Role of Women
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Videos
CARM
- Complementarianism and Egalitarianism: What’s the Difference?
- The Elder in the Church
- A response to a paper arguing for women being pastors.
- Should women be pastors and elders?
- Articles on Women in ministry
GotQuestions.org
- What does the Bible say about women pastors?
- Can women serves as Elders in the Church?
- Complementarianism vs. egalitarianism—which view is biblically correct?
- What does the husband of one wife phrase in 1 Timothy 3:2 mean?
- Do women have to remain silent in church?
Videos
- What does the Bible say about women pastors? (5:00) GotQuestions.org
- Do women have to remain silent in church? (8:02) GotQuestions.org
Abortion
CARMGotQuestions.org Videos
CARMGotQuestions.org Videos
- What does the Bible say about abortion? (3:56) Gotquestons.org
- 7 Reasons (42:28) Living Waters
- Most Important Question in the Abortion Debate (7:15) Radical
Homosexuality and other sexual identity issues.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Answers in Genesis
Videos
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Answers in Genesis
Videos
- What does the Bible say about homosexuality? (4:39) GotQuestions.org
- One Statement took her from homosexuality to Christianity. (4:53). Living Waters
- Evangelism: Witnessing to a homosexual (8:14) Living Waters
Lesson 17
What is truth? Almost everyone agrees that truth matters. The question is, what is it?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Answers in Genesis
- What is truth?
- Morality and truth.
- What is truth in Christ?
- How do we know Christianity is truth and we are not deceived?
- Truths about God
GotQuestions.org
- What is truth?
- Is there such a thing as absolute truth/universal truth?
- Is truth relative?
- What is absolute reality?
- What does it mean that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32)?
Answers in Genesis
- The Truth, the Partial Truth, and Anything but the Truth
- What is Truth?
- Inerrancy and the Test of Truth
- Why Truth Matters (13:26). Os Guinness, Lausanne Movement
- Challenging the darkness: Towards a New Christian Renaissance (47:37) Os Guinness, ReeemerCFW
- What is Truth? (9:15) Os Guinness, The Veritas Forum
- How do you know Christianity is the one true worldview? (9:30) Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
- Learn How To Do Apologetics in the Twenty-First Century, Ravi Zacharias (56:56) Saddleback Church
- Transforming the World Yet Again (22:48) Os Guinness, Wheatoncollege
- What does it mean to worship the Lord in spirit and truth? (3:58) GotQuestions.org
- What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)? GotQuestions.org
- Is there absolute truth? (2:38) Living Waters
- Don’t believe the Bible is true? (9:14) Living Waters
- Think Christianity Isn’t True? (3:14) Living Waters
Lesson 18
What are pluralism, relativism and hedonism? What is the importance of knowing about the believing in several conflicting belief systems? What is the significance of the rejection of absolute truth (except for the absolute truth that there are no absolute truths)? I.e. relativism. Is pleasure wrong?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Videos
- What is pluralism?
- What is relativism?
- Are there absolutes or is everything relative?
- Leaving Unbelief and Promiscuity to Finding Jesus
- From Unbelief to Philosophy to Jesus
GotQuestions.org
- What is religious pluralism?
- What is cultural relativism?
- What is moral relativism?
- Is the Christian life supposed to be boring?
- Is God opposed to pleasure?
Videos
- Tolerance & Pluralism (26:06) The Veritas Forum
- A World Safe for Diversity (1:12:11). The Veritas Forum
- Vinoth Ramachandra on myths about pluralism (16:38). The Veritas Forum
- Ravi Zacharias on pleasure and meaninglessness (3:49). The Veritas Forum
- Material Pleasure vs Diving Pleasure (2:34). The Veritas Forum
- Christian Hedonism (1:00:18). John Piper
- Everyone Wants to Be Happy (4:15). John Piper
- Joy Changes Everything: An Invitation to Christian Hedonism (57:44). John Piper
- “I believe all religions are the same.” (6:17) Living Waters
Lesson 19
What are secular humanism and post modernism, and are they important? Why is it critical to understand the increasingly popular idea of thinking (and living) independent of principles rooted in the Bible. Why learn about a worldview that is founded on the ideas and postulations of man?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARMGot Questions.org
Videos
- What is secular humanism?
- What is secularism?
- What is post-modern Christianity?
- What are the dangers of postmodernism?
- How should a Christian view modernism?
Videos
- Ravi Zacharias: Postmodernism and Philosophy (42:33) Ligonier Ministries
- “How the church engages in a post-Christian culture.” (35:55) Os Guinness
- What is postmodernism? (3:00) The Gospel Coalition
Lesson 20
What are atheism, agnosticism, and skepticism? Why understand about those who don't believe God exists, those who aren't sure and those who only pretend to be interested?
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Veritas Forum
Videos
- What is atheism?
- Is atheism viable?
- Answers to positions held by atheists.
- “I lack belief in a god.”
- The failure of atheism to account for existence.
- The failure of atheism to account for rationality.
- An atheist says there is no evidence for God
- An atheist says science can answer the big questions.
- What is agnosticism?
- An Agnostic doubts the validity of the Gospels.
- Proof, I want proof
- What is skepticism?
GotQuestions.org
- What is atheism?
- I am an atheist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?
- Why are there so many atheists?
- Should Christians try to evangelize atheists?
- Can an atheist be a good moral person?
- What does the Bible mean when it says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God?’”
- What is agnosticism?
- What exactly is an unbeliever?
- Is it possible for a believer to unbelieve?
- Why is skepticism of religion so prevalent today?
- Questions Skeptics Ask
Veritas Forum
Videos
- From Atheist to Christian at Yale (48:17) Dr. Paul Lim
- Tim Keller: ”Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical.” (57:53) Talks at Google
- Ravi at Princeton University- Why I’m Not an Atheist (44:57) Ravi Zacharias Ministries
- From Horrible News to Divine Encounter! (10:15) Living Waters
- Ex-Atheist Blown Away by the Gospel! (12:04) Living Waters
- Atheist Pummels Ray Comfort with Toughest Questions! (11:31) Living Waters
Lesson 21
Is God good? Is God inherently good, even in the midst of the most difficult and chaotic experiences? This issue is described as the most important apologetic question of our time.
- Review the resources listed below. Remember, there are over two hours worth of resources listed for many lessons. Choose those that interest you most.
- Write a summary paper.
- Have your paper reviewed and review another paper at the MBC group.
CARM
GotQuestions.org
Other
Videos
- The goodness of God.
- Is the Lord good or bad to people?
- If God is infinitely good…
- How do we know that God is good?
GotQuestions.org
- What does it mean that God is good?
- Why does God allow sickness?
- Why does God allow people to be disabled/handicapped?
- Why does God allow deception?
- Does God sometimes use evil to accomplish His plans (Habakkuk 1:5-11)?
Other
Videos
- If there is a Good God, Why Does He Allow Evil and Suffering? (5:03) Cross Examined
- 9 Myths Christians Believe about Suffering. (7:24) Seedbed
- Theology of Suffering- Joni Erickson Tada (31:20) Dallas Theological Seminary
- Learn to Live The Life God Has Called You To (45:26). Saddleback Church
- How Can God Be Sovereign and Good and Allow Suffering? (12:09) Desiring God
Lesson 22
Other resources and issues.
- Veritas Top 10: Life’s Hardest Questions The Veritas Forum
- Top 20 Most Frequently Asked Bible Questions (GotQuestions.org)
- Is it possible for a believer to unbelieve? GotQuestions.org
- What Will Be the Big Apologetic Issues of the Future? (6:02) Dr. Craig Videos
- Top 5 Problems With Contemporary Christian Apologetics Christian Post
- What is my purpose? With Os Guinness (35:48) Saddleback Church
- What is the meaning of life? (4:17) GotQuestions.org
- Christian Apologetics: Who Needs It? Reaonsable Faith
- Life Changing Stories Living Waters
- Who was C.S. Lewis? GotQuestions.org
- Debunking the 7 Myths that Deny Biblical Truth Genesis Apologetics
- Are you an apologist? CARM
Feedback
Congratulations! You finished the class. We hope this has been a rich experience. You may print the certificate of completion for this class. Once you have completed all the lessons for all the classes you may print your diploma.
Feel free to contact us and let us know about your experience. We would be encouraged to know how you may have been blessed as well as how you think this class might be improved.
Feel free to contact us and let us know about your experience. We would be encouraged to know how you may have been blessed as well as how you think this class might be improved.