Focuses on the writings of the early Christian apologists during the time of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire in the second, third, and beginning of the fourth centuries. The student compares and contrasts a number of different authors writing in defense of Christians both in Latin and in Greek, including Justin Martyr, Tatian, Tertullian, Origen, Clement, and others.
Explaining and defending the faith has been a constant since the first century. A student seeking to be on mission in the world can benefit from understanding the issues and approaches of the early centuries of Christianity, for there is nothing new under the sun.
Defense of the faith is something every missional Christian has to do at some point. Understanding how the earliest Christians did just that offers both encouragement and instruction.
Early apologetic practices are evaluated according to Biblical standards.
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The context of early apologetics is studied and applied to current contexts.
Early Christian apologetics apply to issues faced in all cutlures.
Students are equipped to apply what they have learned from history to contemporary apologetic efforts.
Students are encouraged to examine their own faith in light of both ancient and contemporary apologetics.
