Now that you have some apologetic experience under your belt, having looked at Scripture and the methods that have been applied throughout history, it is time to begin applying that knowledge to contemporary issues. Given that the goal of apologetics is the Cross, which requires humility and an appeal to the entire person (not just intellect), you must learn to contextualize that message in a way that is engaging, insightful, appealing, and honest. Beating people over the head with Bible quotes and buzz words in 280 characters or less is not often an effective way of doing so. One excellent way to take people to the Cross is using Inside-Out, a method for guiding discussions that – if done well – should leave your conversation partner feeling listened to and validated while challenging them to consider the validity and explanatory power of their own worldview. Questions like “what do we need to affirm and what do we need to challenge;” “where does it lead;” “where do competing narratives borrow from the Christian story;” and “how does Christianity better address our experience, observations, and history?” will be your guide in how to navigate tough conversations on even the most difficult issues.
Instructions
Use the “Inside Out” approach from chapter 10 of Apologetics at the Cross to respond to the following statement posed to you by a secular friend: “My biggest problem with Christianity is, for one, that Christians seem so intolerant and judgmental. And secondly, their sexual ethic seems to suppress basic human desires and our freedom to live fulfilled lives.” Remember to start inside their own plausibility structures and work to the explanatory power of the gospel. Make sure you thoroughly study the notes pertaining to this method as well as Keller’s section on A and B beliefs. Your essay must reflect, clearly explicate, and apply the central components of the “Inside Out” model as you engage your secular friend. Guidelines to follow include:
· Paper length of approximately 1000 – 1200 words (not including title and bibliography pages) submitted in a Word document
· Turabian format (review the Sample Paper for a great guide)
· At least three (3) citations from scholarly/academic sources, in addition to citations from Apologetics at the Cross and the Bible, for a minimum of five (5) references
· Acceptable sources include scholarly journals, books, articles, and other published works
o Have a clear organization and relevant use of academic sources; integrate them in an organic and useful way instead of “tacking them on” to meet a requirement
o Avoid simply stringing quotes together at length, as this is not an effective way to persuade a friend
Though a hypothetical conversation is used in the prompt, this is still meant to be a formal paper so first-person, and a conversational back-and-forth style are to be avoide
