APOLOGETIC METHOD ANALYSIS of The Evidentialist Method of Apologetics

INTRODUCTION: There are several methods in Apologetics that are used to evangelize. Evidentialism (also called Natural Theology) is one of the most popular if not the dominating of these methods. In a modern world which demands facts and data, this method is directed toward delivering factual evidence in hope of convincing the skeptic of the truths of Christianity. Evidentialism has made leaps and bounds in recent years and continues to confront and to challenge major competing worldviews with the truth of Christianity through factuality. In this analysis, I will address the following points: I. II. III. Summary of the Evidentialist Method Critique of the Evidentialist Method Popular Evidentialists

CONTENT: Summary of the Evidentialist Method The word apologetic is taken from 1 Peter 3:15 meaning to give a defense. Walvoord writes, "(apologian, the defense which a defendant makes before a judge; cf. Acts 22:1; 25:16) for their hope in Christ."1 Evidentialist apologetics are motivated by this call and therefore seek "to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope"2 that is in them. Story writes, "This is evidential apologetics, and it works

John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1 Pe 3:15. 2 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 3:15.

on the premise that the weight of evidence will always support Christianity and always refute contradicting beliefs."3 Evidentialist method seeks to deliver the truths of Christianity by demonstrating factuality. They will take nearly any topic available and use it as evidence because evidentialists are motivated by the opposition's willingness to consider logic and reason. Even the Apostle Paul was busy "reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God"4 however, he also understood that it was no other than God who opened hearts (Acts 16:14). Critique of the Evidentialist Method Evidentialism is a very practical way of evangelizing. In a world that is set on believing only what is physical, can be seen and studied, the evidentialist approach is definitely a practical and effective way of ministering God's truths. This method takes the very premises of the unbelieving skeptic and attempts to deliver intentional truth to that area. This reason-giving concept has proven to be an effective method of apologetics. One popular problem with this method is that it assumes that fallen man can come to the conclusion of Christ as Savior. While I do not believe that this is possible apart from the Holy Spirit, it may perhaps be through this logical evidence that God opens the unbelieving heart. As Story explained, the "Holy Spirit also convicts and convinces people of the truth through extra-biblical evidences5 Popular Evidentialists

Dan Story, Engaging the Closed Minded : Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999), 64. 4 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 19:8. 5 Dan Story, Defending Your Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997), 4.

Evidentialism has been a powerful God-given tool used throughout history. There have been great men of God who have contributed to the growth and popularity of the evidentialist method. Just to mention a few of these evidentialists, William Paley (1743-1805), John Locke (1632-1704), and more recently Norman Geisler, William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, Gary Habermas, and Lee Strobel. These men have all greatly contributed to the field of apologetics in general through using the evidentialist method. A notable organization worth mentioning is the ministry of Answers In Genesis who use the evidential evidences of creationism to minister God's truths, including the gospel, to many unbelieving critics in the secular evolutionary realm. CONCLUSION: Christians are to be engaging and confronting our culture and opposing worldviews from majority to minority rather than avoiding them. This is most effectively accomplished when confronting the opposition in a practical manner. In an evidence driven world, a method driven apologetic is most effective.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Dan Story, Defending Your Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997), 4. Dan Story, Engaging the Closed Minded : Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999), 64. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1 Pe 3:15. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 3:15. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 19:8.