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Positive Apologetics

Defining a Few Terms

     'Positive apologetics' as we are using the term here is about presenting evidences and arguments for and in support of theism (or theistic belief) and in the case of ramified natural theology, in support of Christian theism and its beliefs. Though this is what it means in a very broad construal, there are many nuances and subtleties that need to be mentioned. For example, this discipline involves considering what constitutes good arguments, both in form and by virtue of the truth of the propositions within those arguments--stuff we covered earlier. Certain arguments try to show the truth of theism or Christianity beyond any doubt, others beyond a reasonable doubt, others try to show the premises of their argument are more plausible than others, others still try to show that it is at least subjectively justified to hold Christian beliefs.  

     As you can imagine, the bar of justification and evidence that needs to be cleared is raised and lowered as a function of the strength of the claims made...at least that’s the putative intuition about this is. It might be good to review the discussion we had regarding the spread of views between evidentialism and presuppositionalism as it relates to apologetics.

     The other resources in this section are intended to give you additional resources for helping you form a rational case for Christian belief, so be sure to explore them.