Scripture and The Methods that Have Been Applied Throughout History Paper – Description
APOLOGETIC BACKGROUND ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
At the start of this journey into the world of apologetics, you are in a unique position. Not just in this class, mind you (although that may be a privilege for some), but as an image-bearer with immeasurable worth you have your own unique history, thoughts, reactions, emotions, ideas, and insights that you bring to the apologetic conversation. Your own background and experience – limited though it may be for now – is an asset and a gift to the Cross-shaped community seeking to understand and contend for the gospel of Jesus Christ. To foster that posture of listening to and learning from one another, you must begin by reflecting on where you have come from and where you are right now in your apologetic journey, so that you may begin to move forward into a new stage of discernment and understanding. To be used by God as a good apologist who is thoroughly shaped by the Cross, introspection and honesty must be guiding principles at the start of and throughout your course of study.
INSTRUCTIONS
Describe your background of apologetics as you begin this course. What have been your conceptions of apologetics (both positive and/or negative)? Have you previously studied apologetics? If so, explain the chief motivators for and the benefits of your study. If you have not studied apologetics in the past, how do you think studying it now could prove helpful? What do you hope to gain from this study? Guidelines to follow include:
Paper length of approximately 400 – 500 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; videos, blogs, and the like can be referenced but should not make up the main (or only) source of your research
o Try to find material that supports what you are saying and/or material that has helped improve (or not improve) your views on apologetics
o Avoid .com websites or other sources whose content origins cannot be verified
You are also encouraged to view the Writing Style Guide located in the Student Responsibilities tab of the Course Overview. Once you access the Student Responsibilities area, scroll down to locate the link to the Writing Style Guide. You will then visit the official style guides (i.e., APA, MLA, or Turabian) required in formulating your assignment.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
INSIDE OUT PAPER ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
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 avoided.
You are also encouraged to view the Writing Style Guide located in the Student Responsibilities tab of the Course Overview. Once you access the Student Responsibilities area, scroll down to locate the link to the Writing Style Guide. You will then visit the official style guides (i.e., APA, MLA, or Turabian) required in formulating your assignment.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
MIRACLE AND RESURRECTION PAPER ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
People have serious issues with Christianity. You do not need to be told this, as your experience may have alerted you to this fact long before you studied the alarming cultural trends of Late Modernism or addressed the accusations of intolerance, repression, and exclusivity from a friend in previous conversations. Still, you should be a bit more comfortable and better prepared to deal with these defeaters now; you will turn your attention to another common set of criticisms: the supernatural is a myth, miracles cannot be proven, the Bible is untrustworthy, and resurrection is impossible. Simple enough, yes? This type of philosophical naturalism and its implications are pervasive in Western culture, and the Christian apologist must be prepared to respond. Quoting Scripture at someone who struggles in this area is a non-starter so you will have to rely on your trusty friend the Inside Out method, which will enable you to address criticisms of skeptics like David Hume and work up to the Minimal Facts approach of Dr. Habermas, all while keeping your cool and hopefully winning a friend and a brother or sister in Christ.
INSTRUCTIONS
The friend you were talking to in the Inside Out Essay Paper is more open to Christianity now. However, they are still having trouble believing in miracles in general and the resurrection in particular. In this essay, make the most persuasive case you can to your secular friend. Keep in mind that if they do not believe in miracles, they likely do not believe in the Bible either so quoting verses alone might not help. However, use the Bible as a historical document to argue for the historicity of the resurrection. You must also be aware of your audience as well. Learn to meet them where they are (Inside/Out) and bring them along. 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 avoided.
You are also encouraged to view the Writing Style Guide located in the Student Responsibilities tab of the Course Overview. Once you access the Student Responsibilities area, scroll down to locate the link to the Writing Style Guide. You will then visit the official style guides (i.e., APA, MLA, or Turabian) required in formulating your assignment.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
REFLECTIVE READING ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
In Everyday Bible Study, you are asked to consider how to read the New Testament by a reliance on the Holy Spirit (Chapter 14). Since the New Testament is a living document, a spiritual document, it requires a unique approach that recognizes the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in biblical understanding. The student of these New Testament books must come to each biblical reading with both academic and spiritual intent. The Inquisitive Christ exhorts, “If we don’t surrender to the Living Word, allowing him to speak to us and in us and over us, then the written Word will just be lines on a wafer-thin page” (Chapter 6). In this course, you will interact with God and his Word on both an intellectual and spiritual level. Since the first days of the early Christian Church, men and women have seen the importance of reflective readings. This process of reading God’s Word has been known by many names. Some have called this approach contemplative study or scriptural meditation. It has also been known as Lectio Divina, or divine reading. In a reflective, or divine reading, you will encounter the Bible by asking strategic questions of shorter passages, designed to integrate the academic with the personal.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the provided Reflective Reading Example as a guide, you will complete and submit the Reflective Reading Template for each assignment. This template is designed to engage you in a spiritual reading of the New Testament. Length of assignment: Completion of provided Reflective Reading Template
Acceptable sources: Approaching the New Testament, The Inquisitive Christ, and the New Testament
The following chart designates which scripture passage to use for each assignment.
Location Assignment Title Assigned Bible Reading
Module 1: Week 1 Reflective Reading: Matthew Assignment Matthew 14:22–33
Module 3: Week 3 Reflective Reading: John Assignment John 3:1–12
Module 4: Week 4 Reflective Reading: Romans Assignment Romans 8:31–39
You are highly encouraged to review the Reflective Reading Example in Canvas prior to beginning these assignments.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDY: PART 1 – PREPARATION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The New Testament Bible Study: Part 1 – Preparation Assignment is a scaffolded assignment, designed to assist you in navigating the basic formatting concerns of academic writing. By completing Part 1, you will be prepared to submit the New Testament Bible Study: Part 2 – Final Paper Assignment by completing all initial formatting components:
1) Title page
2) Introduction paragraph ending with a thesis statement
3) Preliminary scholarly sources
4) In-text citations
You will want to adhere closely to the style-specific examples provided by the Writing Styles Guides at Liberty’s Online Writing Center.
INSTRUCTIONS
Length of Assignment: One document with a title page (1 page), introduction with thesis statement and citations (1 page), and preliminary source list (1 page).
Choosing a Topic: Choose from the following three passage options which biblical narrative most interests you for your New Testament Bible Study Assignment: Part 1 – Preparation Assignment.
o Matthew 15:32-39
o John 5:1-17
o John 14:1-12
Creating a Title Page: Choosing the academic formatting style of your degree program (APA, MLA, or Turabian), create and submit a title page for your paper. Note: If your style of choice is MLA, please include the appropriate initial information in the top left corner of the first page of content. Your title page must identify your chosen academic style and your chosen topic with the following statement at the top of the title page: (please fill in the blanks).
“For the New Testament Bible Study Assignment, I will be using ______________formatting style (choose one: Turabian, APA., or MLA.), and my chosen passage is ______________________ (choose one: Matthew 15:32-39, John 5:1-17, or John 14:1-12).”
Researching and Introducing:
o Choosing the academic formatting style of your degree program, create and submit a source list (Bibliography, References Page, or Works Cited) for your paper. In addition to a Bible of your choice as well as The Inquisitive Christ, Everyday Bible Study, and Approaching the New Testament, acquire at least three (3) outside scholarly sources to utilize for research on your chosen passage. Please consider this a preliminary list, as these may be adjusted as you continue to work on the New Testament Bible Study Assignment. You may not use unpublished websites or blogs. You may choose from scholarly journals, texts, and commentaries. You will find excellent options for scholarly sources through Explore: BIBL 110 – New Testament Survey Research Guide in Module 5.
o Craft an introduction paragraph for your chosen passage. Be sure that this paragraph addresses the major points that will be explored in your template-based New Testament Bible Study Assignment. Conclude the introductory paragraph with a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the overall emphasis of your passage.
o Choosing the academic formatting style of your degree program, incorporate at least two (2) citations from scholarly sources within your introductory paragraph as a demonstration of how to support your content from the three required outside sources. Please do not use the course texts or the Bible for these initial in-text citations.
Note: The Rawlings School of Divinity incorporates Turabian style. However, you are welcome to choose the citation format of the academic style best corresponding to your degree program. Refer to the “Course Policies” in the course syllabus for the formatting expectations in this course.
For assistance with formatting, please see the Turabian Format Quick Guide, APA Format Quick Guide, or MLA Formatting – Quick Guide located on the New Testament Bible Study: Part 1 – Preparation Assignment page under New Testament Bible Study: Part 1 – Preparation Resources.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDY: PART 2 – FINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
As you have seen throughout our Gospel readings and The Inquisitive Christ, questions fill the pages of the New Testament. Questions honor our need to think, explore, and discover as students. Throughout the four Gospel accounts, Jesus himself asked over 300 hundred recorded questions. For this assignment, each of the three topic options includes an inquiry asked in the Gospel narrative by Jesus to be explored by the student. You will demonstrate correct use of the hermeneutical method in order to properly study and understand your passage, applying the various steps using the technique of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application. You will also relate the particular passage to the redemptive narrative of the scriptures. Using the provided template, fill in the different components of your major points with original content and scholarly support. Begin with your document from the New Testament Bible Study: Part 1 – Preparation Assignment, copying the New Testament Bible Study Template into your document. Follow the New Testament Bible Study Template to complete this assignment.
INSTRUCTIONS
Passage Options: Matthew 15:32-39; John 5:1-17; John 14:1-12
Length of assignment: Use provided template outline. Meet word counts where specified on template.
Number of citations: Approximately two per section (Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application)
Acceptable sources: The course texts The Inquisitive Christ, Approaching the New Testament, and Everyday Bible Study, as well as at least three (3) additional scholarly sources.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
CONTENT ENGAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment aims to track and incorporate the content assigned to you, the student, throughout the term. Engaging the course texts and videos allow you to explore the process of applied learning and engagement of the Gospels.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the CONTENT ENGAGEMENT TEMPLATE, found on the Content Engagement Assignment Page, you will complete the assigned readings and presentation throughout the term, providing a one-sentence summary of the pertinent key points.
Length of assignment: completion of provided chart
Acceptable sources: all assigned reading and video presentations throughout the term
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
COMPARISON ESSAY: KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment aims to increase your awareness and understanding of the Kingdom of God and allows you to apply the concepts being learned in the course. After completing the week’s readings and video presentation, you will write a brief comparison essay. The purpose of a comparison essay is not to state the obvious but to bring to light subtle differences or unexpected similarities on a subject.
INSTRUCTIONS
Briefly explain your previous understanding of the Kingdom of God and compare it to how your view has changed (if any) based on the readings this week. If your views have not changed, explain why and support your position.
Your name, course number, and section should be in the upper right corner of your document (do not place them in the header).
Your essay should be a minimum of 800 words but no more than 1200.
Include a word count at the bottom of the assignment. Please note that your name, course information, and footnotes do not count toward your word count.
Your essay should be in Times New Roman, 12-pt font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Remember to interact with the readings and the scriptures and include a minimum of two citations from our text. Turabian-style footnotes must be used when citing your sources.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
COMPARISON ESSAY: HISTORY OF MISSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment aims to increase your awareness and understanding of mission strategy and allows you to apply the concepts being learned in the course. After completing the week’s readings and video presentation, you will write a brief comparison essay. The purpose of a comparison essay is not to state the obvious but to bring to light subtle differences or unexpected similarities on a subject.
INSTRUCTIONS
Compare and contrast two articles from this week’s readings and apply the concepts to a current event happening in a country/culture in the majority world. As a reminder, the majority world is the preferred term for non-western countries, usually classified as “developing countries” (countries in Africa, Asia, South, and Central America, and the Caribbean). Please note that the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe are not considered majority-world countries.
Your name, course number, and section should be in the upper right corner of your document (do not place them in the header).
Your essay should be a minimum of 800 words but no more than 1200.
Include a word count at the bottom of the assignment. Please note that your name, course information, and footnotes do not count toward your word count.
Your essay should be in Times New Roman, 12-pt font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Remember to interact with the readings and the scriptures and include a minimum of two citations from our text. Turabian-style footnotes must be used when citing your sources.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
JOURNAL ENTRY: FUTURE OF EVANGELIZATION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment requires you to synthesize information from our readings and video lecture to articulate a biblical basis for global engagement and analyze general aspects of culture and society as it relates to global engagement.
INSTRUCTIONS
Remember to engage and interact with our course material and the scriptures as you answer the following question:
Based on this week’s readings, discuss the role of the western Church in the global mission movement.
Be sure to meet the requirements laid out in the rubric.
Use academic language, proper grammar, spelling, and paragraphing.
Your response to the above questions should be at least 600 words but no more than 800.
Your name and course information should be in the upper right corner of your paper (not in the header). Do not include a title page.
Note that your name, course info, the question, and your footnotes do not count toward your word count.
Follow current Turabian style formatting for your citations and footnotes.
The assignment should be completed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced.
Remember to support your thoughts/statements with course material and the scriptures and include a minimum of 3 citations. Use our readings and the Bible as your sources.
Do not plagiarize! You should submit your entry as a reflection of what you have learned, not a word-for-word copy of the readings or any other source.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
JOURNAL ENTRY: CULTURE & CONTEXTUALIZATION
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment requires you to synthesize information from our readings and video lecture to articulate a biblical basis for global engagement and analyze general aspects of culture and society as it relates to global engagement.
INSTRUCTIONS
Remember to engage and interact with our course material and the scriptures as you answer the following questions:
1. In your own words, define worldview and describe the impact it has on society.
2. What is contextualization, and why should one consider contextualizing the gospel message?
Be sure to meet the requirements laid out in the rubric.
Use academic language, proper grammar, spelling, and paragraphing.
Your response to the above questions should be at least 600 words but no more than 800.
Your name and course information should be in the upper right corner of your paper (not in the header). Do not include a title page.
Note that your name, course info, the question, and your footnotes do not count toward your word count.
Follow current Turabian style formatting for your citations and footnotes.
The assignment should be completed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced.
Do not use dictionary definitions.
Remember to support your thoughts/statements with course material and the scriptures and include a minimum of 3 citations. Use our readings and the Bible as your sources.
Do not plagiarize! You should submit your entry as a reflection of what you have learned, not a word-for-word copy of the readings or any other source.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
JOURNAL ENTRY: TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment requires you to synthesize information from our readings and video lecture to articulate a biblical basis for global engagement and analyze general aspects of culture and society as it relates to global engagement.
INSTRUCTIONS
Remember to engage and interact with our course material and the scriptures as you answer the following questions:
1. What is the relationship between meeting one’s physical needs and evangelism?
2. Considering the example of the incarnation of Christ, how should the proclamation of the gospel and meeting physiological needs be integrated?
Be sure to meet the requirements laid out in the rubric.
Use academic language, proper grammar, spelling, and paragraphing.
Your response to the above questions should be at least 600 words but no more than 800.
Your name and course information should be in the upper right corner of your paper (not in the header). Do not include a title page.
Note that your name, course info, the question, and your footnotes do not count toward your word count.
Follow current Turabian style formatting for your citations and footnotes.
The assignment should be completed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced.
Remember to support your thoughts/statements with course material and the scriptures and include a minimum of 3 citations. Use our readings and the Bible as your sources.
Do not plagiarize! You should submit your entry as a reflection of what you have learned, not a word-for-word copy of the readings or any other source.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
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