As the Fall semester comes to a close, I’m pleased to feature an exclusive guest post from one of my undergraduate students, Corinne Hudson—a senior at William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA who says that an apologetics class should be required for all Christian college students. See how this semester gave Corinne the confidence she needed to be an everyday defender of the faith.
Excited About Apologetics
When I heard that William Jessup University was offering an apologetics class for the first time this year, I was extremely excited. This class not only furthered my understanding of Christianity but I am also now able to confidently defend my faith and use vital techniques to graciously witness to the non-believers around me. I am also now able to share clear and logical reasons for why I believe what I believe.
An apologetics class should be required for Christian college students because many people have a fear of sharing the Christian faith and by fulfilling this class, students will be more confident and excited about sharing their faith with others. Even at a Christian college, there are non-believers, so this class would be helpful in witnessing to them and showing them why Christianity is so credible.
A Life-Changing Class
Mikel’s apologetics class has been a life-changing class for me as I have already used some of the tactics in witnessing to some of my family and friends. I personally found the Moral Argument, The Absurdity of Life without God, and The Problem with Evil and Suffering (in William Lane Craig’s On Guard) the most helpful and applicable concepts in every day life and conversation.
For instance, the Moral Argument has helped me to explain to people that if God does not exist, then objective moral values and duties do not exist. We all know, though, that objective moral values and duties do exist because there is an objective standard of right and wrong in the world. It all goes back to who created these objective moral values and duties and the best explanation is God. These issues are constantly brought up by non-believers so I feel prepared and confident in conversing about these matters with them.
An Everyday Ambassador
I now have a better understanding of how to find out where the non-believers are coming from. I can help them to understand God’s truth and to get them thinking by “putting a stone in their shoe” (See Greg Koukl’s Tactics for details). Now that I am well-equipped with the knowledge to defend Christianity, I am excited about witnessing or answering any questions that non-believers may have.
Ever since I have taken this class, I have felt a calling from God to make more of an effort to witness to those around me. I long for everyone to have the same joy that I have from following Jesus Christ and being in relationship with Him daily.
About Corinne
Corinne is a senior at William Jessup University. She is graduating this May with her degree in liberal studies and a concentration in child development. She has recently worked as a behavior therapist for children with autism and is currently providing respite care for two boys with special needs. After she graduates, she is getting married and plans to move to Hawaii to continue working with young children with special needs.
Required Reading
Greg Koukl’s Tactics is a companion text for my Apologetics class at William Jessup University. It’s accessible, practical advice that pretty much anyone can get. This will revolutionize your casual conversations with your skeptical friends. Koukl’s tactics give believers the confidence to get out there are start talking to their friends and family members about the faith. Check it out today.