Reformed Apologetics
One’s apologetic should be based on the word of God. It is not allowed to deviate from this. Believers are required to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2Cor 10:5) The biggest danger today in apologetics is that of being conformed to the world. We as believers should not argue and think like the unbeliever. (Eph4:17-20) The unbeliever reasons apart from God and uses his mind as the ultimate standard. That is, he believes he is autonomous. Believers should never argue in a manner that tells unbelievers that they can come to correct conclusions apart from God. (Prov1:7, Col2:3) The unbelievers’ presuppositions are completely against a Christian worldview. If it were not for the common grace of God the unbelievers would not be able to know anything. (Col2:3 and Ps145:9, Mat5:45) Because of the common grace of God and the fact that we are all created in the image of God the unbeliever is not able to be consistent with their professed worldview. Indeed, the unbeliever suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. (Rom1:18-19) It is our job as Christians to point out that they are suppressing the truth by pointing out that they are not living according to their espoused worldview. They are in fact living with the borrowed capital of Christianity. They cannot do otherwise, for they are created in the image of God.
Approaching the unbelieving atheist
Not everyone who claims to be an atheist is actually an atheist. Sometimes people get really mad at God and deny his existence as punishment. So, it is really important to find out why the person is now an atheist and what their beliefs beforehand were. It is always better to directly address a person’s specific concerns. I believe that it is better for a person that has a relationship with the unbeliever to witness to them. I also realize that not everyone has the time or academic ability to learn everything necessary to engage in dialogue with an atheist. As such, I am always willing to assist by talking and or meeting with the atheist if he or she is willing.
For more information on my apologetic methodology you can consult various texts on presuppositional apologetics such as “Always Ready” by Greg Bahnsen.
Approaching the unbelieving atheist
Not everyone who claims to be an atheist is actually an atheist. Sometimes people get really mad at God and deny his existence as punishment. So, it is really important to find out why the person is now an atheist and what their beliefs beforehand were. It is always better to directly address a person’s specific concerns. I believe that it is better for a person that has a relationship with the unbeliever to witness to them. I also realize that not everyone has the time or academic ability to learn everything necessary to engage in dialogue with an atheist. As such, I am always willing to assist by talking and or meeting with the atheist if he or she is willing.
For more information on my apologetic methodology you can consult various texts on presuppositional apologetics such as “Always Ready” by Greg Bahnsen.