Large group - Apologetics

This week we will be discussing Apologetics in Large Group. Apologetics comes from a Greek word that means defense, and is often used to refer to defense of the faith. This week we will primarily be focusing on some basic principles and apologetics toward non-theists (agnostics and atheists); we will probably have at least one other large group about apologetics toward non-Christian theists later in the term. 

Discussion Questions

1.       Why apologetics? Why are they important? Matt 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15.
2.       In what spirit should we take up apologetics? (1 Peter 3:15 is also useful here).
3.       When defending the faith, especially in a discussion with a non-believer, what is the end goal? On what time scale should we expect apologetic work to be successful (if at all)? To what degree is this success, or lack thereof, dependent on the efforts of the apologist?
4.       How do we carry out the command in 1 Peter 3:15 if we are not trained in apologetics? What are some common tactics we can use? How can asking the non-believer questions be useful in apologetics?

Some Questions to think about:

1.       Is the absence of evidence itself evidence of absence? Under what conditions might this be true and under what conditions might this be false?
2.       Does the atheist have to prove his viewpoint or does the burden of proof only fall on the believer?
3.       A common question is “are things good because God commands them or does God command things that are independently good?” Is either of these viewpoints correct? Is there another option?
Feel free to share questions that you have seen or been asked before and discuss them.