I have just found out about online Christian courses that are being offered at Athanatos in Apologetics. Some of the classes are being taught by world famous scholars such as Dr. Gary Habermas. Gary Habermas is an expert on explaining and resurrection the historicity of the Resurrection. There are many different classes being offered for free to about $30. On of Habermas' classes is The Problem of Pain and Suffering. He is perhaps one of the best people to teach this class. You see, Habermas was one of the scholars who was interviewed in Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ and he said that when he lost his wife to cancer, leaving him to care for their two young children alone, it was the truth of the Resurrection that carried her through her illness and he through the pain and suffering of loosing her.
Oops. I apologize. I forgot to define apologetics. It has nothing to do with apologizing but the woards are related. Apologetics comes from the word apologea in kione Greek. It means "make a defense". It's the same word translated "answer" used in 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
It's also the same word translated "excuse" used in Romans 1: 18-20
Therefore, Paul is saying that there is no defense - no reason - deny the existence of God.
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse
One more point I've go to bring up is that the Greek word "athanatos" is a great name for an Apologetics class. It means "God-breathed". This is the word used by Paul to define what scripture is in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Hi- just a correction, Habermas is not teaching any of the courses. Rather, his book is the suggested reading for one of the courses. Also, several of the instructors studied under Habermas at the International Apologetics Academy in Strasbourg, France. But Habermas is not an instructor at this online academy.
ReplyDeleteoh, thanks for the correction. I misunderstood.
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