Dr. Mark Farnham, a professor at Lancaster Bible College and author of "Every Believer Confident," dives into the world of apologetics. He emphasizes that apologetics isn't just for trained experts; every Christian can engage in it. Farnham shares his own journey and the importance of practical evangelism rooted in faith. He discusses the limitations of classical apologetics while advocating for a blend of emotional connection and evidence in conversions. The conversation also touches on the challenges of addressing cultural issues in faith discussions.
Dr. Farnham emphasizes that every believer is capable of engaging in apologetics, as it transcends specialized training and relies on understanding foundational truths.
He critiques the evidentialist approach, highlighting that true conversion arises from the Holy Spirit rather than merely presenting evidence or intellectual arguments.
Deep dives
The Power of Personal Journey in Apologetics
Mark Farnham shares his personal journey into apologetics, detailing a transformative experience that began with his mother's spiritual search amidst various religious fluctuations. After her conversion to Christianity, Mark felt an early calling to pastoral work, desiring to evangelize others. However, he faced frustration with conventional approaches to evangelism, which often felt impersonal and ineffective. His educational journey, particularly through Westminster, provided him with a new paradigm for apologetics, emphasizing the importance of understanding foundational truths to better engage with unbelievers.
The Impact of Teaching on Evangelism
Farnham describes how his experiences in classes taught by Dr. Oliphant ignited a deep enthusiasm for the truth of Christian apologetics. This newfound passion propelled him to integrate these ideas into practical outreach efforts, illustrating the effectiveness of theological education on evangelistic endeavors. He emphasizes that understanding the intersection of faith and culture equips Christians to engage with a skeptical world confidently. Farnham advocates for passionate evangelism that is grounded in solid theological understanding, centering on the necessity of presenting the gospel clearly to skeptics.
Apologetics as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
Mark discusses the dual importance of apologetics—not only as a means of engaging with non-believers but also as a method of fortifying the faith of believers. He notes a growing uncertainty among Christians, fueled by online challenges to faith that raise doubts and questions. By introducing apologetics as a discipline, believers can find answers to their uncertainties, promoting spiritual growth and confidence in their beliefs. Simultaneously, he encourages balancing apologetic studies with theological reading to maintain a holistic view of faith.
Critique of Evidentialism in Apologetics
Farnham critiques the evidentialist approach to apologetics, arguing that while evidence can play a supportive role, it ultimately cannot save anyone. He emphasizes that conversion stems from the work of the Holy Spirit rather than the mere presentation of evidences. This perspective sets the stage for a deeper engagement with the essence of belief, which includes both repentance and faith in Christ. By contrasting evidentialism with presuppositional approaches, he underscores the necessity of fostering genuine conversions that address the heart and soul, not just the intellect.
Dr. Mark Farnham graduated from Westminster's PhD program in Apologetics. His book, "Every Believer Confident" was recently released by P&R Publishing. He currently teaches at Lancaster Bible College. Nate sits down with Dr. Farnham to discuss apologetics and how every Christian believer is equipped to do the work of apologetics. It's not just a discipline for those who are trained philosophers or expert theologians. The early Christians didn't get sent off to Athens to learn Aristotelian philosophy before they were allowed to engage their friends and neighbors in evangelism. The Scriptures are sufficient for apologetics.
If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at wm.wts.edu. You can also get a copy of Dr. Farnham's book at the Westminster Bookstore. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the gospel for Christ and his global church, visit wts.edu/donate
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