Posted on 10/27/2008 11:54:00 AM PDT by Gamecock
Presuppositionalism
A method of Christian apologetics normally employed by Reformed theologians that seeks to give a defense of the Christian faith by offering an offensive method of engagement. Presuppositionalists believe that one must presuppose the Christian worldview and the Scriptures in order to dispel the worldview of the unbeliever. Presuppositionalist criticize “evidentialists” for seeking to give credence to the unbelievers worldview by meeting them on neutral ground. The presuppositionalist believes that there is no such thing as neutral ground. As well, while the evidentialist will attempt to give arguments to increase the probability of their beliefs, presuppositionalist believe that one must have absolute certainty, not merely probability. Presuppositionalism is often accused of circular reasoning—i.e. “You should believe the Bible is God’s word because it authoritatively says it is God’s word.”
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What I like about presuppositionalism is that it aggressively demonstrates the incoherence of anti-Christian arguments and worldviews. Ever noticed that atheists are always on the attack? It is because they have no defenses. Presuppositionalism quickly exposes this and demonstrates the flaws in anti-Christian apologetics.
I don't think it's a matter of choosing one apologetic approach over all others; each has a place in a Christian's intellectual toolkit. There is place to bring up the evidence and its fit within a biblical perspective, and a place to use presuppositionalism to defend Christian faith and force an opponent to concede ground.
***I don’t think it’s a matter of choosing one apologetic approach over all others; each has a place in a Christian’s intellectual toolkit***
Amen.
Huzzah for Presuppositionalism!
A totally new word for me today.
One being, complete as such, and therfore incommunicable. It is in itself and acts in itself. If the supposit is gifted with reason, it is called a person; otherwise it is called a thing. (Etym. Latin suppositum, something placed under, accepted, assumed, individual substance.)
Undoubtedly, this explains the Perpetual ‘Tude of a few people around here.
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