Christian Apologetics
The Ph.D. in Christian Apologetics trains students to defend the Christian faith by grounding it in a biblical worldview. This degree is offered in a modular format and integrates worldview analysis with study in apologetics so that students can engage contemporary philosophical issues.
Incoming Ph.D. students are matched with a supervisor from our world-class faculty who shares their research interests. Professors who can supervise students in this area are:
Along with 85920, choose any of the four following seminars + three “flex” seminars, 81020 GRS, 81260 FTS, 81270 Course Development and Design, and 81300 Higher Education.
85290 Christian Apologetics |
A study of foundational issues in Christian apologetics such as the discipline’s methods, history and biblical antecedents. |
85230 Epistemology |
A critical study of such topics as the nature of truth, the respective roles of reason and experience in acquiring knowledge, rationalism versus empiricism, revelation, and warrant. |
85370 Metaphysics |
A critical survey of key philosophical positions and disputes concerning the nature of reality. |
84970 Aesthetic Theology |
Aesthetics as a basis for theological formulations will be investigated. Classical aesthetic and theological systems from Aristotle to Beardsley, from Aquinas to von Balthasar will be explored. |
85240 Moral Theory & Natural Law |
A study of moral theories within the Christian tradition and non-Christian moral systems, studying the nature of morality and the biblical and theological foundations of moral theory. |
85350 History of Western Philosophy |
The study is designed so the seminar participant may develop an advanced understanding of western philosophy and its impact on Christian theology and mission. |
85780 Marriage and Human Sexuality |
This seminar is an examination of selected issues in marital and sexual ethics. Special attention will be paid to issues of the kingdom of God, covenant, divorce, infidelity, and contemporary issues within sexual and marital ethics. |
85740 Social Ethics in Biblical Perspective |
A systematic and comparative analysis of the essential ingredients in an ethical method adequate for particular cases. Each participant will choose a particular ethical issue, compare ethical arguments concerning the issue, and seek to develop his or her own argument. |
85810 Public Theology |
A study of selected issues in public theology, analyzing the biblical, doctrinal, historical, and practical aspects of applying Christian theology and ethics in the public square. |
If you are interested in applying for the Ph.D. in this area of study, learn more about the Admissions Process. To prepare for the entrance exam in this area of study, consult the study guide.