THE CELL LEADER’S MANUAL

An Apologetics Primer

GEM ’85, this rev. Aug. 2002a

"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 . . ."     (1 Peter 3:15)

OVERVIEW: This module is an introductory presentation on responding to intellectual challenges to the Christian Faith in the Caribbean, for Cell-/Small- Group leaders and other Christian “Youth” or “Lay” leaders. In it, the case is first made that reason and belief are inextricably intertwined; thus the question is not so much whether one has a faith, but which one.  The intellectual credibility of the historic Christian Faith is then discussed, in the context of the biblical and historic witness. Next, six issues of particular concern to Christians in the Caribbean are addressed: Sectarianism, Political Messianism, the Media and Education, Evolutionary Materialism, Post Modernism, and Islam.  Thus, the importance of the life of the mind to credible Christian witness, life and leadership in the region are explored.  Finally, discussion questions and an introductory level short bibliography are attached.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.         Reason and Belief: Towards Reasonable Faith

2.         The Bible: Authenticity and Authority in an Age of Suspicion

3.         Apologetics in the Caribbean

                        3.1       The Sectarian Civil War

                        3.2       Political Messianism

                        3.3       The Media & Education

                        3.4       Evolutionary Materialism

                        3.5       Post Modernism

                        3.6       Islam in the Caribbean

Concluding Remarks, Questions for Discussion, and Useful Books and Web Links

ONLINE ADDENDUM: External links on the problem of evil and related themes