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Compass Bible Institute

Apologetics Certificate Program

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This certificate program is designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills to defend the truths of the Christian faith with boldness. Graduates of this program will be able to explain key doctrines clearly, respond to critics intelligently, and share the gospel faithfully.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (18 Units)

BS301 - Introduction to the Bible

3 Units

An introduction to the origin, transmission, and translation of the Bible, including its inspiration, canonization, preservation, and textual reconstruction. Addresses the major historical-critical questions relating to the Bible’s authority, and provides the student with an apologetic for the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain when and how the biblical books were inspired and canonized as Scripture.
  • Describe how ancient biblical manuscripts were transmitted and the original autographs reconstructed.
  • Contrast the various methods used in modern Bible translation.
  • Defend the authority and veracity of Scripture, as well as the significance of these doctrines for the Christian life and ministry.

TH202 - Cults & World Religions

3 Units

An overview of the major world religions and Christian cults, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Mormonism, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Surveys the origins, beliefs, and practices of important religious movements and provides strategies for responding to them critically yet charitably.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Summarize the core beliefs and practices of the major world religions and Christian cults.
  • Distinguish between orthodox and unorthodox Christian theology.
  • Critique disparate worldviews with sound reason and biblical support.
  • Demonstrate the liabilities of opposing viewpoints while exhibiting Christian virtue.

TH303 - Apologetics

3 Units

  • A study of the principles and practices of defending the Christian faith, covering worldview, origins, science and faith, truth, God, miracles, the resurrection, the problem of evil, and more. Introduces students to different approaches to apologetics, including their respective aims and limits, and equips students with the requisite knowledge to dialogue about important contemporary issues with confidence.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain the relationship between faith and reason and the significance of apologetics for evangelism, discipleship, and the church’s witness.
  • Assess contemporary approaches to Christian apologetics.
  • Defend crucial tenets of orthodox Christian doctrine from recent critics.
  • Evaluate important events, movements, and ideas in contemporary society with sound reason and biblical support.

TH101 - Christian Worldview

2 Units

A study of worldview as a concept including examining the questions of identity, origin, morality, existence of God, etc. Beginning with Christian theism, the student will study the worldviews that make up the foundations of philosophy, religion, and science in order to effectively identify a person’s worldview in supporting an apologetic of Christianity. This class will be a great compliment to TH301 (Apologetics) and Cults and World Religions.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Identify the 8 fundamental questions that every worldview seeks to answer.
  • Evaluate and define the 8 primary worldviews that provide the foundation of the various belief systems of mankind.
  • Identify the crucial differences between Christian Theism and these other worldviews including an ability to defend the merits of Christian Theism.
  • Interact more effectively with the lost through understanding the worldview that provides the foundation for their beliefs.

PCM102- Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions

3 Units

A study of the principles and practices of sharing the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of others. Examines how these principles relate to biblical methods of outreach and spiritual formation. Provides opportunities for employing evangelistic strategies and discipleship techniques.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain the gospel succinctly and persuasively.
  • Design biblical strategies for engaging contemporary cultures with the gospel.
  • Understand principles and practices of effective church planting.
  • Summarize key people and events in the global expansion of the church.

PCM101 - Personal Spiritual Disciplines

2 Units

A study of the history, theology, and practice of the spiritual disciplines, including Bible study, scriptural meditation, prayer, fasting, giving, worship, fellowship, and service. Prepares students to approach spiritual growth and sanctification with thoughtfulness and intention, while providing strategies for assisting others to pursue the same.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Identify key signs of spiritual vitality.
  • Explain how the spiritual disciplines contribute to spiritual growth.
  • Study the Bible in a manner that is both simple and spiritually enriching.
  • Design a long-term plan for growing in Christian maturity and spiritual intimacy.
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