Christian Apologetics (702) Mid Semester Exam
This document outlines a mid-semester exam for a Christian Apologetics course. It provides 7 essay questions for students to choose 3 to answer, with each question worth 20 marks. The questions address topics like explaining what Christian apologetics is, defending the divinity and resurrection of Jesus Christ, responding to the problems of evil and suffering, and explaining why the Bible can be viewed as historically reliable. Students are instructed to use clear, concise answers and cite biblical references to support their responses.
702 Christian Apologetics Mid Semester Exam2013_14
1. Christian Apologetics (702) Mid Semester Exam
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Christian Apologetics (702) Mid Semester
Exam 2013-14
% ______
xxxx February 2014, 0900-1100
Final Mark____/80
Use only the space given for each answer.
This exam is looking for clear, concise answers.
Use lists and bullet points where appropriate.
You must use your Bible in this exam - Biblical references are expected
to be used in answering each question and their use will result in higher
marks being awarded.
Student’s Name:_______________________________________________
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There are 7 questions, each worth 20 marks - select and answer only 3
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1. In conversation with a friend at your home church you mention that
you have taken a course in Christian apologetics. They have no idea
what it is and ask you to explain what it is and what benefit it might be
to them in their walk as a disciple. (20 marks)
2. In conversation with a Muslim friend they are certain that Jesus did
not in fact die on the cross but only swooned. How would you explain to
them your belief that Jesus could not have swooned and had to have
died. (20 marks)
3. Talking about the divinity of Christ, Kreeft and Tacelli state,
“Christians ought to realise how difficult, how scandalous, how objectionable,
how apparently unbelievable and absurd this doctrine is bound to appear to
others.”
How would you defend the divinity of Jesus Christ to someone believes
he was just a good man? (20 marks)
4. “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he
didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The
issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching
but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Tim Keller
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Provide good, well reasoned arguments for the physical resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead. (20 marks)
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5.“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God
whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our
pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis
In discussion with a non-believing friend they ask you, "If there is a
good God, why are there pain, suffering and death in the world, how can
they be ‘good’?” How would you answer them? (20 marks)
6.“Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever
conceived.” Isaac Asimov
“When I think of all the harm the Bible has done, I despair of ever writing
anything equal to it.” Oscar Wilde
Explain to these famous men why they should believe that the Bible is
historically reliable and a trustworthy record of God dealing with
humanity. (20 marks)
7. Discuss the
illustration, “An
Atheist’s view on
Life”, with an
emphasis on how
the Christian faith
deals with the
atheists view of
life.