Thesis (M.A.)--Simon Greenleaf School of Law, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-193).

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1992. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [75]-78).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Bob Jones University, 1976. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 245-254).

Inaug.-Diss.--Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich. / A commentary and analysis, edition and Middle High German translation (by Irmhart Öser) of Alfonsus Bonihominis' Epistola Samuelis Maroccani ad Rabbi Isaacum, itself presumably a translation from Arabic of an anti-Jewish treatise allegedly written by one Samuel Maroccanus (Samuel of Morocco or Samuel of Fez). The Latin 'translation' is also known by the title: Tractatus Rabbi Samuelis ad Rabbi Isaac. Bibliography: p. 615-624.

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1990. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 161-167).

Thesis (M.A.)--Simon Greenleaf School of Law, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-193).

published_or_final_version / Chinese / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This dissertation applies the principles of Worldview apologetics to engage Advaita Vedanta Hinduism with the biblical responses of Christianity. Chapter 1 introduces the biblical mandate for apologetics, reviewing the contemporary apologetic scene. It highlights methodological principles in Worldview apologetics. Chapter 2 introduces Vedanta Hinduism through the teachings of Sankara, Ramanuja, and Madhva. Chapter 3 examines Christian rapprochement and antithesis with Vedanta Hinduism. The apologist applies Worldview apologetics in understanding the access points and biblical dividing lines. Chapter 4 commences the apologetic engagement with proof. The Advaitin presents the monistic worldview and the ultimate reality, otherwise known as Brahman. The foundational Christian worldview is represented with the scriptures, God, man, and his salvation in Jesus Christ. Chapter 5 addresses the offense part of apologetics. The adherents of each worldview contrast their viewpoints against the viewpoint of the other system. Vedanta's monism, impersonal reality, inclusivity, and rationality are contrasted with Christianity's historic self-revelation of God to man. Chapter 6 handles apologetic defense through the lens of experience, epistemology, and correspondence with reality. The Hindu worldview has transcending experience, supra-rational epistemology, and deep coherence. The Christian admits a transitory universe, which has no existence as a contingent creation, apart from God. Chapter 7 reviews Worldview apologetic practice under metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. These deal with the ontology of reality in its manifestations and our understanding of the truth. It concludes with how we live out this knowledge today. Chapter 8 addresses the personal, rather than technical tone of apologetics. Kierkegaard's engagement of the stubborn will helps us understand the radical nature of convictions. After presenting the Gospel worldview, the Vedanta position is shown to be impossible from those very paths that the Hindu trusts. Chapter 9 culminates the study of Gospel-centered apologetics. The Gospel forms the core of the apologetic encounter, in content and methodology. This dissertation opens the venue for more sound arguments to be built around the Gospel and to tear down false worldviews. Chapter 10 makes final recommendations on practical Christian apologetics to Hindus. A biblically self-aware approach is commended to honor God in the defense of the faith.

AIM The purpose of this study is to assess the appropriateness of Justin Martyr‘s apologetical arguments as contained in his genuine works, namely First and Second Apologies and Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, in response to the so-called “five-fold attack” against Christianity in the second century AD. Methodologically, by ‘appropriate‘ in this study is meant ‘suitable‘ or ‘proper,‘ taking into account the rhetorical and literary conventions of second-century Graeco-Roman culture, the contemporary social situation, Justin‘s rhetorical and/or intended audience and his purpose. Would Justin‘s arguments from the point of view of second-century standards have been reasonable, possessing at least a potential for effectiveness, or would they have been either ignored, dismissed without serious consideration, or even worsened the plight for Christians? I believe this work fills a significant gap in our knowledge of Justin, being the first time a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness, or otherwise, of Justin‘s arguments has been made in one single study. SCOPE This Thesis is divided into six major chapters, plus a Conclusion: (i) In Chapter One I provide a brief introduction discussing how and why the Apologists emerged during the second century AD to meet the challenges of the day, as well as outlining the aim and scope of this study. (ii) In Chapter Two I discuss the nature of Christian Apology, its relationship to petitions to the Roman emperors, and how it compares to other (non-Christian) apologetic, protreptic, educational and missionary discourses. I also examine the rhetorical and literary conventions of the second century Graeco-Roman world and outline how Justin employed rhetoric in his three known works. (iii) In Chapter Three I outline in detail the particular attacks experienced by the Christians in Justin‘s time. (iv) In Chapter Four I examine the questions of intended destination, structure and purposes of Justin‘s apologetical works. (v) In Chapter Five I analyse the appropriateness of Justin‘s apologetical arguments in 1 and 2 Apologies. (vi) In Chapter Six I analyse the appropriateness of Justin‘s apologetical arguments in Dialogue. In all, eight distinct arguments from the Apologies (Behaviour, Beliefs, Due Process, Threat, Similitude, Dependence/Source, Antiquity/Prophecy, Miracles) and four distinct arguments from Dialogue (Superiority, Fulfilled Prophecy, Miracles, True Israel) are outlined in detail and then analysed giving the reasons for and against their appropriateness. CONCLUSIONS In my Conclusion, I argue that all of Justin‘s arguments were appropriate for one or more reasons, with only the argument of Threat in the Apologies being largely inappropriate. At the same time, all his arguments contained notable weaknesses, except for the argument of Similitude. The following table is provided, listing each of Justin‘s apologetical arguments and the number of reasons I give for their respective appropriateness/inappropriateness, together with a yes/no/mixed conclusion in the final column: [Table not shown].This table is simplistic, nevertheless it does illustrate that the question of appropriateness is rarely a simple one, as more often than not there exist simultaneous reasons for and against the appropriateness of any particular argument. How has this study furthered our knowledge and understanding of Justin and his apologetical works? What can we conclude about Justin and his works based on the appropriateness or inappropriateness of his arguments? It is clear that for both the Apologies and Dialogue the strengths of Justin‘s arguments outweigh their weaknesses. The strengths generally pertain to philosophical, religious, or ethical aspects of the works that are presented logically and cogently while the weaknesses, by and large, result from Justin‘s tendency towards arrogance and abuse. Justin wrote very much the way he lived. As a philosopher and skilled debater Justin was not above offending and demeaning those with whom he did not agree if he thought this would increase the reception of his message. His brilliance and arrogance proved to be a lethal combination and led to his ultimate silencing. It perhaps also curtailed the effectiveness of his writings for no change of policy was ever effected during his lifetime, or at least universally implemented.

ABSTRACT PREACHING TO PROVOKE A WORLDVIEW CHANGE: TIM KELLER'S USE OF PRESUPPOSITIONAL APPOLOGETICS IN PREACHING Travis Allen Freeman Doctorate of Philosophy The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 2011 Hershael W. York This dissertation examines the preaching methodology of Tim Keller. It argues that a decline has taken place in the biblical worldview in America, and that preachers need to rethink how they communicate the gospel to their congregations. It contains four primary chapters which defend this argument. In the chapter titled "The Decline of the Biblical Worldview" the argument for the decline of Christianity in America is set forth. It examines several statistical studies and articles which point to the reality of this decline. It also sets forth scientific naturalism as the religion that has replaced Christianity as the driving worldview in America. The next chapter then begins to set forth the preaching methodology of Tim Keller. Keller preaches in such a way that he engages the secular, naturalistic worldview common in America. This chapter explains Keller's basic sermon structure, and the several elements of his preaching. It builds the framework within which Keller can then do worldview deconstruction. The chapter also shows how Keller seeks to lead people to worship God through stirring their affections for Christ. After building this framework, the dissertation then shows how Keller utilizes presuppositional apologetics in preaching to attack unbelieving worldviews. This chapter provides a brief overview of presuppositional apologetics, and then explains how Keller incorporates it in his preaching. The final content chapter of this dissertation Summarizes and critiques several sermons preached by Keller. This chapter examines several strengths and weaknesses of his approach, encouraging preachers to apply his principles to their own preaching ministries.