APOL500_AFBAC
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School
Liberty University *
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Course
500
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ElderHyena2296
APOL500
A
POLOGETICS
F
IELD
-B
ASED
A
CTIVITY
: C
ULTS
T
EMPLATE
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: Instructions for this submission The purpose of the activity is to provide you with an opportunity to construct a short argument for orthodox Christianity against a cult while anticipating possible objections to that argument and then sharing that argument “in the field
.” In the sections provided below,
you will insert your constructed argument and possible objections; you will enter the date, time, setting, and short description of the person with whom you share the argument; and a short reflection on the sharing experience.
1.
Construct a short argument for orthodox Christianity against a cult while anticipating possible objections.
a.
Type below the list, the name of the cult that you will be addressing (limit yourself to one of argument): Mormonism
a.
Lay out your argument as you plan to use it in the conversation you will be having.
First, the Bible makes it clear that God and the trinity are one in the same. In Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” (Gen. 1:26, New International Version). From the beginning there has been an “Us” to God. Additionally, in John 14:7 Jesus states that anyone that knows Him also knows the Father (John 14:7, NIV). Hence, Jesus and God are one in the same. Second, Jesus is the one and only savior that holds the title of “Messiah”. As Peter confirms in Mark 8:29, Jesus is the Messiah! Furthermore, the Gospel of John confirms that God was in
the beginning and God became flesh, dwelt among us, and is the only one to know Him (John 1:1-18, NIV). Lastly, it is through faith in Jesus, His grace, and His sacrificial blood on the cross that we have been saved (Eph. 2:8, NIV). Mormons do not believe that through faith alone one can be saved. Jesus states otherwise in John 3:36, He exclaims that those that believe in Him shall have eternal life, and those that do not will face God’s wrath (John 3:36, NIV). What could be clearer than that?!
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APOL 500
b.
Anticipate two to three possible objections to your argument and how you would
address those objections in a short conversation. The first objection I anticipate is that believing I the trinity is polytheism. In order to address these objections, I will point out verses within the Bible that express the oneness of the trinity such as: Mark 3:28-39, Acts 5:1-4, John 1:1-3, and Heb. 1:1-2. An additional objection I foresee is that of performing works in order to attain salvation. First, the argument is self-refuting because if we must do works in order to attain salvation then we are expressing that the cross Jesus died on was not enough to earn us salvation. Secondly, works without faith are dead (James 1:26, NIV). Without
faith in Jesus and His sacrificial blood on the cross we will not enter through the narrow gate. Therefore, performing works without faith in Him leads us to eternal damnation.
2.
Sharing your argument for orthodox Christianity against a cult.
a.
Identify the time and place in which you had the conversation.
The time we had our conversation was 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at my house.
b.
Identify the setting (coffeeshop, online, text, etc. It must, however, be a conversation and not a monologue): The setting was inside the garage of my house and in-person.
c.
Identify your conversation partner (no names please): unbeliever, believer; uncertain; knowledge level, attitude of partner (antagonistic, interested, doubtful, devil’s advocate). My conversation partner is a young Mormon who was born into the faith.
3.
Reflection in which you describe how the conversation went, the reaction of your conversation partner both during and after the presentation of the argument, what you might have done differently, and how you feel after presentation about the strength of the argument.
a.
Describe details about how the conversation went.
As I anticipated, my first argument was met with resistance and my conversation partner stated it was polytheism. As previously mentioned, I referred to Bible verses that demonstrate God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit being one. To which my partner stated that there are fallacies within the Bible because they were written and agreed upon by men. This allowed me to explain that the Book of Mormon was also written by one single man, who was no a prophet, and claimed only he could understand what was written on the golden tablets. Although it seems that this ended in a stalemate, it was obvious that my partner was at a loss for words as
to what he could reasonably say that would retort my argument.
My partner also argued that we must perform works in order to be saved. I replied
that the works have been done by Jesus by sacrificing Himself on the cross. As the conversation carried on it was obvious that we did not believe in the same Page 2 of 3
APOL 500
Jesus and therefore there would be continued resistance. I stated this fact and returned to my previous argument that Jesus and God are one. So, if Jesus stated that we are saved by faith alone, then there is nothing that can be more truth than the words uttered directly from God. I believe that the conversation went well and
I was able to rebuke my partner’s arguments and provide multiple forms of evidence that was tangible to him. b.
Describe the reaction of your conversation partner both during and after the presentation of the argument.
My partner was very respectful and patient throughout our conversation. He was able to ask questions and give responses without becoming flustered. I do believe I saw some doubt within his eyes with my arguments as he attempted to debunk them. Overall, he left in good spirits and thanked me for my time to speak to him about God. c.
Describe what you might have done differently. I am not certain there is much I could have done different but I would like to continue the conversation with the young man so as to prove to him why Jesus is Lord. I know that at times he had to take serious time to contemplate the arguments I presented to him and feel that the seed Jesus spoke about was implanted in him for the future. I would love to see that see that seed grow into a full fledged plant that grows and bears fruit.
d.
Describe what you feel after the presentation about the strength of the argument.
I feel that my argument was strong and kept the young man on his toes, so to speak. I felt that the young man may have been filled just an ounce of doubt about
his faith in Mormonism, which brings joy to me. I know that Jesus and His angels jump for joy when one of his children are led back to His kingdom. I do feel that there is hop for this young man to renounce Mormonism and believe in the king, Jesus. Page 3 of 3
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