Pre-suppositional Apologetic Methodology

Introduction to the Pre-suppositional Methodology1

Summary of the Pre-suppositional Methodology1

A Critique of the Pre-suppositional Methodology1

Adherents to the Pre-suppositional Methodology2

Conclusion3

End Notes4

Pre-suppositional Apologetic Methodology

Introduction to the Pre-suppositional Methodology

Apologetics is the branch of Christian theology which attempts to give a rational defense of the Christian faith.” It gives a reason for why you believe what you believe. This paper will discuss the pre-suppositional methodology which emphasizes the importance of presuppositions or the foundation of one's thinking. Like any other theory or methodology, there are certain critiques and adherents to this methodology which will be outlined in this paper.

Summary of the Pre-suppositional Methodology

The method pre-suppositionalism is deeply rooted in epistemology or theory of knowledge, that is, how we know what we know. Instead of arguing from the evidence or traditional philosophical proofs for Christianity, the pre-suppositionalists are based on transcendental arguments which seek to explain the necessary condition for a given event or phenomenon exists.

A Critique of the Pre-suppositional Methodology

Pre-suppositional Apologetics is a self-contradictory premise. The word "Apologetics" refers to the defense of a position taken. But an "assumption", by definition, is a position previously taken evidence. Actually this was the problem that Clark found in Van Til's philosophy, so it is more correct to speak of pre-suppositionalism or failing to scripturalism, but Clark wanted his philosophy became known as actually called: Christianity. Another objection has been asking the pre-suppositionalist why they presuppose the existence of the Christian God and not another kind of god. Critics say that is circular reasoning presuppose the existence of God akin to prove the existence of God. The pre-suppositionalism not trying to prove the existence of God because this and assumed as the laws of logic are also assumed and proven.

Adherents to the Pre-suppositional Methodology

C. Van TIL is an adherent of this methodology which called for ...