Biola Distance Learning Certificate in Apologetics: Review 1 of 3

This is part one of a three part series (part 2, part 3) of reviews of the content of Biola University’s Distance Learning Certificate Program in Apologetics. The goal of today’s review is to allow others to see “what’s in the box” when they order the distance learning materials. Later reviews will deal with the content of program and the overall impression of the course work. Photos can be clicked for enlargement.

The program and its course materials comes in three modules. If ordering the distance learning materials, one Defending the Faith Lecture Series will come in its own module box along with a packet of course materials. The quick reference guide that comes with Module 1 tells you what you need to do to get a certificate in Christian apologetics:

1. Listen to the lectures
2. Take notes and study the outlines provided
3. Complete and return the Certificate Quiz, then complete the other two required modules in the same way.

Each module (as can be seen from the photos) comes with a stack of audio resources on CD. Each album contains two CDs. That is a total of 16 CDs of content from a lot of good apologists. Each module also contents detailed notes of each lecture for you to study and follow along with.

Also included in Module 1 are instructions on how to convert your work into actual M.A. credit. This would include additional textbooks and reading. This may be  useful if you are considering Biola’s Masters program in Apologetics, but you just want to try it out a bit before going all the way.

First Impressions
When the box arrived it was a lot bigger than I expected. The first impression was, “wow – that’s a lot of material!” And that is a good thing. Everything was packed in bubble wrap and was clean and in order. No damaged boxes or slipshod packaging. Also a good thing. The calibre of the speakers was appealing as well. Most of them are very well known apologists – but I was excited to hear their “definitive” lectures on these topics presented for the Biola program. The fact that this course work is applicable to potential M.A. credit was notable as well. In sum, I was quite impressed with the materials that arrived, their quality, and presentation. I look forward to getting into it.

Summary of Audio Content
Module 1
• The Case for Faith: A Personal Exploration by Lee Strobel
• The Absurdity of Life without God by William Lane Craig
• Arguments for the Existence of God by J.P. Moreland
• Solving the Problem of Evil by Garrett J. DeWeese
• Defending the Gospel Accounts of Jesus by Joe Hellerman
• Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ by Craig J. Hazen
• Christianity and the Problem of Popular Culture by John Mark Reynolds
• Responding to Relativism by Greg Koukl

Module 2
• Christianity and the Nature of Science by J.P. Moreland
• The Historical Jesus by Gary Habermas
• Contending for the Christian Worldview by John Mark Reynolds
• Reading Scripture with All Your Mind by Walt Russell
• Responding to the Cults by Kevin Lewis
• What About Those Who Have Never Heard the Gospel? by Greg Koukl
• Christianity Among the World Religions by Craig J. Hazen
• Miracles and the Modern Mind by Doug Geivett

Module 3
• In Defense of the Soul by J.P. Moreland
• The Case for Moral Absolutes by Francis Beckwith
• Answers to Bioethical Challenges by Scott Rae
• Darwinism in Crisis by Philip Johnson, Paul Nelson, John Mark Reynolds, J.P. Moreland
• Key Issues in New Testament Textual Criticism by David Allen Black
• Jesus: The Smartest Man who Ever Lived? by Dallas Willard
• Successful Tactics in Defense of the Faith by Greg Koukl
• Apologetics and the Spiritual Life by John Coe

Overall, this looks like a great course, as I have heard from many. If you have any questions about any of the materials or content, feel free to ask. This can serve others by helping them make wise informed decisions as well.

Biola has given Apologetics 315 readers a discount. Normally the materials for one module are $95. But you can get them at THIS LINK for only $75. 

For more about Biola’s M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics, click here. Info on their Certificate Program can be found here.

The next review will cover the content of the modules themselves. Part 2 here.