Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 07:2 (Jul 2009)
Article: Socrates In Service To Christ: The Formation Of An Apologist
Author: Angus J. L. Menuge

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Socrates In Service To Christ: The Formation Of An Apologist1

Angus J. L. Menuge

Dept. of Theology and Philosophy
Concordia University Wisconsin 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097
Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Peter exhorts all Christians to be prepared with a defense for the faith (1 Peter 3:15). Yet the best way to train the laity in apologetics is a neglected area of spiritual formation. In this paper, I argue that much can be learned from a careful study of Oxford University’s Socratic Club, under the presidency of C. S. Lewis from 1942 to 1954. I argue that, in virtue of its founding vision and the caliber of its participants, the Socratic Club has never been surpassed as a forum for examining the case for and against the Christian faith, and provides the ideal model for training Christians who wish to respond effectively to the real problems and objections raised by atheists, agnostics, and sometimes Christians themselves. After an examination of the ground-rules and work of this historic society, I move to an assessment of the Socratic spirit today. I argue that there are encouraging signs of vitality, but that a pervasive incivility and anti-intellectual irrationalism are obstacles that must be taken seriously if the case for Christ is to become again a major part of our cultural conversation.

1. Introduction

The Christian faith has come under increasing attack by militant atheists such as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins. In response, Christians are flocking to presentations and classes on Christian apologetics, and it is gratifying to see the laity take seriously the defense of Christian truth claims. But something is often missing: direct engagement with the concerns and objections of the unbeliever. To be faithful to Peter’s call (1 Peter 3: 15), Christians must reply to the actual questions unbelievers pose, and a live, frank debate remains the best format. In this paper, I will suggest that, in virtue of its founding vision and principles of operation, the Oxford University Socratic Club provides an unsurpassed model for the kind of constructive debate between Christians and unbelievers which is necessary to form faithful apologists. Since the time of that Club, however, there has been a marked decline in civility (epitomized by ad hominem argument, electronic ghettoes, media bias, and attacks on Christian academic freedom) and a cynicism about truth and reason which present formidable, though (I think) surmountable obstacles to the emergence of a similar institution today.

2. The Founding Of The Socratic Club

Socrates insisted that the unexamined life ...

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