The Table Briefing: Dialogical Apologetics And Difficult Spiritual Conversations, Part 2 -- By: Darrell L. Bock
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 176:704 (Oct 2019)
Article: The Table Briefing: Dialogical Apologetics And Difficult Spiritual Conversations, Part 2
Author: Darrell L. Bock
BSac 176:704 (October-December 2019) p. 476
The Table Briefing: Dialogical Apologetics And Difficult Spiritual Conversations, Part 2
and
Mikel Del Rosario
Darrell L. Bock is senior research professor in New Testament Studies and executive director for cultural engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Mikel Del Rosario is a doctoral student in New Testament studies, project manager for cultural engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary, and adjunct professor of Christian apologetics and world religion at William Jessup University, Rocklin, California.
While actor and filmmaker Alex Kendrick is noted for his movies like Fireproof, War Room, and Overcomer, few people realize what undergirds his ethos of engagement. On an episode of the Table podcast called “Faith, Work, and Filmmaking,” he revealed how 1 Peter 3:15 became his life verse:
Kendrick: During college, I was talking to [someone] of the Baha’i faith. They believe there are a number of ways to get to heaven. . . . We got into a little bit of an argument and I found myself growing in frustration that he couldn’t see what I saw in the gospel. We began arguing and . . . both left frustrated.
But the Lord convicted me . . . when I saw 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your heart, sanctify Christ as Lord.” In other words, set him apart as more important than anything else. Then it goes on to say, “And always be ready to give an answer to anyone that asks you of the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.”
Kendrick’s experience is not uncommon. Many Christians find it difficult to include both truth and love when engaging in difficult spiritual conversations. But what does it look like to engage with
BSac 176:704 (October-December 2019) p. 477
truth and love on a practical level?
The previous Table Briefing introduced the idea of dialogical apologetics for approaching difficult spiritual conversations not as debate but as loving dialogue. In this briefing, we share four guidelines for bringing truth and love together while navigating conversations with those who see Christianity differently: (1) Ask good questions, (2) listen to understand your conversation partner, (3) consider your character, and (4) reflect God’s heart in every encounter. These points came out of our discussions with Stand to Reason president Greg Koukl and staff apologist Amy Hall, Dallas Theological Seminary professors Gary Barnes and Michelle Woody, and Biola University associate professor of Christian apologetics Sean McDo...
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