When comparing religious views of salvation and morality, there is a temptation to declare that all truth is relative and that all belief systems are equally valid. A post- modern parable about blind men and an elephant is often used to perpetuate this myth of relativism. It goes like this: a blind man walks up to an elephant, caresses the trunk, and concludes the elephant is a serpent. Another blind man, feeling the legs, concludes it's a tree. Another, with his hands to its sturdy side, deduces that the elephant is actually a wall. Supposedly, all religions are like these blind men touching different aspects of God, and each is true in its own way. Yet, the principal assumption of apologetics is that there is a binary reality of truth and falsity, and that this reality is knowable; in other words, that we are not completely blind, but "see in a mirror dimly." (1 Cor. 13:12) It is the myth of the elephant - and with it, relativism - that this workbook ultimately dispels.
 
Whereas Workbook I dealt primarily with defining who God is, man’s relationship with Him, and how we can trust the Scriptures, Workbook II deals primarily with Christianity’s exclusive claims to salvation through Christ, which informs a uniquely Christian way of life. By answering fundamental questions on the nature of salvation, Jesus, and the Christian life, students learn that the Bible offers the best explanation of reality. In the areas where all other belief systems fall through on their core promises, Christ alone, the only perfect hope, is found. The Christian properly equipped with Scripture can then rebuke relativism by declaring that other religions are blind because they follow blind guides. (Mt. 15:14) The gospel is the answer to this blindness. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (Jn. 8:12) Through Workbook II, students will learn that nearly all religions - from the most radical anti-god position to the all-inclusive god of pantheism - pursue the same temptation uttered by Satan in the garden: “Ye shall be as gods." (Gen. 3:5) Christianity, on the contrary, offers the radical proposition that salvation comes by grace alone, not by works, so that no one may boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)
 
Each workbook is considered 1 full high school credit in Theology/Apologetics. Students who compete in Apologetics, or deliver speeches in real world scenarios may receive honors credit.
 
Key Features: 
Dinner Discussion questions for parents
Key Scripture with suggestions for memorization
Recommended Reading
Thought Questions
Ideas to Ponder (quotes From iconic thinkers related to the topic)
Additional online resources, including a printable template for Apologetics competition
 
Note to Stoa Competitors: The workbook is laid out in a 30-week guide to be completed over the course of one school year. The average week covers 1–2 topics. The truly adventurous or advanced competitor may consider combining Workbook I and Workbook II in the same year. Note that it would average 2–4 topics per week on the one-year fast track. The consumable workbook is an 8.5×11 perfect bound workbook intended to be used to complete the invention stage of each Apologetics topic.
 
CLUB ORDERS: Ordering for your club? If you place an order for 10 or more of any apologetics workbook please use code 10APOL to receive one free.